While his father was calmly sinking putts and navigating the final round of the Galleri Classic, Liam Allan was trying to keep his cool as his caddie.
A four-stroke lead was evaporating before his eyes. Then his dad Steve sank a long putt for birdie on 16 to right the ship. Two holes later, they were sharing a celebratory hug on the 18th green.
It was his dad's first professional win in nearly 23 years, since before Liam was born.
"I was more nervous than he was, just knowing what was happening and that I can't have any control over it," said Liam, an 18-year-old high school senior in Arizona who plays high school golf. "He did it and I'm so proud, but also we knew he could do it."
Liam knew his dad wouldn't crumble under pressure, even though his insides may have been swirling.
"He's very level-headed. Like that bogey on 15, he felt like he was right there so he just keeps going and grinding," Liam said. "He's cool in those situations."
Liam wasn't the only family member on hand as the whole Allan clan was there to see Steve pick up his first professional win since 2002. Wife Bridget and Liam's younger brothers Joey and Zac were there to share in the moment of joy. The five of them laughed and hugged and smiled on the green during multiple post-win ceremonies.
Steve had told Liam that if he won they would jump in the green-side pond. That is in reference to a tradition that used to be associated with the LPGA event held at the same course where the winner would celebrate with a leap into Poppie's Pond. But tournament organizers told them not to, putting a kibosh on what would've been a memorable moment for the family.
But that didn't do anything to wipe the smiles off any of the Allans' faces. This was a big moment for Steve and Liam. Steve said he was proud of the way Liam handled himself all weekend, complimenting his putt-reading and ability to stay calm throughout what was a nerve-wracking three days.
"He doesn't get too excited. You can tell when he gets nervous, but obviously I could imagine some caddies if I'd made whatever I made, five birdies on the front nine, might get a little bit too excited," Steve said. "But he did a good job. He was pretty calm and he keeps me with a level head, and I think having my son caddie for me will also make me behave a little bit better, too. If I get a little upset, I'm not going to look silly in front of him. I think it helped a lot."
It's traditional ...
