lhe history of the seventh edition of the ANWA (Augusta National Women Amateur), known as the Women’s Masters, Its protagonist is a firefighter. Darren Woo, 56, a father of five, was the caddy who carried Colombian María José Marín’s bag in her victory, after having covered a 14-hour service at Savannah River Park. “Fortunately there were no fires on Friday and I was able to rest for a few hours,” he said.
The two met two weeks ago at Champion Retreat, the camp in Evans where the first two rounds of the tournament are played, which, after a day of practice on Friday at Augusta National, ends on the grand stage of the most exclusive Major. Marín had already played the ANWA twice with his father as a caddy and the results had not been good. “My father believed that he was not prepared to face this type of tournament and decided that he had to find someone more prepared for me,” said the champion.
In a tournament in which, due to the purple of the stage, the television cameras broadcasting to the entire planet…, Golfers usually carry their coaches in their bag because they are the ones who know them best and know how to guide them, Marín opted for a guy she had met on a round of golf.
Woo had never set foot at Augusta National, but his way of getting along with Marín It was key to the election. Her speaking style, the southern accent, calms the University of Arkansas player. After training on the course that has seen Severiano Ballesteros, José María Olazábal, Sergio García and Jon Rahm, among others, win, he left the golfer and went to cover the service. At 7 a.m. on Saturday he was back for the final round.
María José Marín lifts the trophy
The pairing worked perfectly and Woo acted almost like a local caddy. He took the flag of the 18th hole as a souvenir, while their paths will separate again. But no one will take away the moment of glory.
“Every time I missed a shot, he told me: ‘Calm down, breathe, calm down. You’ll figure it out.’ No problem. Give yourself a chance. Nothing has happened. Cheer up.’ I think all his words of encouragement helped me achieve the victory and focus on the goal,” Marín explained in the final conference with the trophy.
