When you’ve spent a grueling year as the caddy of a professional player, it’s nice to be rewarded. And it seems PGA Tour star Sahith Theegala was well aware of that after the best year of his career.

The American, 26, participated in all four major tournaments in 2024, notably finishing 12th at the PGA Championship in May.

He is now ranked 13th in the Official World Golf Rankings, having also represented Team USA in their Presidents Cup victory in September.

In touching footage, the emerging star has now repaid his assistant Carl Smith in kind. In images published on Instagramhe presents his bagman with a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona watch, estimated to be worth more than £36,000.

“It’s not for me, is it?” » Smith asked as he opened his gift. “Yes, it is,” Theegala replied. “You deserved it. It was a lot of hard work (you did it). I just got you this.”

Smith jokingly responded, “Aren’t you buying dinner tonight?” The two men then embraced, with the caddy holding back tears as the golfer told him he fully deserved this recognition.

“It’s not mine,” Smith said. “No way, Sahith. I’m lucky. Oh my God. I don’t even know if I’ve ever said thank you. Are you kidding me? You know what I always say. Even if you didn’t bring me anything. Even though you just said thank you. It would make me want to show up and work harder every day.

This gesture is a rare moment of humility in an era where professional golf is dominated by financial aspects. And fans online were full of praise for the former PGA Tour winner’s gesture.

“He comes across as a great guy from a lovely family on Full Swing,” said @DavidAberneth14. “This is further evidence of that.” @fluffyduck88 added: “Seems like a great guy. I took care of him over the last few years.

The topic of players praising caddies was hot this weekend, with Rory McIlroy heaping praise on Harry Diamond after he topped the DP World Tour rankings for the sixth time.

“He gets his fair share of stick and it’s not justified,” the North Irishman said. “He is an incredible cadet and the best friend I could ever ask for.”