Golf -- Price's Caddy Has Leukemia

LEMONT, Ill. - One of golf's best-known caddies, Jeff "Squeeky" Medlen, has been diagnosed with leukemia.

Medlen, 42, who caddies for Nick Price, told the golfer the bad news before Friday's second round of the Western Open.

"Golf's just secondary right now," said Price, the 1993 and 1994 Western Open champion who stood at 3-under 213, 12 strokes behind leader Steve Stricker, after shooting a 73 yesterday. "It's not the most important thing. I just want Squeeky to get better."

Medlen said he would continue to work for Price as long as he has the strength.

Medlen, whose nickname describes his high-pitched voice, first achieved celebrity status in 1991 when Price skipped the PGA for the birth of his son Gregory and Squeeky spent the week carrying the bag for an unknown named John Daly.

The long-hitting Daly won the tournament despite never having seen the Crooked Stick course until teeing it up for the first round, relying heavily on Medlen's knowledge of the layout.

Celebrity caddy

Squeeky became a celebrity in his own right in 1995 as Price won six tournaments, including the British Open and the PGA, on the way to being selected player of the year.

Medlen began caddying on the LPGA tour in 1984 and moved to the PGA Tour in 1985. He worked for John Mahaffey for the first 1 1/2 years, caddied for Fred Couples for two seasons and also worked with Steve Jones and Jeff Sluman.

He hooked up with Price when Price's longtime caddy decided to go home to Ireland.