Alex Gaugert: The Caddie Who Monday-Qualified Then Caddied the Same Week

Most PGA Tour caddies are former golfers. Very few are active competitors. Alex Gaugert is in a category of his own: in 2023, he Monday-qualified for the 3M Open on his first attempt with a round of 65 — then caddied for Erik van Rooyen in the same tournament. The dual role is almost unprecedented, and it says everything about his level of play and professionalism.

“The only shot that matters is the one in front of you. Thinking about your score on 18 never helped anyone hit a better 6-iron on 7.”

A Record-Breaking 61 at the Minnesota PGA Championship

Gaugert won the Minnesota PGA Championship by seven strokes with a course-record 61. A seven-shot victory with a course record isn't domination — it's a different level entirely. That ability to produce elite scoring while remaining process-focused is the same quality that makes him exceptional on the bag.

College Roots with Erik van Rooyen

Gaugert and van Rooyen played college golf together at the University of Minnesota. The trust built through years of competing side by side as teammates is a foundation that most caddie-player relationships can only approximate. When Gaugert reads a putt or suggests a target, van Rooyen knows it comes from someone who understands his game at its deepest level.

One Shot at a Time — Practiced and Proven

Gaugert's philosophy — focus only on the shot in front of you — isn't a slogan. It's a competitive discipline that he applies as both a player and a caddie. The ability to compartmentalise, stay present, and refuse to let future holes affect current decisions is what separates elite golfers from the rest. It's also what makes him one of the most quietly remarkable figures on Tour.