Kurt Kitayama is on the verge of greatness as he stands atop the table ahead of Sunday’s play at Arnold Palmer Invitational. Having won on both the Asian and the DP Tour respectively, the 30-year-old old will be eyeing his maiden PGA Tour triumph. But while he has managed many close finishes before, what gives him the edge this around? Apart from his one-stroke lead, it’ll be the guidance of an experienced head in the form of his caddie, Tim Tucker.

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Tim Tucker’s successful history with Bryson DeChambeau

The pair started working together merely a few weeks back, with an eye on experimentation in the initial stage. But the partnership has already worked wonders, with Kitayama heading to the Bay Hill course as the leader of the PGA Tour’s ‘elevated’ event.

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Having managed some of the best in the world, Tucker has the experience of working with the best players in the world. It’s been two years since his time with now-LIV defector, Bryson DeChambeau, a period which saw vast success for the latter.

Indeed, DeChambeau secured his only major championship with Tucker by his side at the 2020 U.S. Open. It was at the same time when the 29-year-old decided to bulk up his fitness regime, a move that was unheard of within the golf community.

But paramount to current circumstances, Tucker won the 2021 Arnold Palmer Invitational with DeChambeau during the golfer’s glorious period. It was his eighth PGA Tour victory, which sadly turned out to be his last after his controversial switch to the LIV Golf Series.

Tim Tucker and Kurt Kitayama on the brink of success

While there were rumblings about their disengagement, Tucker and DeChambeau separated on their own terms, which left the former open to work again. On his own, Kitayama has proven to be a challenging player. He was ranked T2 at last year’s Mexico Open and solo runner-up at the Scottish Open and the CJ Cup.

What did the golfer have to say about his caddie’s appointment? “I mean, he’s got a lot of knowledge,” Kitayama said of Tucker. “Trying to soak in as much as I can without going overload on it. He’s been very helpful. We’re trying new things out on the course, and if it works, we stick with it, and if it doesn’t, we kind of throw it right out.”

Will Tucker become the guiding light to Kitayama’s second-place finishes on the PGA Tour? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

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