Elliott hits jackpot with Koepka

Caddie Ricky Elliott gave up on his tour dream to become a humble assistant pro but he never lost his love of the game and got the thrill of his life — and a $216,000 (€193,427) bonus — when he helped Brooks Koepka win the US Open at Erin Hills on Sunday.

The 40-year-old Portrush native was one of Ireland’s top teenage amateurs in the 1990s, winning the Irish Under 16 Boys title in 1994 and the Ulster Boys in 1995 before going on to represent Ireland as a Boys and Youths international.

He enjoyed no shortage of success for the University of Toledo from 1997 to 2000, helping the Rockets qualify for the 1999 NCAA Championships.