Former Jackson State golfer A.J. Montecinos found God and then success

Former Jackson State golfer AJ Montecinos is in the Jackson State Athletic Hall of Fame (2018), but the career he has now is not what he envisioned coming out of college.

After college, Montecinos said he always wanted to play on the PGA Tour, but was not good enough. One night Montecinos said he was on his floor crying, asking God what he wanted him to do with his life. The only words he saw were from the Joel Osteen book he was reading at the time: “If you want your own dreams to come true, help somebody else pursue theirs.”

He called Tim O’Neal, a college teammate at JSU then competing on the Nationwide Tour, and became his caddie.

One of the biggest highlights of Montecinos' career since was being on the bag for Y.E. Yang when Yang took Tiger Woods down to win his first major at the 91st PGA Championship at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota, in 2009. Yang overcame a two-shot deficit going into the final round to beat Woods by three strokes. Woods and Yang played the final round together.

This week, Montecinos is at his favorite golf course, Augusta National, getting ready for the Masters. Montecinos has been caddying on the PGA Tour since 2009.

Montecinos talked with the Clarion-Ledger about life on the tour and what it's like to compete at the Masters.

Clarion Ledger: What is the week of the Masters like?

AJ Montecinos: We have already played a practice round there last week. I caddie for Adam Svensson. On Monday, we will play a practice round with Vijay Singh. Tuesday, we will play another nine holes and then Wednesday, we’ll do the par-3 contest and Thursday it starts.

CL: Of the four majors, where does the Masters rank?

AM: It is the creme de la creme. It’s the pinnacle of golf, in my opinion. It is unlike any place you have ever been.  There is not a blade of grass out of place. In 2009, my player, Y.E. Yang, allowed me to bring my father. To be able to experience that with my dad is really special. My dad said he cried when he walked onto the course.

CL: Why do you like being a caddie?

AM: I figured if Jesus could walk this earth as a servant, so can I. It makes all the difference in the world, who you work for. It’s like a marriage. I am working for Adam Svensson, and he’s a great kid. Being inside the ropes coming down the stretch in the hunt when you are staring down Tiger Woods or the best players in the world, that is something I was raised to do. I just knew I was in my element, and I was in the right spot.

CL: What is your job on the bag?

AM: I wear about 15-20 hats everyday. I’m a mother, a brother, a preacher, a psychologist and life coach. All of the above.

CL: How do you keep your guy in the game after he hits a bad shot?

AM: You have to know your guy, and what to say at the right time. You watch his body language, watch what he says and how he is moving. That's what a great caddie is, knowing what to say at the right time and knowing when to shut up.

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CL: Do you have to be in shape as a caddie?

AM: Walking up and down hills carrying a 50-pound bag for 18 holes. What do you think?

CL: What's your best memory on the PGA Tour?

AM: I’ve had a lot of great ones. Definitely staring down Tiger Woods at a major is something that stands at the top. It was something I will never forget. It was not just for me. It was for all of the sacrifices that my dad and mom made. That my family made to help me. It was extremely humbling and satisfying. It’s part of history. We’re part of history, and no one can ever take that away from us.

CL: The Masters is unlike anything you have experienced in golf?

AM: The Masters is unlike anything you have ever experienced in life. It will take your breath away.

CL: Any memories of Jackson State?

AM: I love Coach (Eddie) Payton with all of my heart. He was like a second father to me. He made sure I was taken care of while I was at Jackson State.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Former Jackson State golfer A.J. Montecinos found God and then success