Morning Report: Death of a caddie

It was well known in golf circles that Steve Duplantis enjoyed life immensely.

Apparently, his late-night lifestyle got him killed.

The popular PGA Tour caddie was killed early yesterday when he was struck by a taxi while crossing a street in California.

Tommy Armour III, one of the many golfers who respected Duplantis' knowledge of the game, was one who feared the caddie's nightlife would land him in trouble.

"Am I shocked by this? No," Armour said. "I tried several times to get him some help.

"I told him in 2003, 'Bud, if you don't change, you're going to die a tragic death.' "

Duplantis stepped off a center median in Del Mar and into the path of a taxi, said Sgt. Randy Webb of the San Diego Sheriff's Department. The 35-year-old Duplantis was pronounced dead on the scene.

He was working at the Buick Invitational at Torrey Pines for Eric Axley this week.

Among the nicknames caddies gave Duplantis was "Asbestos," because he was thought to be fireproof. Even though he often showed up late for work after a night on the town, his value as a caddie was too much for players to replace him.

"He was one of the better caddies," Armour said. "That's why he kept getting hired. He was very confident with what he said."

Duplantis and his nightlife exploits were prominently featured in a book titled, Bud, Sweat and Tees, a story primarily about golfer Rich Beem.

Beem and Duplantis were together only about six months, the first time at the 1999 Kemper Open, Beem's first tour victory.

Beem, who later won the PGA Championship at Hazeltine, was informed of the caddie's death during the pro-am.

"He was the first person who showed me the value of a good caddie, which I now have," Beem said. "You felt comfortable with him on the bag because he knew what to say. He was confident."

But he also loved the night life. He worked with Jim Furyk for four years until he was fired for showing up late one time too many.

As Armour said, it was destined to catch up to him.