Griffin Explains Caddie Split After Fast Start at Mexico Open

Ben Griffin has explained the toughest decision of his season — parting ways with the caddie who carried his bag for four and a half years. Speaking after his fast start at the Mexico Open, the 30-year-old American said the split from Alex Ritthamel was made with nothing but respect, after a partnership that changed both of their lives. "We had a great run and we had so much fun together," Griffin said. "Still friendly. It's just tough out here." His new man on the bag is veteran Jon Yarbrough, who most recently worked for multiple major champion Phil Mickelson on LIV Golf, and Griffin credited him with helping to steady his putting: "Jon's really good on the greens. He's known as one of the best green readers out here, so having him today from close range was nice to help me kind of reaffirm some of my reads." The change comes at a delicate moment in Griffin's year. He has barely played since August after PRP and hyaluronic acid injections in his left knee, following an MRI that revealed a fissure in his cartilage, and Thursday's round was his first time walking 18 holes since the BMW Championship final round. He advanced to that event but missed out on an automatic Presidents Cup place and was not picked by Brandt Snedeker — so a fresh start, with a fresh voice on the bag, feels well timed.