Alex Smalley might not be the loudest name on the PGA Tour, but he’s quietly becoming one of its most consistent and promising players. A Duke University standout, Smalley has already made his mark on the Tour with runner-up finishes at the 2022 Corales Puntacana Championship and 2023 John Deere Classic. But even the smartest players know they can’t do it alone. And that’s where Don Donatello enters the picture.

If Smalley is calm and composed, Donatello is the perfect counterbalance—an experienced, no-nonsense caddie with an incredible resume. Don Donatello jumped on Smalley’s bag back in 2021, after a last-minute call-up led him to the John Deere Classic. What was supposed to be a one-off gig turned into a full-time partnership, and Donatello’s been by Smalley’s side ever since.

Donatello’s caddie career stretches all the way back to 1998, and he’s worked with several Tour pros—K.J. Choi, Billy Horschel, Kevin Na, and Chris DiMarco, to name just a few. One of his fondest memories from his lifelong caddying experience? Watching DiMarco make a hole-in-one on the 17th hole at Warwick Hills. However, Donatello hasn’t always just been a caddie.

He played college golf himself at Chowan College and even had a short stint on the Korn Ferry Tour, where he teed up in a couple of events. But it’s a path many take and is often overlooked, especially when they’re more widely known for being on the other side of the bag.

Donatello also had several stints as a golf showman over the years.  He’s competed on The Big Break (several seasons), once walked away with a car and $5,000, and even appeared on Million Dollar Shootout as a lifeline alongside Fred Funk and Cristie Kerr. Off the course, he’s into the stock market, always quick with a quote, and became a certified Tour Read Green Reading Coach in 2024.

Since Don Donatello has been on Alex Smalley’s bag, he hasn’t earned a title but has had nearly 11 top-10 finishes. Out of those, two top-10 finishes were this year at the 2025 Myrtle Beach Classic and the Mexico Open, where Smalley shot an incredible 14-under over four days.

There’s no doubt that Donatello has been a steady force in Smalley’s career, and their chemistry is quite good. But Smalley has also had his parents, specifically his mom, caddying for him.

Alex Smalley has had his mom on his bag, too

Maria Smalley has been on the bag for her son in every professional start before Donatello took over. She proudly walked fairways with him through the grind of Monday qualifiers, including his breakthrough into the Korn Ferry Tour via a T47 finish at the 2021 John Deere Classic. But her involvement went far beyond looping.

She was the full-on “mom-ager,” handling his business logistics, crunching stats, and doing whatever it took to keep herself from “going crazy” with nerves. And every time Smalley rolled in a clutch birdie putt during a heated final round? She cheered.

Ever since Donatello took over, Maria has watched from outside the ropes, but the emotions haven’t dimmed. “Oh my God, he’s on the PGA TOUR,” she recalled tearfully during the 2023 Genesis Scottish Open. Her presence is still felt everywhere, whether it’s booking travel, organizing data, or simply being that unwavering voice of belief for Smalley.