Colorful Caddie Loses Battle With Leukemia At Age 43

Jeff “Squeeky” Medlen, the wiry man with the high-pitched voice who carried Nick Price’s bag to victory in the British Open and two PGA Championships, died less than a year after being diagnosed with leukemia. He was 43.

Medlen died Monday night at his home in Ohio, representatives for Price said Tuesday.

“Squeek was more than a friend to me,” Price said in a statement. “He was a part of my family. He was a huge part of my success and I will always be grateful for his loyalty and devotion.”

Players and fellow caddies showed their support for Medlen during his illness by wearing green ribbons containing the word “Squeeky.”

Medlen was diagnosed with chronic myelogenus leukemia last July and told Price about his illness before the second round of the Western Open.

“I will forever cherish the time, the triumphs and the laughs we shared,” Price said Tuesday.

“Golf has lost one of its colorful characters.”

Medlen became a celebrity in his own right in 1994 as Price won six tournaments, including the British Open and the PGA, on the way to being selected player of the year. Price also won the 1992 PGA.

Medlen began caddying on the LPGA tour in 1984 and moved to the PGA Tour in 1985.