by MICHAEL J. STOTT
Veteran caddies William Lanier & Mark Urbanek reflect on how the role has evolved over time— and where it’ s headed
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Caddying is not a gig for the faint of heart or the physically underprepared. While not native sons, two current loopers with strong Virginia connections carry bags for PGA Tour professionals: William Lanier for Dylan Wu and Mark Urbanek for Collin Morikawa.
Lanier’ s life is inextricably linked to golf. Born in Augusta, Ga., he lived less than a mile from Magnolia Lane. In high school he worked the practice tee at the Masters.“ Watching pros hit balls was one of the best jobs I ever had,” he said. He also recorded digital readouts for highlight footage in the CBS broadcast production truck in 1986 when Jack Nicklaus won his last green jacket.
After four years at Louisiana State University( LSU), Lanier turned professional and“ chased mini tours.” In 1992 he landed a position as assistant professional and later director of instruction at Farmington Country Club in Charlottesville.“ I did that for almost seven years and played a lot as a pro in PGA Section events vsga. org M AY / J UNE 2026 | V IRGINIA G OLFER 17