Will Gordon’s Secret Weapon? The Truth About His Caddie Might Surprise You

Will Gordon and the Man Behind the Bag

A Deep Dive into His 2025 Rocket Classic Caddie Story

Will Gordon’s impressive performance at the 2025 Rocket Classic, especially his clutch birdie on the final hole to retain his PGA Tour card, has generated buzz throughout the golf community.¹

But as the 28-year-old American continues to make headlines, attention has also turned to the people working behind the scenes—especially his caddie. In a game as mentally and physically demanding as golf, the role of a caddie is often underestimated.

For Gordon, who’s had an up-and-down season sprinkled with flashes of brilliance, having the right partner on the bag could be key to unlocking long-term success.

Let’s take a closer look at the recent developments in Will Gordon’s caddie relationships, his partnership with Ryan Kirk, and what that tells us about Gordon’s journey and aspirations on the PGA Tour.

A Crucial Birdie in Detroit: The Turning Point

The 2025 Rocket Classic proved to be a high-stakes tournament for Gordon, as he faced the pressure of retaining his PGA Tour card. Heading into the final hole, he needed a birdie—nothing less—to make the cut.

With ice in his veins and nerves of steel, Gordon drained the crucial birdie putt, ensuring his place for the rest of the PGA Tour season.

This moment wasn’t just about golf—it was a reflection of resilience, mental toughness, and the strength of the player-caddie relationship.

Every decision, club selection, and read of the green had been carefully discussed with his caddie. This wasn’t just Gordon’s win; it was a team triumph.

Ryan Kirk: The Caddie at the 2025 Rocket Classic

According to the Caddie Network, Will Gordon had Ryan Kirk on the bag during the 2025 Rocket Classic.

Kirk may not be a household name in the caddying world yet, but he has been steadily building a reputation for his calm demeanor, sharp eye for reading greens, and ability to maintain clear communication with his golfer—key traits that complement Gordon’s aggressive, big-hitting style.

Kirk and Gordon’s partnership appears to be a developing one, forged perhaps out of necessity but grounded in mutual trust.

Their collaboration during the Rocket Classic was evident—Kirk’s quiet guidance allowed Gordon to stay focused and confident under intense pressure.

The Pro-Am Exception: Carrying His Own Bag

Interestingly, Will Gordon has occasionally been seen carrying his own bag during pro-am events like the Frederica Cup. While unusual for a touring pro, this shows Gordon’s humble attitude and self-sufficiency.

These solo rounds offer him a different perspective, allowing him to analyze his game without external input.

However, it’s clear that when it comes to official PGA Tour events, Gordon values a knowledgeable and experienced caddie by his side.

Will Gordon: The Rotation of Caddies

Will Gordon’s journey on the PGA Tour has included a fair share of caddie changes.²

Over the years, he’s teamed up with several seasoned caddies:

• Jay Green: Known for his work with Grayson Murray before Murray’s tragic passing, Green partnered with Gordon briefly in 2024. The two had some solid outings and shared mutual respect. Green also took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to announce his partnership with Gordon, signaling the professional rapport they had developed.

• Don Donatello: A colorful figure in the caddie circuit, Donatello brought experience and personality to Gordon’s bag. Though their time together was relatively short-lived, it was marked by strategic experimentation and a push to find consistency.

• David Stone: Another name on Gordon’s list, Stone is known for his meticulous preparation and straightforward communication style. Stone helped Gordon during transitional phases of his career, when building momentum was essential.

• Ryan Kirk: As the current caddie during the 2025 Rocket Classic, Kirk is now in the spotlight. His presence on the bag during Gordon’s clutch moment in Detroit may mark the beginning of a longer-term partnership.

The Importance of Chemistry Between Golfer and Caddie

In professional golf, the caddie isn’t just there to carry the clubs. A strong caddie-golfer relationship can make or break a player’s performance.

The ideal caddie reads the course, strategizes club selection, calms nerves during tense moments, and becomes an emotional anchor.

Gordon, still in the relatively early years of his PGA Tour journey, seems to be searching for the right fit.

His recent top-10 finishes suggest that he’s trending in the right direction, and the stability of a reliable caddie could be the missing piece to elevate his game to the next tier.

Jay Green’s Influence and Career

Jay Green is one of the more recognizable names among Gordon’s recent caddies. His career spans partnerships with several up-and-coming golfers, including Spencer Ralston and Kevin Roy.

Most notably, Green caddied for Grayson Murray until Murray’s untimely death in early 2024. His experience and emotional resilience make him a valuable presence on any golfer’s team.

Green’s decision to work with Gordon after Murray’s passing showed his determination to stay involved in the game and mentor rising talents.

Though their partnership didn’t extend into 2025, Green’s professionalism and insight likely helped Gordon during a pivotal time in his career.

Will Gordon’s 2025 Season So Far

Peaks and Valleys

The 2025 season has been a rollercoaster for Will Gordon. While he’s missed several cuts, he has also recorded two top-10 finishes—evidence that his game can hold up against the best when he’s in rhythm.³

The birdie at Rocket Classic wasn’t just a career-saving moment—it may also be the confidence boost he needed heading into the second half of the season.

