After ‘Nervous’ PGA Tour Experience With Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry, Caddie Leaves Bold 4-Word Message

Imagine learning that you are going to make your PGA Tour debut as a caddie, and you only learned about it a day before the first tee. If that wasn’t a big enough surprise, you also learn that your boss would be grouped with Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry. What could really go wrong? That is what Derek Anderson must have been thinking when he got woken up by Kevin Chappell on the Wednesday of the 2025 Zurich Classic of New Orleans.

Did Derek Anderson sound familiar? For a sports enthusiast who also follows the NFL, that name might ring a bell. That is because we are talking about the former Buffalo Bills quarterback. Or perhaps you might remember his time with the Cleveland Browns in 2007 when he threw 29 touchdowns and made 19 interceptions. While he may not have been among the legends, Anderson still had a solid 14 seasons in football. However, he has since retired in 2019 and started showing interest in golf. Part of the reason behind his interest in the sport might be because he is also close friends with PGA Tour pro Kevin Chappell.

In an interview on GOLF’s Subpar podcast on YouTube, Anderson shared how he and Chappell sometimes like to hang out. And with the latter not making the confirmed field for the trip to TPC Louisiana, he decided to call his ex-NFL QB near the course for a short trip. The retired footballer said that he received a call from his friend on Tuesday, and they all caught up in New Orleans later that night. A night of some fun later, a knocked-out Anderson gets up to answer the door at 10 A.M. Quoting Chappell, he said, “We’ve got to go to the golf course,” to which Anderson agreed.

Still dazed by the abrupt awakening and sudden change of plans, he learns that Billy Horschel is out and Kevin Chappell is his replacement. His friend is scheduled to tee up with Tom Hoge for the 2025 Zurich Classic in the next few hours. Trying to make sense of what was happening, he sees Chappell nearly close the door before opening it again to deliver shocking news. “BTW, we’re playing with McIlroy,” which probably woke the ex-NFL player up as he was left with his mouth wide open. He just realized that he will be in the same group as the defending champions and a Grand Slam winner.

Anderson confessed that he was a big golf fan and had watched Rory McIlroy play in the past. Speaking about the opportunity he was getting, he added, “Obviously, I was excited that we were in. But then, to be in that group, I didn’t really process what was going to happen. I was like, ‘Oh, cool. We’re playing with Rory. Yeah, we’ll probably be on TV a little bit’.” The 41-year-old vaguely understood that he would have cameras on him since he would be in the same group as Rory McIlroy. But he didn’t quite grasp the intensity of attention they would get.

“But I didn’t realize that throughout Thursday, they’re going to follow us around all day. Friday is going to follow us around all day. First tee, the first day, I was nervous, I’m not going to lie. I was nervous,” Anderson said as he recollected what he felt at the moment. This prompted the group to enjoy a moment’s laugh. Colt Knost understandably stated, “Because you’ve never done this before,” confirming that this was the former NFL star’s first outing as a caddie in a PGA Tour event. Anderson confirmed, “Not for real. No.”

However, the quarterback-turned-caddie did confirm that he had a few stints carrying the bags in practice rounds with pros or caddying on the Monday Qualifiers for smaller events like the WM Phoenix Open. But with McIlroy, he confessed, “My hands were sweating and got my juices flowing,” as he was nervous about sharing the group with the world no. 2.

Being sportsmen themselves, one would think Lowry and McIlroy might know who Anderson was. That’s what Drew Stoltz also wanted to know as he questioned if the NFL star needed an introduction. He replied, “Shane said something: We were like walking down two. I can’t remember how he essentially asked me, like, You’re a huge dude. Like, what the heck?” Lowry was probably perplexed as to what a person built like an NFL player was doing carrying bags for Campbell. This also indicated that the Irishman didn’t know who Anderson was.

The retired QB replied, “I played football,” to which Shane Lowry said, “Oh. Sorry, I don’t follow American football.” Anderson confessed to a PGA Tour pro that he wasn’t as famous and only had one great season, so he shouldn’t know him. That started the round of conversations between them, and Derek Anderson was able to calm down his nerves.

February 15, 2025, La Jolla, California, USA: RORY MCILROY looks on while walking to the first tee during the third round of the 2025 Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla, California. La Jolla USA – ZUMAt158 20250215_zsp_t158_067 Copyright: xBrentonxTsex

Quite a thrilling experience for a first-time caddie. However, it might not be the last time we see Anderson carrying the bag in a professional PGA Tour event.

Derek Anderson gains confidence to caddie again after the Rory McIlroy experience

What one might do to walk the fairway with Rory McIlroy, even if you’re not caddying for him. Derek Anderson seemed to have thoroughly enjoyed the experience, even if it got a bit nerve-wracking at times. With all the cameras on him and his group, the ex-NFL pro may have also gained the confidence to take up the challenge once again.  “It was a very cool experience; obviously, the Rory experience. But just like being in the group, competing… It doesn’t matter. Saturday and Sunday, I had just as much fun. Not as much fun, but just being in the moment. Going through each shot, talking about all the b******t on the course,” Anderson said as he elaborated on the experience of playing the entire tournament even when not grouped with McIlroy.

But will he go through the hassle again? Walking the 7000 yards, reading the green, taking the rants and the heat, and carrying a golf bag while you’re doing all of that. The 41-year-old confessed, “It was an incredible experience. I’d do it again!”  It looks like we will see him as a looper again in the future. Whether it would be for Kevin Chappell or someone else, only time will tell.

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