New Partnership Forms After Recent Shake-ups on Tour

A significant shake-up has occurred in the caddie world as two-time major champion Collin Morikawa has parted ways with JJ Jakovac, the only caddie he’s had since turning professional in 2019. In his place, Morikawa has hired veteran looper Joe Greiner, who recently worked with Justin Thomas during his victory at the RBC Heritage.

The surprising move, first reported by CBS golf commentator and former PGA Tour professional Colt Knost on SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio, ends a highly successful six-year partnership that produced six PGA Tour victories, including the 2020 PGA Championship and 2021 Open Championship.

“When we first heard this, I thought there’s no way this is happening,” Knost said on his radio show.

Recent Success Despite Winless Stretch

Despite not winning since the 2023 Zozo Championship in Japan, Morikawa has maintained strong form in 2025, currently ranking fourth in the world. He’s recorded two runner-up finishes this season – at the season-opening Sentry Tournament and the Arnold Palmer Invitational, where he held the lead late in the final round before Russell Henley’s dramatic chip-in eagle at the 16th.

Morikawa also finished T10 at The Players Championship and T14 at the Masters, making the split with Jakovac even more unexpected. The duo’s final tournament together resulted in a missed cut alongside Kurt Kitayama at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans.

Greiner’s Recent Journey

Greiner becomes available after his own surprising split with longtime friend and employer Max Homa earlier this month. According to Homa, who addressed the situation at the Masters, it was Greiner’s decision to end their partnership, which had yielded six PGA Tour victories.

After parting with Homa, Greiner stepped in as a temporary replacement for Justin Thomas while Thomas’s regular caddie, Matt Minister, recovered from a back injury. The temporary pairing proved immediately successful, with Thomas capturing the RBC Heritage for his first win in three years.

Looking Ahead

Morikawa and Greiner’s first tournament together will be next week’s Truist Championship at Philadelphia Cricket Club, giving them just one event to build chemistry before the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow the following week.

The venue could prove advantageous for the new partnership, as Greiner caddied for Homa in two victories at Quail Hollow, potentially providing valuable course knowledge as Morikawa seeks his third major championship.

Jakovac, a former NCAA Division II individual champion and three-time All-American at Chico State, had been with Morikawa since sending an email to his management team before he turned professional. Prior to working with Morikawa, Jakovac had caddied for Matt Bettencourt, Peter Tomasulo, and Ryan Moore.