The Story of Actor Ryu Jun-yeol Carrying a Caddy Bag

Masters Par 3 Contest Kim Juhyung Caddie Appearance
Friendship from Same Church Attends, Golf Bag Request ‘OK’
Singer Lee Seungchul, Actor Bae Yongjoon Also Experienced Event

Actor Ryu Jun-yeol appeared at the Masters tournament of the "Myungin Yeoljeon." He caught attention by showing up not as a gallery member but wearing a caddie uniform.

Actor Ryu Jun-yeol (third from the right) is walking the field as the caddie for Kim Joo-hyung (second from the right) in the Masters 'Par 3 Contest.' [Augusta (USA) = Reuters·Yonhap News]

On the 10th (local time), at the Par 3 course of Augusta National Golf Club (Par 72) in Augusta, Georgia, USA, he transformed into a one-day caddie wearing a white caddie suit and carrying a golf bag at the Masters event tournament called the "Par 3 Contest." The "Par 3 Contest" is a tradition of the Masters that started in 1960. Players bring their wives, girlfriends, and children as caddies to fully enjoy the festive atmosphere. Awards are also given based on the competition results.

Ryu Jun-yeol carried the caddie bag for the "Rising Star" Kim Joo-hyung that day. The two have built a friendship by attending the same church. Kim Joo-hyung asked Ryu Jun-yeol to be his one-day caddie, and Ryu Jun-yeol, who usually enjoys golf, gladly accepted his younger brother’s request. This is the third time a domestic celebrity such as an actor or singer has appeared as a caddie in the "Par 3 Contest." Singer Lee Seung-chul appeared as Yang Yong-eun’s caddie in 2011, and actor Bae Yong-joon appeared as Bae Sang-moon’s caddie in 2015.

Ryu Jun-yeol entered the locker room next to the driving range 30 minutes before the game started and changed into his caddie uniform. He also wore a green hat. In this tournament, caddies wear white suits. When asked about his feelings before the game, he remained reserved. His nervous expression was clearly visible. Shortly after, when the tournament began, he enjoyed the festive atmosphere. He exchanged bright smiles with Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns (both from the USA).

Ryu Jun-yeol also participated in the caddies’ shot competition, an event where caddies hit tee shots on behalf of players. At the 9th hole (125 yards), he successfully hit the green in place of Kim Joo-hyung. After securing a par with two putts, he performed a celebratory roar as if he had become the champion. Right after the tournament, Kim Joo-hyung posted a photo with Ryu Jun-yeol on social media, writing, "Our hyung, I’m so glad we made such great memories together." Kim Joo-hyung will play alongside "major hunter" Brooks Koepka and world No. 8 Brian Harman (both from the USA) in the first round of the tournament starting on the 11th.

Ryu Jun-yeol rose to stardom with the 2015 drama "Reply 1988" and has appeared in "The King," "A Taxi Driver" (both 2017), "Little Forest" (2018), "Hit-and-Run Squad," "The Battle of Bongodong" (both 2019), "Alien+Human Part 1," "Night Owl" (both 2022), and "Alien+Human Part 2" (2024). He has won numerous awards including the 2016 Baeksang Arts Awards TV Male Rookie Actor Award, MBC Drama Awards Male Rookie Award, 2017 Baeksang Arts Awards Film Male Rookie Actor Award, and for the 2023 film "Night Owl," he swept the 2023 Chunsa International Film Festival Best Actor Award, Golden Camera Award Best Actor, Korean Film Critics Association Best Actor Award, and Baeksang Arts Awards Film Male Best Actor Award.