OHL alumnus Mitchell Theoret thriving as professional golf caddie

Joining Canadian golf sensation Taylor Pendrith in his triumph at the recent CJ Cup Byron Nelson last month, Mitchell Theoret has proven himself to be anything but your average caddie. The dynamic duo is preparing to compete in their fourth U.S. Open that gets underway this week in Pinehurst, North Carolina.

Selected by the New York Islanders in the seventh round of the 2011 NHL Draft, Theoret played five seasons in the Ontario Hockey League from 2009-14 between the Niagara IceDogs and Barrie Colts, amassing 161 points throughout his 293 regular season games played. Theoret was a vital piece of the 2013 Eastern Conference champion Colts team that lost to the London Knights in Game 7 of the OHL Championship. It was the second consecutive Championship Series appearance for Theoret after losing in the 2012 Final with the IceDogs to the same London Knights.

Utilizing his OHL Scholarship Package, Theoret pursued higher education at both the University of Prince Edward Island and Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University). There, he showcased his talent on the ice for two seasons of U SPORTS hockey before transitioning to a professional career in Europe.

“I had never thought in a million years I would be doing what I’m doing,” said Theoret. “I had been playing hockey over in Norway and after a season-ending injury, my good friend (Taylor Pendrith) asked me if I wanted to caddie for him one week.”

“Fast forward almost a year, and I was finishing up my season in the Czech Republic when I got the call again, but this time for it to be more permanent. I ended up spending the whole summer caddying for him and then made the tough decision whether to keep pursuing hockey or give this a go.”

Best friends since the young age of nine, Theoret and Pendrith have nurtured a friendship that has blossomed alongside their recent string of successes. From clinching the Byron Nelson victory in May to impressive performances at the Rocket Mortgage Classic, BMW Championship, the Players Championship, and the Wyndham Championship, their shared journey has become a newfound dream realized for the 30-year-old Montreal, QC native.

Taylor Pendrith and his caddie Mitch have been friends since they were 9 years old.

The emotions spilled out after their first win together two decades later ❤️ pic.twitter.com/u0Vs3WLxXV

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) May 6, 2024

“One of my best friends and I’m just super happy for him. I’m really excited for everything that’s to come.”

Theoret’s unique career from an ice hockey player to a caddie exemplifies the transforming potential of unforeseen opportunities.