Collin Morikawa embarks on this new chapter with Joe Greiner, the potential is undeniable. They are two professionals who are deeply committed to improvement, grounded in humility, and focused on the long game
In many ways, Morikawa’s situation mirrors what countless elite athletes face at some point—an inflection point.
The talent is unquestionable, but the direction is murky. The Rocket Mortgage Classic is not a major, but for Morikawa, it might be the most pivotal event of his 2025 season.
Will K.K. Limbhasut provide the spark he’s looking for? Or will this be remembered as another questionable move during a challenging chapter?
Whatever happens, one thing is certain: Collin Morikawa will have the golf world’s full attention in Detroit.
While nothing is guaranteed in golf—especially at the elite level—this new pairing seems built for success. With a refreshed mindset, an experienced caddie, and major championship ambitions, Morikawa looks poised to make a serious run in 2025.
Whether or not it results in more hardware this season remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the Morikawa-Greiner duo has all the ingredients to become one of the next great partnerships in golf.
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Table of Contents
Joe Greiner: Controversy Ahead of Rocket Mortgage Classic
A Familiar Name in Unfamiliar Territory
Just hours before teeing off at the Rocket Mortgage Classic, Collin Morikawa has taken center stage—not for his swing, but for a surprising off-course decision.1
The six-time PGA Tour champion announced a sudden split from caddie Joe Greiner, with whom he had worked for just two months.
This marks Morikawa’s second caddie change in a short span, and the timing—on the eve of a major PGA Tour event—has ignited heated debates among fans and pundits alike.
The decision was revealed in low-key fashion but quickly gained traction on social media after NUCLR GOLF posted the news on X (formerly Twitter).
As reactions flooded in, one thing became clear: Morikawa’s latest move is raising serious questions about the trajectory of his career.
I guess they moved to Virginia and out of Valencia! @dylanjha @maxhoma23 @johnnymac254 pic.twitter.com/R34VTFCOD8
— joe greiner (@GreinerJoe) August 1, 2015
A Look at Morikawa’s Caddie Carousel
- Caddies may be seen as background figures, but in professional golf, they’re instrumental to a player’s rhythm and mental state.
- Morikawa had previously ended a long-term partnership with J.J. Jakovac, the man who stood beside him through his major championship victories.
- The split with Jakovac was surprising, but many viewed it as a calculated attempt to reset his career.
- In stepped Joe Greiner, known for his long-time partnership with Max Homa.
- Greiner and Morikawa teamed up at the end of April, and while the results were not headline-grabbing, they were consistent: T17, T50, T20, T23, and T42.
- Morikawa made the cut in all five appearances with Greiner on the bag—hardly a failure by any standard.
- Still, for reasons yet to be made public, Morikawa chose to sever ties with Greiner just before the Rocket Mortgage Classic. In his place steps K.K. Limbhasut, Morikawa’s former teammate at the University of California, Berkeley.
- Limbhasut, a Korn Ferry Tour player, now faces the pressure of helping his friend navigate out of a professional slump.
Joe Greiner: Social Media Reacts
Praise, Criticism, and Everything In Between
As soon as the news broke, fans took to social media to voice their opinions—and they didn’t hold back.2
Under the Fore Play Pod’s repost of NUCLR GOLF’s tweet, reactions ranged from disappointment to outright ridicule.
“There comes a point where it’s YOU, not the caddie,” one fan wrote.
“At some point, you’d think he would start to look in the mirror and realize maybe he is the problem,” said another.
“Morikawa will never win a tournament again,” a third commenter declared.
These reactions suggest a growing sentiment that Morikawa may be chasing quick fixes rather than addressing deeper issues in his game.
In a sport where confidence and consistency reign supreme, switching caddies mid-season—twice—is bound to rattle some cages.
The Mental Game: Is Morikawa Searching for Stability?
Golf is as much mental warfare as it is physical execution. Morikawa’s decision may indicate a desire for comfort over strategy. By choosing Limbhasut—a trusted friend—he could be seeking emotional steadiness during a tough stretch in his career.
While it’s true that familiarity can breed better communication and calm under pressure, critics argue that this move reeks of desperation.
Caddie changes are usually strategic, meant to spark performance improvements. But bringing in someone with limited PGA Tour caddying experience might not yield the results Morikawa needs right now.
This is especially puzzling considering that Greiner is no slouch. He helped Max Homa to multiple wins and has a reputation for being one of the Tour’s most insightful caddies. Ending that partnership without any major controversy has only added fuel to the fire.
Is Morikawa at a Career Crossroads?
At just 27 years old, Morikawa has already achieved what many golfers dream of: major wins, international acclaim, and a spot among the game’s elite. But the post-COVID era of golf has seen him struggle with consistency. The flashes of brilliance are still there, but they’re fleeting—too inconsistent for a player once hailed as the “next great thing.”
With a winless streak stretching back to October 2023, Morikawa’s confidence may be dwindling. And while the numbers from his recent finishes with Greiner are respectable, they don’t reflect the dominance we once saw in him.
The Rocket Mortgage Classic, therefore, carries added weight—not just for his FedExCup points, but for public perception. A poor finish this weekend, especially with a new caddie, will only amplify the scrutiny surrounding his decisions.
What the Limbhasut Partnership Could Mean
Bringing on K.K. Limbhasut is a wildcard move. The two share a strong bond from their Cal days, and that could create a relaxed, pressure-free environment. Limbhasut knows Morikawa’s game inside and out, which could prove valuable.
