Tom Nolan
Polo Ralph Lauren vice president Tom Nolan is not only helping out at the U.S. Open behind the scenes, but he was also inside the ropes working as amateur Michael Barbosa's caddie. (Russell Kirk/USGA)

Polo Ralph Lauren VP Nolan Pulling Double Duty At U.S. Open

By Hunki Yun

Bethesda, Md.--Amateur Michael Barbosa's starting time for the second round of the U.S. Open was 2:41 p.m. Yet his caddie, Tom Nolan, arrived at the course at 7 a.m.

Meet the busiest looper at Congressional Country. And the best-dressed.

Nolan is the senior vice president, golf and tennis for Polo Ralph Lauren, the official outfitter for the United States Golf Association and the U.S. Open. In its first year in the role, the company has dressed the committee members, staff and more than 5,000 volunteers at the U.S. Open, and will outfit the USA Walker Cup and Curtis Cup Teams.

In addition, Polo Ralph Lauren has designed and constructed the display fixtures for the 39,000-square-foot Merchandise Pavilion, where Nolan spent Friday morning before Barbosa's round. He also rushed there after the first round, staying until the Pavilion closed at 8 p.m.

"The week has been mayhem," said Nolan, who will return to the course early Saturday morning to finish the second round with Barbosa, who is from St. Petersburg, Fla. "But it's been a great experience. We are very proud of our association with the game's governing body and the opportunity to showcase our commitment to golf."

Nolan picked up his side job after calling his friend Barbosa--they have played together in amateur tournaments--to congratulate him for qualifying for his first U.S. Open. This is Barbosa's fourth appearance in a USGA championship, having qualified for the 1999 U.S. Junior Amateur, 2006 U.S. Amateur Public Links and 2008 U.S. Mid Amateur.

After Barbosa told Nolan he needed long pants for the Open, he also realized he would need a caddie. "I got the yardages and read a few putts," said Nolan. "But my main job was to keep him loose, be his buddy."

Unfortunately, Barbosa's U.S. Open started with a hooked 6-iron on the 10th hole that resulted in a bogey. He never recovered, and was 22 over par after 35 holes when play was suspended Friday evening at 8:04. "The atmosphere is really different once the tournament starts," said Nolan. "Everything happens so fast."

Nolan couldn't provide much help to his on-course boss, who will be missing the cut (four over par) after playing his final hole on Saturday morning. Barbosa may be going home, but Nolan will continue to work through the weekend to ensure that Polo Ralph Lauren makes a successful U.S. Open debut.

Hunki Yun is a senior staff writer for the USGA. E-mail him with questions or comments at hyun@usga.org.