Why Did Collin Morikawa & Caddie J.J. Jakovac Split After 6 Years Together?

It’s always shocking when the partnership between a golfer and their caddie derails. Collin Morikawa and his longtime caddie, J.J. Jakovac, have parted ways after 6 years of partnership, marking a significant change for the golfer. According to sources, Joe Greiner will be taking over as Morikawa’s caddie, starting next week at The Truist Championship. This development comes as a surprise to many, given the success Morikawa and Jakovac have had together, including two major championship wins.

The news was broken on the Gravy & The Sleeze show on Sirius XM PGA Tour Radio, with Colt Knost sharing the information. As Colt Knost noted, “I wasn’t totally sold that this actually did happen because it’s just, it’s so shocking to me, but I did just get confirmation… Collin Morikawa and J.J., his longtime caddy, have parted ways. And we now have Joe Greiner, who was not unemployed for very long, picking up the bag for Colin Morikawa.”

Jakovac played an integral role in Collin Morikawa’s career, caddying for him since Morikawa turned pro. The partnership yielded impressive results, including two major championships and six PGA Tour wins, with Morikawa reaching as high as No. 2 in the world. Jakovac’s background in golf is impressive, with three-time All-American honors at Chico State and two NCAA Division II individual national titles.

Now, about his new bagman, Greiner brings experience, having worked with Max Homa to six wins, although the two parted ways last month. Greiner also stepped in to work with Justin Thomas at the Masters and the RBC Heritage, which Thomas won. Morikawa, currently ranked No. 4 in the world, has had a solid season with three top-10 finishes, but hasn’t won since the 2023 Zozo Championship. The sudden split has raised questions about what led to the decision and how Morikawa and Greiner will work together moving forward.

With Morikawa’s next tournament just around the corner, all eyes will be on the new partnership to see how they fare. The end to an amazing partnership also comes off as a surprise, considering just a month ago, the duo was thriving at THE PLAYERS Championship’s caddie competition.

J.J. Jakovac’s Hole-in-One Moment

J.J. Jakovac was right there by Collin Morikawa’s side during his breakout moment at the 2020 PGA Championship at TPC Harding Park. The duo stole the spotlight when Morikawa crushed a drive to set up a stunning eagle on the 16th hole—a clutch shot that sealed their first major win together and launched them into golf’s elite. Their partnership was already making headlines, but Jakovac wasn’t done stealing the show himself.

Then, the caddie made history with a hole-in-one on the iconic 17th hole. It was the first ace in the competition’s 26-year history. Jakovac’s pitching wedge shot from 131 yards landed 15 feet past the hole and spun back into the cup, sparking a chaotic and joyful scene among the caddies. As the excitement unfolded, fellow caddie Isaiah Salinda exclaimed, “Are you not entertained?” The moment was pure elation for Jakovac, who isn’t just an accomplished caddie but also a skilled golfer in his own right. Jakovac’s background in golf is impressive, having played collegiately at Cal State-Chico from 2000 to 2004 and winning two NCAA Division II titles individually.

The caddie competition, which raises money for ALS research in honor of Bruce Edwards, has become a cherished tradition, with the PGA TOUR matching donations made by caddies and players to charities of their choice and the Bruce Edwards Foundation.

Jakovac’s impressive feat was a testament to his enduring passion for golf. Although Sean McDonagh, caddying for Vincent Norrman, won the 2024 caddie competition with a shot to 2 feet, 1 inch, Jakovac’s dramatic ace stole the show. With his recent split from Morikawa, this memorable moment was the lasting highlight of their partnership, which did not last. Do you remember any amazing moments of the duo? Let us know in the comment section below!