But professional golf is a different beast. Limbhasut’s Korn Ferry Tour experience may not prepare him for the intense pressure and course management demands of PGA Tour events.
Whether this friendship-based hire becomes a short-term emotional buffer or a long-term solution remains to be seen.
In many ways, this decision will be judged by results. If Morikawa climbs the leaderboard in Detroit, critics may soften. But if the pattern of underwhelming finishes continues, the calls for introspection will grow louder.
Joe Greiner: Fan Loyalty on Shaky Ground
It’s not often that fans turn on a beloved player, but Morikawa is beginning to feel that shift.3
His popularity skyrocketed after his PGA Championship and Open Championship wins, but that goodwill is wearing thin.
Some fans feel he’s lost the edge that made him special. Others see the frequent changes around him—caddies, coaches, even his swing— as signs of a player searching for answers in the wrong places. The candid criticism online reflects this disappointment.
What makes it worse is the lack of communication. Morikawa hasn’t publicly addressed the reason behind the split with Greiner, which has only fueled speculation. In an era of transparency, silence can sometimes hurt more than honesty.
What Comes Next?
As the Rocket Mortgage Classic looms, all eyes will be on Morikawa—not just for his scorecard, but for his body language, decision-making, and how he interacts with his new caddie.
This tournament could mark the beginning of a new chapter or signal a deeper spiral.
He still has time to turn things around. Golf careers are long, and slumps are common. But the key lies in understanding whether these decisions are rooted in growth or avoidance.
The caddie is an important part of the equation, but ultimately, it’s the player who must execute.
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Collin Morikawa and Joe Greiner: New Chapter Ahead of the U.S. Open
Collin Morikawa is a name that resonates with excellence and consistency on the PGA Tour. A two-time major champion before the age of 25, Morikawa has become one of the most reliable ball strikers in professional golf.
However, even the best in the world look for ways to improve. That pursuit of perfection recently led Morikawa to make a significant change to his inner circle—by hiring Joe Greiner, longtime caddie of fellow PGA Tour star Max Homa.
Ahead of the 2025 U.S. Open, Morikawa gave a rare and candid insight into his thoughts about the future, the lessons he’s learning, and how Greiner fits into the big picture.
The chemistry between player and caddie is often an underrated part of a golfer’s success, but in Morikawa’s eyes, this partnership could be the spark that ignites his next great run.
The Context Behind the Change
Joe Greiner parted ways with Max Homa earlier in the season, ending one of the most productive player-caddie relationships on tour.
Greiner had been on the bag for each of Homa’s six PGA Tour victories and had become one of the most respected caddies in the game, known for his emotional steadiness, strategic clarity, and sharp course management.
Meanwhile, Morikawa had been evaluating his own team. Despite multiple top-10 finishes and a win at the 2023 Zozo Championship, he hadn’t quite found the consistency or dominance that marked his breakout years. The decision to bring in Greiner was not made lightly—but it was clearly one with long-term vision.
“We’re always willing to learn,” Morikawa said during a press conference at the Philadelphia Cricket Club last month. “How do we get better? It’s always pushing the boundaries.”
Joe Greiner’s Experience Could Be a Game-Changer
Joe Greiner isn’t just another caddie. His experience under pressure—especially during final rounds and major tournaments—could prove invaluable to Morikawa.
Greiner has walked every type of golf course, faced every kind of competitive scenario, and served as both motivator and strategist. He’s helped navigate windy conditions, tough greens, and high-stakes Sunday back nines.
Morikawa already has all the physical tools necessary to contend at any major. With Greiner’s guidance, he now has another high-IQ voice in his ear to assist in decision-making, club selection, and the mental aspect of the game.
Chemistry is Key: Early Signs Are Encouraging
In any new caddie-player relationship, there’s an adjustment period. But Morikawa and Greiner appear to have clicked quickly. Their communication, mutual respect, and aligned goals have made for a smooth transition.
The early signs at the Truist Championship—where Morikawa spoke about the dynamic—were promising. Even though it was only their first outing together, Morikawa seemed energized, more focused, and optimistic about the road ahead.
“There’s a lot of trust,” he said. “And we’re on the same page in how we view the game.”
This harmony is crucial, especially with the U.S. Open looming—a tournament known for its grueling setups, punishing rough, and precise shot-making demands.
The Road Ahead: U.S. Open and Beyond
Morikawa will tee it up at the Detroit Golf Club on June 26 for his 13th start of the season.
But all eyes are looking ahead to the U.S. Open, one of the most challenging tests in golf. With Greiner on the bag, Morikawa’s chances look more formidable than ever.
At this stage in his career, Morikawa isn’t just chasing wins—he’s chasing greatness. Another major would push him into a different tier historically, and he knows the margins are razor-thin at that level. Having the right voice in his ear could be the difference between a top-10 and a trophy.
What Makes a Great Caddie-Player Relationship?
While fans often focus on the golfer, the caddie’s role is deeply impactful. A great caddie knows how to read the moment—when to speak, when to stay silent, and when to push. They track yardages, read greens, manage wind, and help manage emotions under pressure.
Greiner excels in all these areas. And Morikawa, already one of the sharpest minds on tour, benefits from someone who can reinforce his strengths and help temper the occasional doubts.
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