Pebble Beach tournament:UGA's Henley invites teen fan to caddie for practice round(feel-good story)

onlineathens.com ^ | June 15, 2010

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PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. - Teenager Jeffrey Aronson lucked into a thrilling opportunity at the U.S. Open: caddie for a practice round.

Aronson, a 13-year-old junior golfer who just finished seventh grade back home in Los Angeles, was with his mother, Shelly, watching players on the putting green Sunday when amateur Russell Henley approached him to see if he would carry his bag for Monday's round at Pebble Beach.

"It's a great way to kick off the summer," Aronson said. "I'll do whatever he needs, get range balls and carry his bags. It's perfect."

That was a no-brainer for a kid who picked up his first clubs at age 2. Now, he's a first-time caddie.

"I did not imagine it at all," said Aronson, who is at the Open only Monday and Tuesday. "I'm so happy right now, living in the moment."

About a half-hour before Henley was set to tee off Monday, Aronson stood at the driving range soaking it all in when Davis Love III struck up a conversation.

Henley made a quick call to the USGA to make sure it was OK to use Aronson, then it was a go. Henley's few requests for Aronson included enjoying the scenery and experience just as he will while playing Pebble Beach for the first time. The University of Georgia star was named Southeastern Conference Golfer of the Year in his junior season this year.

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Georgia golfer Russell Henley, left, talks with 13-year-old Jeffrey Aronson on Monday at Pebble Beach. Aronson served as Henley’s practice-round caddie.

What a great gesture by this young golfer!!!

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Shelly, his mom, explained the story. Jeffrey was just at the right place at the right time. "I was floored that he asked him to caddie," Shelly said. "At first, I didn't believe him. What an incredible guy."

[Vigilantcitizen]

Cool.

[handmade]

One of those nice guy moments.