One of the clearest fairways of friendship can be found in the bond between Special Olympics Tennessee athlete Carter Cottrell and his caddie, Will Drumright. Not only are they coming off a successful run at the 2026 USA Games, but they also share one of the most meaningful connections.
Cottrell and Drumright met last October during Team Tennessee's training camp. While Cottrell has built years of experience with Special Olympics, beginning in 2019, Drumright was newer to the organization. Even so, Special Olympics has "always been a part of the life," Drumright explained. His aunt has deep roots with Special Olympics Tennessee, and his cousin, Matthew, has been an athlete for many years. Drumright recalled volunteering at events in high school and said he is grateful to now be involved on a more personal level.
Although Cottrell competes in several sports, he said his love for golf comes from family ties. "It's a whole family business," he said. After watching his family operate a golf course, he decided to give the sport a try. That decision eventually led him to compete on one of Special Olympics' biggest stages just over a month ago.
With Drumright's lifelong connection to the organization, he said his reason for coming back is rooted in the Athlete Oath: "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt." He simply described it as "a great thing for anybody." As he has learned the role of being a caddie, Drumright has found an even greater gift in his friendship with Cottrell.
When asked what he appreciates most about Drumright, Cottrell did not hesitate.
"He's a really good caddie. I like him. ... We're really good friends," he said before adding with a smile, "Me and him play video games a lot, like 24/7, nonstop."
Drumright laughed as he responded.
"[Cottrell] has inspired me to play way more video games. ... He and I have different versions of 24/7."
As they joked about video games, with Cottrell adding that "[Drumright] is the one who helps me get victories a lot in video games," it became clear their biggest victory is their friendship. Drumright said having a shared hobby has strengthened their bond. While talking about video games may seem funny, "it's allowed a way to communicate outside of golf. It's silly, but it matters."
The laughter soon gave way to heartfelt reflections as both shared what their friendship means to them.
He's one of my beyond favorite caddies. There's probably no other caddie I could choose.
Drumright echoed the sentiment.
"We've become close friends, and I'm lucky I get to be his caddie."
Drumright said the little victories are what matter most.
"The wins are different," he said. "The hugs are a lot bigger."
He said Cottrell has a unique ability to balance the competitive side of golf with the importance of community.
Reflecting on their friendship, Drumright said the greatest blessing was that "we got to become friends first."
Cottrell smiled and added, "I'm one of his friends, too."
Before the USA Games, Drumright texted a college golfer he had known for years to ask for last-minute advice. The response quickly put everything into perspective.
"You're a friend first and a caddie second."
Drumright said that reminder stayed with him throughout the week.
"A score will be a score, but we're going to do it as friends."
Not only have Cottrell and Drumright built an unbreakable friendship, but they have become like family. Cottrell was excited to share stories of the many times Drumright has joined the Cottrell family, while Will simply said, "Carter let me be a part of the family."
Together, their partnership extends far beyond the golf course.
"We go to the beat of our own drum, and we figure it out together," Drumright said.
Cottrell acknowledged that no friendship is perfect. Instead, it is the people who challenge you to be better that make you stronger. Drumright laughed as he recalled that Cottrell sometimes gets frustrated when he avoids talking about scores.
"Golf and competing are supposed to be fun. We're going to play well and have a blast doing it."
From Cottrell's perspective, "[Drumright] gives me tips... and cheers me on."
When asked about his favorite memory with Drumright, Cottrell did not choose one from the golf course. Instead, he reflected on the simple moments they shared during the USA Games.
"We took a sunset walk," he said.
To close their conversation, Drumright returned to the motto that has guided both of them throughout their journey.
Good swings lead to good things.
He explained that the phrase is about much more than golf.
"Golf is a tough game, especially on a tough course. It doesn't matter what we do. It matters that we do a good swing."
Ultimately, as Drumright put it, "the little wins really do go a long way." Whether on the golf course or in everyday life, every swing counts for something. Cottrell and Drumright have built a friendship rooted in trust, joy and encouragement, proving they are truly on par both on and off the course.