WATCH ABOVE: A 13-year-old Spruce Grove teen who has an inoperable brain tumour caddied for one of the pros at The Masters.
EDMONTON — Ethan Couch’s only wish was to go to The Masters in Augusta, Georgia. This week his wish has come true.
On Wednesday, during the Par 3 Contest, the 13-year-old from Spruce Grove, AB served as the caddie for PGA pro Kevin Streelman. Streelman made it all happen through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Couch has an inoperable, benign brain tumour. Two years ago, after brain surgery that discovered the tumour, a nurse asked Couch to make a wish, that’s when he picked a trip to The Masters. His parents and his younger brother, Evan, are also in Georgia to watch the prestigious tournament.
The trip is a thrill for the avid golf family who are all members of the Glendale Golf and Country Club in Edmonton.
“I couldn’t be more happy for him that he’s able to go and have that experience,” said Michelle Van Slyke, associate golf pro at the Glendale. “I can’t wait for him to come back to tell all of us all about it.”
Couch and his brother are familiar faces around the Glendale. Their father, Jeff, is a former golf pro and has practically raised his sons at the course.
“No one deserves it more than he does,” said Glendale Assistant Golf Pro Adam Bruce. “He loves the game and loves golf.”
Ethan Couch isn’t just a golf fan, he’s a talented player. Van Slyke has coached him as a junior player for the past five years. Couch has captured many tournament wins and his tumour has not affected his play.
“To me it does not define him,” said Van Slyke “It’s not anything I think about when I see him. He hasn’t skipped a beat and you wouldn’t know any different.”
Both Van Slyke and Bruce both agree that Couch is a more than qualified caddy for Streelman
.
“I don’t think there is a kid that deserves it more than he does. Brain tumour or not,” said Bruce.
The tumour in Couch’s brain can’t be removed. He will have to be monitored for the rest of his life, but his friends in Edmonton don’t think it will slow him down. There may be one day when he goes from PGA caddy to PGA golfer.
“We’re definitely going to hear more about Ethan Couch,” said Van Slyke. “Not just for this, but he and his brother are destined for great things.”
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