After Missing Cut, Spevere Caddies for High School, College Mate Mallette

Ralph Spevere had an extra day after re-arranging his flight home to Chicago after missing the match-play cut in the 68th U.S. Senior Amateur by a stroke. So instead of lounging around the hotel or doing some sight-seeing around nearby Lake Tahoe, he put on a USGA bib and caddied for high school and college teammate, Jeff Mallette. The two attended Canton (Ohio) Central Catholic and Walsh College (now Walsh University) in North Canton, Ohio. Bob Huggins actually coached the basketball team there at one time. Mallette, who still resides in North Canton, advanced to the the Round of 32 with a 4-and-2 win on Monday. The two have known each other since the early 1980s, but this is the first time they’ve qualified for the same USGA championship. This is Mallette’s 14th start, while Spevere, who missed qualifying for the 2022 Senior Am by a stroke, made his maiden appearance. “I kind of coerced him,” said Mallette jokingly. “It’s always fun when you win,” said Spevere, who unfortunately won’t be back on Tuesday to assist his close friend. “I had four flights and I’ve canceled two of them.” Well, you know Spevere will be rooting his buddy on, even if it’s at 35,000 feet.