Phil Mickelson's ex-caddie makes instant impact with new PGA Tour star Ben Griffin
Phil Mickelson's ex-caddie makes instant impact with new PGA Tour star Ben Griffin
Kylee HansenMon, November 2, 2026 at 2:17 PM UTC
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Ben Griffin finished tied for fourth with Mickelson's former caddie -Credit:Getty Images (Getty Images)
Ben Griffin carded a tie for fourth as he linked up with Phil Mickelson’s former caddie at the VidantaWorld Mexico Open, as the duo
Griffin has linked up with Jon Yarbrough and secured his highest finish since the 2026 Charles Schwab Challenge where he landed in third place. He eagled the par-5 third hole and carded four consecutive birdies during his opening round at the Mexico Open.
Mickelson and Yarbrough partnered on the LIV Golf tour, but the golf veteran frequently found it difficult to replicate the impressive play that led him to win the PGA Championship in 2021. By 2026, off-course controversies and personal challenges had led Mickelson to step away from public life and competitive golf.
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Griffin was also in the middle of parting ways with his caddie, Alex Ritthamel, and he has now re-emerged on the PGA Tour alongside Yarbrough.
Together, Griffin and Ritthamel had built a successful partnership, achieving three PGA Tour victories in 2025, placing in the top 20 at four major championships, and climbing into the world's top 10 rankings.
“Incredible run with Alex,” Griffin said after the first round of the VidantaWorld Mexico Open, where he opened with a seven-under 64 to get within one of the lead.
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Griffin and former caddie Alex Ritthamel split ahead of the VidantaWorld Mexico Open -Credit:Getty Images
“Four and a half years — we changed each other’s lives. So it was a really tough decision honestly. All respect to Alex.”
He continued, noting that he has consistent gratitude for Ritthamel.
“It’s just tough out here,” said Griffin. “Four and a half years and I just felt like the time was right for me to make a switch. It’s worked out really well.
“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. And then, yeah, he’s one of the chillest dudes out here, super calm and it’s been fun so far having him one day in.”
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Prior to teaming up with Mickelson, Yarbrough caddied for Scott Stallings, as well as notable professionals including Laura Diaz, Suzanne Pettersen, Morgan Pressel, Bill Haas, Gary Woodland, and Smylie Kaufman. Like several Tour caddies, