England’s Matt Wallace and Belfast-born renowned caddy, Dave McNeilly are no longer an item.
Whether it was Wallace’s decision or whether the very affable McNeilly had taken enough public badgering, we don’t know, however reports suggest Wallace sacked Dave.
But then the way the 29-year old Wallace, a winner of four European Tour events, has spoken to McNeilly in recent months, it’s a wonder Dave did not quit his role with the current World No. 26 long ago.
Instead, like a true pro, he’s stuck to the task, putting up with the demeaning manner of his employer while the public watched on in horror at Wallace’s petulant outbursts.
It boiled over in June at the BMW International in Munich, so much so there was an outcry on social media and within the professional golf ranks calling for a possible suspension of Wallace.
The Englishman subsequently apologized to one of golf’s more easy going caddies after the condemnation.
“I’m sorry but I just don’t enjoy watching that,” Sky Sports’ Rich Beem said at the time. “I know you’re intense, but get over yourself.”
Unfortunately Wallace has struggled to do so. When this journalist walked with Wallace during a round at the Open Championship at Royal Portrush, there was clear and easily heard further verbal abuse directed at Dave, who has enjoyed a long and distinguished career caddying for some of the game’s best, including a long stint with Padraig Harrington before Ronan Flood took over.
Perhaps in this instance, McNeilly’s better off somewhere else.
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