On the professional greens, it’s common to see not only the pros grinding hard but also their caddies. The caddies often remain close to the pros, carrying their bags and sharing enjoyable moments and partnerships along the way. Just like golfers, caddies have also established a reputation for themselves over the years. Mike ‘Fluff’ Cowan is one of the renowned caddies who has made a name for himself with almost 40 years of experience in the field.
Beginning his career as an assistant pro at a private club in his home state of Maine, Cowan soon transitioned to caddying in 1970. David Smith was the first person he caddied for at the Monday Qualifier after getting fired from the club. Smith did not make it to the field, and hence, that partnership didn’t pan out.
Cowan earned his nickname ‘Fluff’ as he resembled professional golfer and broadcaster Steve Melnyk. Cowan has been on the field for quite some time and has been inducted into the Caddie Hall of Fame, which recognizes individuals who support caddying. He has carried bags for a handful of golfers for long spans, let us find out who!
Cowan’s partnership with Peter Jacobsen
Cowan’s initial partnership with Ed Sabo only lasted for two seasons. It wasn’t until 1979 that the 76-year-old met Peter Jacobsen, marking the beginning of their longstanding partnership. Their collaboration spanned 18 seasons, during which the pair clinched six victories on the PGA Tour. Shortly thereafter, the duo unfortunately parted ways, and Cowan met his next partner.
Legendary caddie with the legendary golfer
Following the split with Jacobsen, “Fluff” entered into a new partnership and was recruited by Tiger Woods for his professional debut at the Greater Milwaukee Open in September 1996. Even though Woods wasn’t yet considered the GOAT, it was undoubtedly the beginning of an era for him.
As Woods began his professional journey, his primary caddie, Cowan, stood witness. The duo secured seven victories on the PGA Tour, with Woods even describing Cowan as the “best caddie in the world.” They would go on to rake in seven titles, including Woods’ thumping 12-shot victory at the Masters, before parting ways.
He caddied for two years for Woods, and his two cents about his 1999 Masters win: “A lot of folks know it, but it’s still unbelievable. One of the greatest accomplishments was playing Augusta National without a three-putt. That really contributed to him winning that week.” Upon parting ways with Tiger Woods after the 1999 Masters, Cowan crossed paths with Jim Furyk, and little did they know that they would be each other’s partners on the greens for over 2 decades.
The partnership of 25 years
The duo started their partnership at the 1999 Masters, They have been a team for 25 years. The pair achieved success at the 2003 U.S. Open, alongside remarkable triumphs such as Furyk’s win at the 2010 FedEx Cup, his recognition as PGA Tour Player of the Year, and his victory at the 2021 US Senior Open. As the two called off their partnership amicably, Cowan expressed, “It’s hard to part ways after 25 years,” in an interview with ESPN.
“We play for $2 million. They play for $8, $20, $25 million,” Furyk wrote in a text to Golfweek. “I knew it was a good opportunity for him, and C.T. has been playing pretty good. (Fluff) was hesitant. Because he’s a great person at heart. But I pushed and we both knew it was best for him and his family,” said the golfer.
However, the 76-year-old also appears to have no choice, as Furyk has been grappling with injuries and has been partially absent from the professional greens for over the past two years. Cowan’s decision to switch was also influenced by Furyk, as he disclosed to Golf Week “Love the guy. I’m still struggling with injuries and I pushed him to work for C.T. full-time.” Furyk desires Cowan to progress, as he initiated the conclusion of their partnership. Now, the legendary caddie is being spotted with C.T. Pan at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson in McKinney, Texas.
Bonus Fact: In between his full-time employment with the golfers, Cowan had a few 1-week gigs as well when his regulars were at breaks. He has been a looper for Curtis Strange, Michelle Wie, Ed Dougherty, John Cook, and Larry Nelson. Nelson was his first big paycheck in 1978 when he finished at T4 in the PLAYERS.
