Jordan Spieth might have to take the trip to Aronimink Golf Club next week without his favorite bagman. Michael Greller has been his caddie ever since he turned pro in 2012. A former math teacher himself, Greller always had the perfect formula to resolve all of Spieth’s problems. However, he miscalculated a major life decision that seems to have led to him needing knee braces.

Reportedly, Greller was seen with a brace on his right knee at Quail Hollow. It has been a couple of weeks since he was first seen with it. It’s not immediately clear if Greller has sustained any injury, but long walks on the course might worsen the condition, with a forced time-out between Spieth and Greller a possibility. That is concerning because Greller plays a vital role in Spieth’s team.

He has seen the 32-year-old win all of his 13 PGA Tour titles. Fans are aware that the veteran caddie brings his calming influence to Spieth’s high-energy and ‘Spieth-coaster’ emotional style of play. He’s also an expert counsel on the golf course and helps the three-time major winner through some of the toughest challenges. Although nothing is yet confirmed, if this is anything like the ankle injury he sustained in 2016, then fans might not see Greller accompanying Spieth to the fairway for a round or two of the major.

In 2016, Greller had to take a break from caddying with Spieth’s agent, Jay Danzi, filling in his shoes. That was the Singapore Open. But this will be a major, which makes the matter all the more important. Players, without their trusted caddies, often suffer on a new course. Take Scottie Scheffler, for example.

In 2024, at the height of his sheer dominance, the World No. 1 arrived at Valhalla for the 2024 PGA Championship. He opened with a round of 67 and then shot 66 the next day, despite getting arrested in the early morning. The very next day, Scott wasn’t in Scheffler’s bag as he went to attend his daughter’s graduation. How did Scheffler do?

Well, with Brad Payne in his bag instead of Scott, Scheffler shot 73 on Saturday. That was significant because before that fateful Saturday, Scheffler had a streak of 42 consecutive under-par rounds. That, quite clearly, showed that caddies are important even if you are at the top of your game. With Ted Scott back the next day, Scheffler again carded an under-par round. For Spieth, the 2026 PGA Championship is even more important.

The three-time major winner might be in desperate need of his trusted partner-in-crime at Aronimink Golf Club, because he is playing the one major he has yet to conquer. His best finish was a second place in 2015. However, the PGA Championship is the only title that keeps him away from achieving the career Grand Slam. Without Greller, the mountainous task would seem even harder.

Spieth and Greller share more of a friendly relationship rather than just being two professionals on the course. Their conversation, which hot-mic picks up are often hilarious with Greller sometimes being puzzled at his employer’s quirky strategies. They have had their moments of anger, which unfolded in full public view.

“Two perfect shots there, Michael. You got me one in the water and one over the green,” Spieth was heard voicing his anger to Greller during the 2019 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach. Much was made of it, with some reports suggesting a frosty relationship and potential split. Both Spieth and Greller, however, downplayed the moment.

“What exchange? What did he say? I don’t remember.” Greller told ESPN after the round.

The partnership hasn’t ended, and Greller continues to help Spieth navigate tough courses and the labyrinth of his own mind. That said, it’s not just Spieth who benefits from Greller’s expertise on the golf course.

Jordan Spieth’s caddie comes to Rickie Fowler’s rescue

Talk about being aware of your surroundings!

Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler were playing the final round of the inaugural Cadillac Championship in the same group. When they reached the 17th hole, the orange man shot his ball into the rough. While trying to look for the short grass again, he noticed that his ball had moved.

Afraid that he had committed a foul, Fowler called upon the officials. They were discussing a possible penalty for the 37-year-old when Michael Grellar interrupted their conversation. Because things seemed quite different from his perspective.

He told the official that Fowler had his club in the air and couldn’t have caused the movement. That saved him from getting penalized for something he was unaware of. Had it not been for Greller’s keen eye, Fowler would have finished 11 positions below where he ended up.

Judging by Fowler’s experience, it’s not just Spieth who might miss Greller on the fairway next week. Other golfers might also share the same sentiment.