PGA Professional Reece Phillips experienced memories that will last him a lifetime when caddying for Olympic silver medallist Esther Henseleit at Paris 2024.
Hertfordshire-born Phillips met Henseleit in 2020 and within a few months was coaching and caddying for the German golf star. They had also become a couple.
Since those early days, their relationship on and off the course has continued to blossom. And it scaled fresh heights in France where the pair enjoyed moments to treasure as Henseleit played her way onto the podium in thrilling style.
Phillips, attached to Whitehill Golf Centre but now based in Scottsdale, Arizona, had the best seat in the house as he watched his partner fire a majestic 66 that would eventually secure her second spot behind golf medallist Lydia Ko.
“Honestly, our goal was just to have fun,” said the 35-year-old, explaining his and Esther’s pre-tournament objectives. “We didn’t put any expectations on a medal. We didn’t want to bog ourselves down with that – we just wanted to enjoy it.”
That goal was tested in the early stages at Le Golf National after Henseleit began with a double-bogey and followed it with a bogey. But she showed great resolve to pull it back to level-par by the end of the first round and after 54 holes was sat on the fringes of the medal race at two-under.
“I think we were five back with the medals and seven back from the lead, so we just said we were going to take it on,” said Phillips. “But going into round four, it was a very interesting environment because it’s top three or nothing. No one really remembers if you finish fourth or 40th.
“We got off to a good start, played the first ten in five-under and then you‘re in the mix. We played super-aggressive coming in – not careless, we were still trying to leave it on the right side of flags. But we were taking shots on just because we knew the leaderboard was so packed and you’ve got the best players in the word around you. If you don’t go out there and take it, someone’s going to take it from you.”
Henseleit and Phillips stayed with that attacking mindset right to the end, resulting in brilliant birdies on 17 and 18 to ensure a silver medal triumph. “I was proud watching Esther keep to that game plan and really keep pushing on,” said her trusty bagman.
So how did he keep it together down the biggest nine holes of his life. “I just try and hide whatever I’m feeling, try and stay completely neutral and give Esther what she needs – whether it’s the info on the green, where we are trying to hit to off the tee, numbers, carry numbers.”
That said, preparing to play the 18th with its penal rough and watery surrounds, Phillips admitted to inwardly asking for a little bit of help from above. “I think it was one of the only times I’ve stood a tee and said a little prayer!” he said.
The subsequent celebrations with family and close allies is something Phillips will always cherish. Right up there as an experience to remember was the closing ceremony.
“I was given a pass to walk with Esther and the athletes of team Germany – out through the main gates and onto the track with everyone cheering,” he said. “It was super-cool.”
Perhaps the only thing that might have made the fairytale experience taste even sweeter if Phillips had something to show for his immense efforts at Le Golf National. He believes that caddies does require some recognition – “a mini-medal or a certificate” – for all that they contribute to a medallist’s success.
“I feel like caddies should definitely get something to commemorate what they achieved,” said Phillips. “They are a big part of the process.”
He and Henseleit have hardly had time to pause for breath since their Paris heroics and the couple’s busy August continues this week with the ISPS Handa Scottish Open at Dundonald Links. The following week will see the couple striding the fairways at St Andrews, venue for the 2024 AIG Women’s Open.
“Back on the horse – the circus rolls on,” said Phillips.
