Drohen to caddy for

brother in Mass Am

Wednesday July 15, 2009, 7:44 PM

By JUSTIN RICE

BROOKLINE - Even though Andy Drohen of Granville lost in the round of 32 at the Massachusetts Amateur Golf Championship Wednesday, he will still walk the fairways at today's quarterfinals at The Country Club.

Drohen, 40, who plays out of Crestview Country Club in Agawam, will caddie for his younger brother Bill Drohen. Bill was on his older brother's bag when Andy won the state amateur in 2003, the last time The Country Club hosted the event.

Ryan Riley of Norton Country Club defeated Andy Drohen 6 and 5 in the round of 32.

"Maybe I can return the favor and get on his bag," Andy said. "I don't want to mess up his karma, but I'd definitely get on the straps if he needs a guy."

After beating Taylor Fontaine 2 and 1, Bill Drohen, 36, a Stoughton resident who plays out of Bradford Country Club, said he hasn't had a consistent caddie to this point of the tournament and doesn't plan to change that trend today when he takes on defending champion John Hadges.

"This is the third day I played and the third caddie I've had," said Bill, who defeated Devin Russell 2 and 1 in the Round of 32. "I think he (Andy) owes me a couple good loops.

"We work great together. Hey, we won this thing before, didn't we? But you need to be on your game and make the shots."

The only other Western Massachusetts player in match play was No. 11 seed Ronald Laverdiere of Crumpin-Fox Club in Bernardston. Laverdiere fell 2 and 1 to No. 22 Scott Congdon.

After shooting a 5-over-par 147 through two days of stroke play (the same score as his brother), Andy Drohen captured the No. 14 seed in match play before losing to Riley. His brother secured the No. 13 seed.

"I left the week open hoping I would get farther, so I'm available, Andy, a rep for a fertilizer company, said of working his brother's bag.

Bill said Andy will not only help with course management, but also help keep his head cool in the heat of competition.

"When I watched him play (here in 2003), he was just so cool," Bill said. "He didn't seem that nervous. I've never seen anyone that focused. I like to chat with the gallery and the crowd. He's all about getting the job done."

While Andy hasn't played more than two days in a row since having shoulder surgery in December, he was glad to see his brother play well after struggling with his swing and his mental edge the last two years.

"I can't think about it, it's so emotional," said Bill, who has played in 10 state amateur, including three semifinal losses, said of winning Friday's final round. "It was hard to fight back tears coming off the 18th (today). It was very emotional, especially being back here and everything we've gone through."