Carnoustie’s Championship course and two of its hard-working caddies have left a lasting impression on a US teenager during the golf trip of a lifetime to Scotland.
New Jersey 17-year-old Matthew DiCarlo took on the legendary links in an all-expenses-paid trip provided by the Round of a Lifetime Foundation.
The US charity offers people suffering from congenital heart disease the chance to play some of the world’s most famous courses.
Matt was the 21st Round of a Lifetime recipient and teed off at Carnoustie with his father, Richard.
In 2022, the teenager underwent open heart surgery to repair a heart defect.
Carnoustie golf caddies gave services as teenager made golf memories of a lifetime
And he revealed the special bond with one of the Carnoustie caddies which made the trip even more memorable.
Craig McNicoll and Scott Symon guided the father and son through the bucket-list round.
Scott’s daughter has a lifelong heart condition and the caddie said he was proud to carry the young visitor’s bag.
Matt said: “Craig and Scott generously volunteered their time after hearing my story.
“Their story deeply touched our hearts and it just made the experience so much better.
“Playing golf in Scotland was a dream, but doing it alongside my dad made it a blessing.
“These memories will last a lifetime. I’m truly grateful beyond words.”
The Open venue lived up to every inch of its legendary reputation.
“Carnoustie humbled my game and tested every shot,” said Matt.
“But somehow, between the deep bunkers and unpredictable weather, I found peace in the incredible views.
“I was also amazed that I didn’t lose any balls.
“Golf at Carnoustie tested both our patience and our swings.
“But the breathtaking scenery and the incredible caddies reminded us why we fell in love with the game in the first place.
“Every hole at Carnoustie tested me, especially those bunkers.
“But every view reminded me that even in struggle, there’s wonder.
“I came for golf, but left with more gratitude. Thank you to Round of a Lifetime for giving me this opportunity.”
Scott and Craig’s fellow Carnoustie caddies also had a whip-round for the pair as a show of support for their generous gesture to the American pair.
Carnoustie hosted first overseas Round of a Lifetime
Dan Igo of Round of a Lifetime said: “So far we have sent 20 recipients to courses including Pebble Beach, Pinehurst No. 2, TPC Sawgrass and Whistling Straits.
“Matt was initially introduced to the game after being informed that his heart condition limited him to only golf and baseball.
“Matt embraced the sport with determination and quickly excelled.
“Despite undergoing open-heart surgery in 2022 to receive a mechanical aortic valve, he remarkably made the varsity golf team just five months post-surgery.
“Matthew’s resilience and commitment to excellence were recognised when he was named NJ.com’s Best Athlete with a Disability in 2024.”
It is the second time the foundation has visited Carnoustie.
In 2019, 22-year-old Boston student Edward Johnson enjoyed his Round of a Lifetime in the foundation’s first overseas trip.
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