US Open Apologizes After Caddie's Hat-Snatching Prank Sparks Fan Outrage

A golf enthusiast’s day at the U.S. Open took an unexpected and frustrating turn when her cherished, autographed hat was snatched by a caddie. The incident, which quickly garnered attention, ultimately led to an official apology from the U.S. Open organizers, aiming to soothe the ruffled feathers of the long-suffering fan.

Kelly Cassidy, a dedicated follower of golf, found herself at the center of a bizarre encounter involving Gary Matthews, the caddie for American pro golfer Patrick Reed.

According to Cassidy, during a practice round, Matthews playfully grabbed her hat—a prized possession bearing the autograph of golf superstar Rory McIlroy—from her head. What was seemingly intended as a lighthearted prank, however, quickly escalated into an uncomfortable situation for Cassidy, who had experienced a similar incident with Reed's caddie four years prior.

The incident occurred on a Tuesday practice round at Pinehurst No.

2, the day before the official U.S. Open began. Cassidy recounted that she was chatting with other fans near the rope line when Matthews approached. “He was talking with us,” Cassidy explained, “and then he just reached down and took the hat off my head.” While the caddie quickly returned the hat, the repeated nature of the interaction left Cassidy feeling disrespected and bewildered.

“This is the second time this has happened with Patrick Reed’s caddie,” she stated, highlighting a pattern of behavior she found unsettling.

In 2018, at the Masters, Cassidy had a nearly identical experience. That time, after her hat was taken, it was returned with the autograph of Patrick Reed himself, which, while an unexpected gesture, did not fully alleviate her discomfort from the initial snatching.

The recent incident at the U.S. Open felt like a replay, amplifying her frustration.

Word of Cassidy’s ordeal soon reached the U.S. Open officials, who promptly intervened. Recognizing the fan’s distress, the organization extended a sincere apology and offered her a generous package of merchandise as a gesture of goodwill.

“The U.S. Open has apologized, which I appreciate,” Cassidy confirmed, acknowledging the tournament’s efforts to make amends.

Despite the official apology and the promise of new gear, Cassidy's experience casts a shadow on fan interaction within professional golf. While a playful jest might be part of the sport's charm, understanding and respecting personal boundaries, especially when involving valuable or sentimental items, remains paramount for ensuring an enjoyable and inclusive atmosphere for all spectators.