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Legendary caddie Mick Doran has called it a day following a hugely successful 38-year career.
The Englishman’s final round came at the Estrella Damm Catalunya Championship alongside Eddie Pepperell, who carded a 68 to finish on four-under.
Afterwards, Doran described the feeling of walking down the 18th for the final time, telling the DP World Tour: “Walking down the last was just fantastic. Knowing it’s my last round, it’s quite hard to imagine it actually but my time has come and it’s time to move on.”
Doran also caddied for Pepperell during the most successful spell of his career, which included winning twice on the DP World Tour in 2018.
He paid tribute to Doran as he brought the curtain down on his career and described having him alongside him for his final event as an “honor.”
He said: “Mick was there for the best years that I have had. Halfway through 2017 and to the end of 2020. That was the end of it for me and Mick, really, until this year when he has done the odd few.
“I knew he wasn’t going to be doing a great deal this year, so it is always nice to have him when he is about.
“I gather that is that after this week for him. It has been an honour for me, I don’t know how many wins but it’s an awful lot.”
The 56-year-old began caddying as a teenager, and he has racked up a string of impressive achievements along the way, including 35 wins and seven appearances at the Ryder Cup.
Among others he has worked for are Luke Donald, Lee Westwood, Justin Rose, Francesco Molinari, Constantino Rocca, Darren Clarke, Thomas Bjorn, David Howell and Brendan Steele.
Doran caddied for some high-profile stars, including Justin Rose | Credit: Getty Images
Naturally, Doran has many highlights to look back on, but some have stood out in a crowded field. He said: “Constantino Rocco when he holes a 100-footer at St Andrews to get in the playoff with John Daly [at the 1995 Open].”
He added: “Being on the last round with Tiger Woods when he won his first Major, which is The Masters, winning the Australian Open with Lee Westwood in the playoff against Greg Norman in his prime. I’ve just been fortunate being in the right place at the right time, so it’s been good.”
As Doran wrapped up his career, a host of caddies congratulated him on the 18th at Real Club de Golf El Prat, prompting him to add, poignantly: “There’s such a great bunch of lads out here and I’m going to miss them.”