Chris Selfridge spent three years chasing a career as a professional golfer. Now, he has spent almost twice as long working as a caddie at some of the world’s biggest tournaments. After an injury ended his first career, Selfridge’s path changed completely from what he had imagined in 2015. Still, it has taken him to the Tokyo Olympics, and several major championships.

Chris Selfridge is a 34-year-old guy from Castledawson, Northern Ireland. That’s the same county where Rory McIlroy and Tom McKibbin grew up. Selfridge started working with Schmid late in the 2024–25 season, joining him at early West Coast tournaments in January, the Genesis Invitational in February, and through the spring events.

Earlier reports noted that Selfridge helped Schmid achieve four top-10 finishes during the 2025 PGA Tour season. He was also a key part of Schmid’s strong performance at the Scottish Open, which earned Schmid a place at the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush. By the time they arrived at the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink, their partnership was solid, and Schmid had real momentum heading into the biggest week of his career.

Did Matti Schmid’s caddie play professional golf?

Selfridge was one of Ireland’s most decorated amateurs in recent years. He won the North of Ireland Championship at Royal Portrush in 2013 and 2014. He also claimed the Irish Close Championship in 2012. He became the first Irishman in 25 years to win back-to-back Irish Amateur majors.

At the University of Toledo, he was a four-time All-MAC selection and named MAC Men’s Golfer of the Year. In 2023, he was inducted into the university’s Hall of Fame. He turned professional in 2015 and looked set for success. But a wrist ligament injury hit at European Tour Q-School, when he was in fifth place and close to earning his card. In 2016, he developed elbow tendinitis, then suffered another wrist injury in Kazakhstan. By 2018, his playing career was over.

Selfridge did not plan to become a caddie. When his playing career ended, he took an office job in Belfast without a clear path ahead. Michael Hoey, a close friend, earned DP World Tour status and needed a caddie for an event in Australia. Selfridge agreed. That decision led to a new career. What started as a short-term arrangement has now lasted seven years, spanning four continents and two Olympic cycles.

Which golfers has Matti Schmid’s caddie worked with before?

Selfridge’s record is established. In July 2020, during the DP World Tour’s UK swing under Covid restrictions, he replaced Ryan Fox’s regular caddie. What began as a six-week stint extended to 18 months, including two majors and the Tokyo Olympics, with a top finish of fourth.

After that, Selfridge moved to the Challenge Tour to work with Tom McKibbin, a calculated risk he considered worthwhile. Together, they earned promotion to the DP World Tour in their first season, then split after the 2023 Singapore Classic. Selfridge then freelanced with Matthias Schwab before joining Schmid late in the 2024–25 cycle.

Selfridge prepares for 10 to 12 hours a day, Monday to Wednesday, at each tournament, focusing on lines, bounces, layup areas, and blind shots. This level of detail sets him apart. He brings the experience of someone who understands the consequences of a wrong decision under pressure. He was with Schmid for a T9 at the Cognizant Classic before Aronimink. Now, with Schmid in the final pairing at a major, that experience is in play on every tee.