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This article was featured on ProRodeo.com (Thursday, October 28, 2004)

Workin' The Bag

Rodeo clown Damon Rogers is temporarily putting down the face paint in favor of a golf bag as he looks to lend some insight as a caddie for Champions Tour hopeful Benn Sledge

By Neil Reid
PSN Writer

Damon Rogers has worn a lot of hats in his time as an entertainer. The PRCA rodeo clown will soon take a break from his duties to caddie at the Champions Tour's regional qualifying tournament in his hometown of Austin, Texas.

Rogers, who is a scratch golfer, will trade in his spurs for golf shoes and work the bag for Champions Tour hopeful Benn Sledge (Overland Park, Kan.) at the four-day event (Nov. 2-5) at Falconhead Golf Club.

Rogers, 38, was called by friends at Falconhead Golf Club, his home course, and told of Sledge's need for an experienced caddie for the week and jumped at the chance. The two met last week and spent time getting to know each other on and off the golf course to prepare for the tournament. Sledge, who works for a hospital in Kansas, played college golf at Dekalb Community College in Georgia and Saint Bernard College in Alabama and has since won several club championships in Kansas.

"I'm really excited about his possibilities," said Rogers, who has worked more than 80 rodeos this year. "He's got a great mental game and manages his game real well. We're going to go have fun, and I believe we have a really good chance of qualifying. I'm going to be as much as an asset to him as I can be. It's a win-win situation as far as I'm concerned."

I was raised a cowboy, and how I got into the golf business, who knows, but I love it.

— Damon Rogers

Rogers' passion for golf has led him to caddying stints in qualifying events for the Champions Tour, which is for professional golfers age 50 and over, three previous times and even a PGA Tour event or two. He began pursuing a career as an assistant golf professional after taking a serious interest in the sport in 1986, but decided instead to fulfill his desire to be a performer and entertainer. The versatile Rogers also has spent time performing as a stand-up comedian and rock musician in addition to being a professional rodeo clown.

"I knew that my calling wasn't going to be sitting behind a counter selling golf shirts," Rogers said. "I love to entertain and see people have fun because of what I'm able to give them. There's no greater feeling for me than looking up in the stands and seeing someone having a good time because of what I'm able to give them. I get the same satisfaction by puring a 4-iron right at the flag from 209 yards."

Caddying in the Champions Tour qualifier suits Rogers' passion for the game and will give him a unique opportunity to take a break from the rodeo arenas he performs in throughout the year. He sees many similarities between the rodeo and golf worlds, which are part of what draws him to each sport.

"There are lots of similarities throughout the sports, be it mental, personal or the practical application of both," Rogers said. "As far as competition goes, it's the golfer against the golf course, just like it's the cowboy against the bull or horse. I was raised a cowboy, and how I got into the golf business, who knows, but I love it."

The Austin, Texas, qualifier is one of four regional qualifiers across the country. Rogers will be doing his best to help Sledge battle his way to the Champions Tour Final Qualifying Tournament (Nov. 17-22) at The King & The Bear course at the World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Fla.

"It's a blessing to have him be there, and he's a major asset for me," Sledge said. "Our personalities fit very well; he's a talker and I'm a thinker. We know how each other plays the game, so when he's telling me what he would do in a situation, I know what he's thinking. I think I've got just as good a chance as anybody else that's going to be there. I'm going to listen to what he says and plan my game plan based on what he tells me, so it should be good."

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Check out some snapshots from the Champions Tour Qualifier!

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