Watch: Two US caddies take tops off at Solheim Cup

US Caddies Strip Down After Alison Lee’s Incredible Shot: Shameful or Good Fun?

While some traditionalists might have been horrified, and the European team likely unimpressed, the US caddies at the Solheim Cup couldn’t help but join in the wild celebrations.

The moment unfolded when Alison Lee sank an impressive shot from the fairway during the fourballs match. In response, Shota Takada, Lee’s caddie, removed both his bib and shirt, and embraced Megan Khang’s caddie, Jack Fulghum, who had also stripped down in the excitement.
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There was more to this display than just enthusiasm. Before the shot, Fulghum had jokingly promised that if anyone holed out, they would give the players $500. However, Lee upped the ante, challenging the caddies to remove their shirts instead. The bet was on, and it was fulfilled almost immediately after her shot.

However, the celebrations caused some controversy. Madelene Sagstrom still had her turn to play, and the noisy commotion may have overshadowed her attempt to match Lee’s achievement, even if it was a long shot. This situation drew parallels to the 1999 Ryder Cup when Justin Leonard sank a long putt, only for the US team to celebrate prematurely while José María Olazábal still had a chance to level the hole.

This untraditional behavior came on a Saturday, not Sunday, with the match’s outcome far from settled. It was clear that the Americans were eager to break Europe’s three-Solheim-Cup winning streak.

While some might view the scene as chaotic, it was a far more positive spectacle compared to Friday’s debacle when thousands were stuck outside the gates due to poor organization by the LPGA Tour. Alison Lee’s eagle, which gave her and Khang a one-hole lead over Anna Nordqvist and Sagstrom, made everyone temporarily forget about Friday’s mismanagement. However, the incident may still face further scrutiny.

In a different sport, such behavior would typically result in an instant yellow card, and the caddies might even face fines. They can only hope for leniency, similar to what happened two years ago at the infamous par-three 16th hole during the Phoenix Open. Back then, players Harry Higgs and Joel Dahmen went shirtless in celebration, expecting hefty fines. Instead, the PGA Tour chose not to penalize them and even featured the footage in promotional material. Will the LPGA Tour be as forgiving? And will the European team file a complaint?