The Golf Watch

Caddie Greg Rita dies

I was looking at traffic numbers from the last week earlier tonight, and couldn't get over the spike in traffic over the weekend and Monday.  I had to investigate.

Little did I know that the rise wasn't for a good reason--thousands of people were searching for none other than longtime caddie Greg Rita, who died Saturday after a long bout with brain cancer.  He was 54.

Rita showed great strength as he fought through treatments the last few years.  Our thoughts go out to the Rita family.  

Rita expected to return as caddy

As Tim Rosaforte first reported on Monday's edition of Golf Central, it looks like Greg Rita will return to caddying for Scott Hoch on the Champions Tour as early as January.

Rita underwent surgery a year ago to remove a brain tumor, and he seems to be recovering nicely.  According to Bruce Berlet of the Hartford Courant:

Rita has survived chemotherapy, radiation, pneumonia and a spinal tap to hopefully return to the game and job he loves.

Rita's health improving

Tim Rosaforte reported on Sunday night's edition of Golf Central that longtime caddy Greg Rita is feeling much better as he continues to battle a number of health related issues.  Rita underwent surgery in early November to remove a brain tumor, and then contracted pneumonia which he fought off in February and March.  Rita, who was reportedly in good spirits when he spoke to Rosaforte on the phone, will be on site at The Players Championship this week visiting with players and caddies.

Longtime caddie, Rita, fights cancer

Longtime PGA Tour caddie Greg Rita underwent surgery on November 9th to remove part of a brain tumor.  According to his wife, Kelley Rita, he is expected to undergo chemotherapy and radiation treatments for the next six months to remove the remaining cancer.  Rita told Golf Week, "I'm going to fight hard for my wife and child."  Two months ago, Rita collapsed on the driving range at the SAS Championship while he was caddying for Scott Hoch.  Rita has caddied for Curtis Strange, John Daly, David Duval, Scott Hoch, and others.

Hoch's caddy collapses on driving range

On Thursday at the SAS Championship, Scott Hoch's caddy collapsed on the driving range.  Greg Rita, a long time PGA tour caddie, was rushed to a nearby hospital.  According to Edward G. Robinson III of the News & Observer, "Hoch said Rita was treated for 'brain bleeding' and an irregular heartbeat."  Hoch added that Rita was in good spirits on Thursday, but remained in critical condition.