WEST LAFAYETTE ― The IHSAA boys golf regional round at Coyote Crossing had a special four-legged pal adorning a dark blue cap and shirt, waddling between courses.
Providing kisses for fans, pets for anxious parents and smiles for players was 2-in-a-half year old Labradoodle named Wilkin, being walked or carried in a baby pouch by his mom Angie Frizzell.
“He forgot his rain suit,” Central Catholic parent Lindsey Hendress Jones quipped. “I think there should be more dogs at sporting events.”
Wilkin isn’t just your average pup. He’s in training to become a service dog and is owned by DP Tour golfer Dale Whitnell. Whitnell pulled the rare feat of sinking two hole-in-ones in the same round during the South African Open on Feb. 25, 2025.
Wilkin has become a feature and traveling partner of his human dad at golf events and has travelled to Canada, Northern Ireland, France, England and Scotland.
So what was the famed Wilkin, who lives in Florida, doing in West Lafayette? Supporting Frizzell’s nephew John Amt, a senior at Brownsburg who is committed to playing golf at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.
“He’s definitely helps the players relax when they are on the tour,” Frizzell said. “My husband ― given the fact he’s a professional golfer, we need someone who can travel with us. Be a mascot and be there for the guys.”
The floppy ears, soft brown eyes and minimal barking made Wilkin a polite and welcomed companion for those experiencing the anxiousness and nerves of the regional championship, the final tournament before the IHSAA state championship at Prairie View Golf Club in Carmel next Tuesday and Wednesday, June 17-18.
Jones’ son, William, was paired with Amt and got to follow Wilkin around.
“Just seeing a dog is relaxing for the players and for the parents, everyone wants to pet him,” Jones said. “I think it’s a good thing for everyone I think.”
Ethan Hanson is the sports reporter for the Journal & Courier in Lafayette. He can be reached at ehanson@jconline.com, on Twitter at EthanAHanson and Instagram at ethan_a_hanson.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Good boy! World-traveled labradoodle graces boys golf regional in West Lafayette
Reporting by Ethan Hanson, Lafayette Journal & Courier / Lafayette Journal & Courier
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