Alexa Pano, one of the most experienced and talented young players on the LPGA Tour, is sweeping the golf world. The American sensation, who is only 19 years old, has already set many records and won her first professional event at the 2023 ISPS Handa World Invitational. With the win, Pano proved she could compete at the top levels of the sport regularly. Breaking down age barriers has been a defining feature of her productive career.

However, her triumphs would not have been possible without the constant support of her father and caddy, Rick Pano. Even though Alexa has always had exceptional golf skills, Rick’s support as a coach, mentor, and greatest admirer has been crucial in helping her realize her potential.

Rick Pano: The man behind the player

Rick Pano was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on May 12, 1972. Following graduation from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a degree in business, he started working for a lighting firm in sales and management.

Rick immediately rose through the ranks, demonstrating his aptitude for leadership, and he became the President of American Lighting Management. He worked for more than 15 years in the lighting sector, gaining expertise in team management, operations, and finance that would come in handy when his daughter’s golf career took off.

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Rick’s life took an unexpected turn in 2004 when he gave birth to a little girl named Alexa Pano. Rick took up the role of primary guardian for her after her parents divorced when she was still a newborn. Rick left his corporate career behind to raise the child alone in their Lake Worth Beach, Florida, home.

Caddying and coaching young Alexa Pano

Rick knew he had found his true calling when his 5-year-old daughter picked up the clubs and started playing golf. From the time that young Alexa Pano showed any promise, Rick decided to put himself into helping her improve her golf talents. He studied everything he could about golf, including coaching practices, swing mechanics, and course management. He did this since he had never played the game before and wanted to familiarize himself with the sport.

The duo’s early bonding moments mainly happened on the greens. Rick helped his daughter improve as her coach and as her caddie. Talking about her dad and his support, Alexa Pano said, “My dad has been there for me every step of the way. He’s not just my caddie or my coach, but my best friend and biggest supporter.”

Her father was present with her when she played at the 2016 Yonex Ladies Open, her first-ever PGA Tour of Japan game at the age of 11, and when she participated in the 2018 Thornberry Creek LPGA Classic, her first-ever LPGA Tour tournament at the age of 13.

He carried her bag when she became the youngest challenger to ever qualify for the U.S. Women’s Open in 2019 and won the 2018 Junior Ryder Cup for Team USA. Rick’s finest moment was caddying for his daughter at the 2019 Augusta National Women’s Amateur, where the dad-daughter combo achieved Alexa Pano’s lifelong dream of competing at Augusta National.

Rick’s impact on his daughter’s life extends beyond the greens. He has consistently provided her with emotional support and advice. He has also been a trustworthy confidant to his daughter.

Pano family loves golf

Golf is something that the entire Pano family loves. Despite his daughter Alexa Pano’s status as a top professional, Rick enjoys playing recreationally with her. Together, they have often been seen playing in friendly competitions. Mason, Alexa Pano’s younger half-brother has benefited from their love of the game. Ten-year-old Mason is already showing promise in the junior golf scene.

As Alexa chases her dreams of competing on the LPGA Tour, she can find comfort in knowing that her father, Rick, will always be her greatest ally and source of unwavering love and affection. Their bond is surely the driving force behind this rising star’s incredible journey.