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Jon Yarbrough has left Phil Mickelson to caddie for Ben Griffin at the VidantaWorld Mexico Open, as reported by Today’s Golfer. This partnership change highlights a broader shift as experienced caddies move back to the PGA Tour.
A New Bag for a Rising Star
Griffin ended his previous partnership with Alex Ritthamel to bring on Yarbrough, who brings extensive experience from working with Mickelson and Scott Stallings. The new arrangement begins this week in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, as Griffin aims to build on a 2025 season that featured three victories and a U.S. Ryder Cup team appearance following a winless 2026 so far. Yarbrough started caddying for Mickelson ahead of the 2024 Masters after Tim Mickelson stepped down, and although they did not secure a tournament win together, Mickelson previously praised Yarbrough as the best green reader he has ever witnessed. Griffin, who is looking for a steady hand during the final stretch of the fall series, hopes this expertise will translate to success on fast, sloping greens.
The Shadow of Mickelson’s Absence
Mickelson has been absent from competitive golf since LIV South Africa earlier in the season due to private family matters, having reportedly entered a California facility to address trauma and addiction. In the wake of his absence, Alan Shipnuck reported on allegations regarding inappropriate behavior with another player’s wife, which were shared by Ashley Perez, the ex-wife of former LIV player Pat Perez. Mickelson’s legal team strongly denied the claims, describing the report as an anonymously sourced attack. Reputational fallout has followed, including the cancellation of Mickelson’s membership at The Farms Golf Club in San Diego in June due to cited inappropriate behavior toward a female employee, leaving his return to professional golf uncertain.
The Caddie Market in Motion
Yarbrough’s transition aligns with a wider trend of caddies departing LIV Golf to return to the traditional PGA Tour. Additional shifts include Jose Campra moving from Sebastian Munoz on LIV to caddie for Camilo Villegas, and Brian Dilley leaving David Puig to support Karl Vilips. Meanwhile, other golfers are altering their teams for the Mexico Open, with Wyndham Clark utilizing his brother Brendan as his caddie, James Edmondson working for Cam Tankersley, and Julien Trudeau taking on Ryder Cowen. These fluid partnerships during the FedEx Cup Fall schedule offer caddies opportunities to turn temporary roles into permanent positions depending on performance.
The VidantaWorld Mexico Open will serve as the immediate test for Griffin and Yarbrough as they navigate the pressure of the tournament week together. For Mickelson, the loss of his long-time caddie underscores the ongoing changes in his career while he remains away from public life.
