When J.J. Spaun made a dramatic charge at the 2025 Players Championship, it wasn’t just his swing that stole the show, but the steady hand on his bag–longtime caddie Mark Carens.
Here’s what you need to know about the man next to Spaun:
1. A Golf Lifeline That Spans Decades
Getty(L-R) Bubba Watson and his caddie Mark Carens look on from the 16th hole from a bunker during the second round of the 92nd PGA Championship on the Straits Course at Whistling Straits on August 13, 2010.
Carens began his caddie career in 2002, turning pro after a stint on mini-tours and a pair of Boston Open victories in 1993 and 1995. Over the years, he’s been a sought-after bagman, working with players such as Aaron Baddeley, Bubba Watson–including the 2010 PGA Championship–Brendon Todd, Si‑Woo Kim, Morgan Hoffmann, and more.
His consistent presence on tour stems from a deeply rooted passion. Memorable early weeks include a marathon 11 1/2-hour drive through the night just to stand on another player’s bag at a Monday qualifier.
2. Wellesley Native, Former Pro
Hailing from Wellesley, Massachusetts, Carens grew up playing golf, with formative family trips to courses in Ireland and Scotland. He turned professional after high school, competing mainly in mini‑tour events and claiming the Boston Open twice.
But by his early 30s, Carens recognized that his greatest impact might come from guiding others, and took a permanent step into caddying.
3. Linked with Spaun Since 2021, Victory in 2022
Carens joined J.J. Spaun’s team in April 2021, taking over from Zeke Salas after years of Spaun learning the ropes on the Korn Ferry Tour. Just under a year later, the duo celebrated Spaun’s first PGA Tour win at the Valero Texas Open–Carens’s first PGA Tour winner’s circle moment in his own right.
They’ve become a tightly knit pair, Carens even remarking on how easy the atmosphere is: “It’s like it’s not even work…I’m just watching someone compete at the highest level,” he said.
4. Five Words That Resonated at TPC
GettyJ.J. Spaun of the United States and his caddie, Mark Carens, prepare for a shot on the 10th hole during the third round of THE PLAYERS Championship on the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass on March 15, 2025 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.
With his player tied with Rory McIlroy heading down the 18th at TPC Sawgrass, Carens delivered a message that cut through pressure: “Let’s stay in the moment.”
This phrase was echoed on broadcast by Jim “Bones” Mackay and soon reverberated around the golf world. With composure restored, Spaun hit his second shot to within 30 feet of the pin, pars 17 and 18, and forced a Monday playoff. Spaun emphasized afterward how that reminder helped shift his mindset: “I just started committing to my shots and my swing and trusting it more,” saying he felt “tentative” early.
5. Beyond the Bag: Mentor, Ambassador & Strategist
Carens brings far more than yardages and club picks. His mentorship extends to off-course pressure, narrative-building, and representation. He’s part of the Ahead golf apparel ambassador team (alongside Spaun and stars like Billy Horschel and Justin Thomas) and appears in podcasts and commercials highlighting caddie voices.
His resume includes guiding Kim to victory at the 2017 Players Championship. An anecdote from that week: Carens recorded a phrase during a practice round–“two‑shot lead on the last”—and held that mindset week-long to help Kim secure the title. It’s this combination of mental clarity and calm guidance–reinforced during marathon road trips, high-stakes events, and even Augusta National preps–that defines his influence.
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