Collin Morikawa's Axed Caddie Lands on Ryder Cup Hopeful's Bag at Colonial
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
As expected, it didn't take long for JJ Jakovac to get a call from a PGA Tour player after parting ways with Collin Morikawa. Jakovac is at the Colonial Country Club, tending to Englishman Matt Wallace's bag.
However, this does not seem to be Jakovac's last port of call. The veteran caddie made that clear in a text message to Golfweek:
"No, just helping him out for one week. Still waiting for the right long-term opportunity."
Wallace is one of seven players tied for second place at 4-under after the first round of the Charles Schwab Challenge. The one-time PGA Tour winner has had a difficult season so far on the American-based circuit, but remains in contention to play in next September's Ryder Cup.
Caddie J.J. Jakovac on the second hole during the second round of the 2023 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 07, 2023 in Augusta, Georgia.
Caddie J.J. Jakovac on the second hole during the second round of the 2023 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 07, 2023 in Augusta, Georgia.He is currently ranked 10th in the list to make the European team for the biennial event. To include himself in the top 6 would allow him to qualify directly for the team, while finishing as close to that group as possible would increase his chances of being one of captain Luke Donald's six free picks.
To do so, the 35-year-old must improve his results on both the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour. He currently sits 237 points behind Justin Rose, who completes the top 6 on the standings.
Jakovac and Morikawa parted ways in early May, with the player stating that it was time to make changes to his team:
"Sometimes things just aren't feeling right...Sometimes, you know, on the golf course, things just don't feel right," Morikawa said at the time.
Player/caddie teams for Colonial! Too many different for the week to list really, but highlights stood out. JJ (former 'Kawa) back in the saddle with Matt Wallace. pic.twitter.com/tg7ZWcSBTz — John Rathouz (@Rathouz) May 21, 2025
Player and caddie had been together since Morikawa began his professional career in 2019. That means Jakovac was at his side during his six PGA Tour victories, including two major championships.
Morikawa and Jakovac's split was not the only one that occurred recently, as Max Homa also dispensed with the services of his long time caddie Joe Greiner. Coincidentally, Greiner went on to fill the vacancy that arose to man Morikawa's bag.
Homa now works with Bill Harke. According to the Golfweek report, other new player-caddie pairings on the PGA Tour include Cameron Young and Kyle Sterbinsky, Harry Hall and Henry Diana, and Ryo Hisatsune and Micah Fugitt.
The latter works regularly with Billy Horschel, who underwent hip surgery and will be out of competitive golf for most of the rest of the season.
More Golf: Charles Schwab Challenge: Scottie Scheffler Sends Direct Shot at LIV Golf
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