The volatility in Gordon’s performance may stem from many factors: swing inconsistency, putting woes, or simply the mental fatigue that comes with the grind of the PGA Tour.

But another often-overlooked factor is the turnover in caddies. Stability in that department could help smooth out the inconsistencies in his play.

A Look at Will Gordon’s Playing Style

Gordon is known for his powerful driving and aggressive approach shots. At 6-foot-3 and over 200 pounds, he brings an athletic presence to the course.

He often ranks among the top players in driving distance, though sometimes at the expense of accuracy. His playing style demands a caddie who can rein him in at times—someone who offers perspective when the risk outweighs the reward.

That’s where someone like Ryan Kirk could be invaluable. A caddie with a calm demeanor and strategic mindset can help Gordon blend aggression with control—something he’ll need if he wants to move beyond just retaining his card and into contending for titles.

What’s Next for Gordon and Kirk?

The Rocket Classic might prove to be more than just another tournament for Will Gordon. It could mark a new chapter in his career, one where he begins to find consistency and confidence.

If the partnership with Ryan Kirk continues, they’ll have a chance to build on the momentum and chemistry they’ve developed.

Looking ahead, Gordon will want to make more cuts, climb up the FedEx Cup standings, and perhaps grab that elusive first PGA Tour win. A dependable caddie like Kirk could help him reach those milestones.

Will Gordon: A Story of Struggles and Sparks of Promise

Will Gordon’s 2025 PGA Tour campaign has been a rollercoaster of performances, marked by missed cuts, a few solid finishes, and one standout tournament that reminded fans of his potential.

Though a tournament victory still eludes the 28-year-old American, his performances offer both concern and hope. Let’s dive deep into the trajectory of Gordon’s season so far.

Gordon kicked off his 2025 season at the Sony Open in Hawaii, held at the Waialae Country Club from January 1–12. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the beginning he hoped for.

Shooting rounds of 70 and 73 (+3), he missed the cut. This early exit seemed to set a challenging tone for the initial stretch of his season.

Consistency with a Modest Finish at The American Express

In his next appearance at The American Express from January 16–19, Gordon displayed consistency with three identical rounds of 69 before a final round of 73. His total of 280 (-8) earned him a T66 finish and a paycheck of $18,656.

While not spectacular, this performance was at least a sign of stability in his game, particularly in his approach play and putting.

Things looked brighter at Torrey Pines during the Farmers Insurance Open (Jan 22–25), where Gordon shot a cumulative 285 (-3), tying for seventh place.

A final round 69 helped him climb the leaderboard and walk away with a hefty $302,250 in earnings. His ball-striking and composure under pressure stood out here, making it arguably one of his most encouraging showings of the season.

Will Gordon: Holding Steady at the WM Phoenix Open

The WM Phoenix Open from February 6–9 saw Gordon again make the cut, finishing T69 with a four-round total of 284 (even par).

His rounds of 70-70-73-71 reflected a steady, albeit unspectacular, effort. With a payout of $18,952, the tournament kept him active in the money list, but didn’t do much to push his rankings or confidence further.

A String of Missed Cuts: A Worrying Trend Emerges

Following Phoenix, Gordon endured a troubling stretch of six consecutive missed cuts:

• Mexico Open at Vidanta: 67-75 | Even par

• Cognizant Classic: 67-71 | -4

• THE PLAYERS Championship: 76-75 | +7

• Valspar Championship: 72-73 | +3

• Houston Open: 71-70 | +1

• Zurich Classic of New Orleans: 66-71 | -7 (Team format)

While some of these results were close to the cut line, the pattern became concerning. These exits suggest difficulties with consistency and the ability to maintain scoring momentum across all four rounds.

Gordon’s early-round scoring was often competitive, but weekends repeatedly slipped away due to errors off the tee or around the greens.

Will Gordon: Family Trip

Will Gordon shared some adorable pictures from their family trip in Carolina on his instagram account.

 

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A post shared by Will Gordon (@will_gordon)

Career-Best Showing at THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson

Just when the season seemed to be heading in a disappointing direction, Gordon broke through at the CJ CUP Byron Nelson from May 1–4.

His performance—64-72-66-65 for a total of 267 (-17)—earned him a tie for fifth place and $305,972, his highest payday of the season.

This was a massive morale booster, showcasing his ability to post low numbers and contend with elite fields.

His opening round 64 set the pace, and although he cooled a bit in Round 2, he rebounded beautifully in the weekend rounds. Fans and analysts alike saw this as a sign that Gordon could still compete at a high level when everything clicks.

Another Setback at the Charles Schwab Challenge

Unfortunately, Gordon couldn’t maintain the momentum from his Byron Nelson success. At the Charles Schwab Challenge (May 22–25), he missed the cut once again after rounds of 72-72 (+4).

Returning to his trend of inconsistent performances, the outing revealed continued challenges with maintaining form week to week.

The most recent event on Gordon’s 2025 schedule—the RBC Canadian Open (June 5–8)—saw him narrowly miss the cut again.

Despite an impressive first round of 66, a second-round 74 neutralized his progress, and he ended the tournament at even par, falling short of the cutline.

This marked his ninth missed cut of the season, underscoring how difficult it has been for Gordon to find rhythm and string together back-to-back strong rounds.