The world of golf knows well the impact of a caddie on a player’s career. A perfect example of this can be seen in the story of French professional golfer, Matthieu Pavon. His career took an upward trajectory in 2024, after he paired up with his new caddie, Mark Sherwood. This partnership resulted in Pavon’s first win at the PGA Tour in the same year, at the Farmers Insurance Open. This historic victory not only brought Pavon into the limelight but also made him the first French golfer to achieve such a feat. However, the man behind this success, Mark Sherwood, remained relatively unknown. This is his story.
Mark Sherwood, fondly known as ‘Woody’, came into Pavon’s life at a crucial juncture. While Pavon had a respectable career with his previous caddie, Basile Dalberto, tallying 16 top-10 finishes, a PGA win eluded him. Sherwood’s entry into the scene in September 2023 brought a refreshing change, as Pavon’s ranking catapulted into the top 100 shortly after their partnership began.
In 2024 alone, the pair clinched victories at the DP World Tour and the PGA Tour. Their triumph at the Spanish Open marked their third outing together. While these wins were significant, their victory at the PGA Tour was nothing short of a nail-biter.
At a crucial juncture during the PGA Tour, Sherwood suggested a less risky par putt, while Pavon leaned towards a more aggressive approach. The duo eventually found a middle ground which, as Pavon later shared, was an essential factor in their victory. This instance offered a glimpse into the trust between Pavon and Sherwood that ultimately boosted Pavon’s confidence.
After their victory at the PGA Tour, the duo’s career graph took a steep climb. They secured a place in the Players Championship and the Masters in 2024. Furthermore, they also recorded impressive finishes at the Pebble Beach, Travelers Championship, Tour Championship, and the Hero World Challenge.
However, Sherwood is more than just a successful caddie. Away from the course, he is a thrill-seeker and an avid traveler who enjoys cycling. His adventurous streak took him on a trek to the Everest Base Camp in Nepal, which he shared with his followers on social media.
Sherwood combines his love for adventure with philanthropy. In 2016, before partnering with Pavon, Sherwood embarked on a fundraising trek to the Himalayas while caddying for Fisher. Along with his partner, John Warren, they raised a significant amount for a local charity. Sherwood’s philanthropic efforts are driven by personal connections, as shared in an interview with the Wiltshire Times.
As the duo gears up for the 2025 schedule, they continue to make strides towards securing their second PGA Tour victory. Following the second round of the ongoing Cognizant Classic, Pavon ranks at T2, raising hopes for another win for the pair. Will they clinch their second win at the PGA Tour? Only time will tell.
