Sleeper Agent
Presidents Cup 2024: Mike “Fluff” Cowan spotted at Royal Montreal, say a prayer for the Internationals
Jared C. Tilton
Tiger and Stevie. Phil and Bones. Jack and Angelo. The history of golf is littered with iconic player-caddie duos, but few rival the 25-year run of Jim Furyk and Mike “Fluff” Cowan.
Fluff, now 76, served as Furyk’s sherpa throughout his best years as a pro, including his 2003 U.S. Open, 2010 Tour Championship and 2021 U.S. Senior Open victories. When Furyk transitioned to the Champions Tour in 2020, Fluff followed. The same can be said this week at the Presidents Cup, where a familiar mustache has been spotted riding shotgun with the Team USA Captain at Royal Montreal Golf Club.
Furyk and Fluff amicably parted ways back in May but reunited a month later. Fluff underwent hip surgery soon after, sidelining for him for much of the summer, but it’s great to see him back in Furyk’s employ this week. Like all good caddies, Fluff is on-site with the sole purpose of supporting his pro, and you can bet he will offer his advice on everything from Saturday's four-ball pairings to the post-round poutine as the week rolls on.
Of course, some Golf Digest staffers [*cough* Alex Myers *cough*] remain skeptical about the impact of a good looper, but with veteran caddies like Ted Scott and now Fluff in the U.S. corner, there’s no doubt the Stars and Stripes will have the advantage on the course and in the cart.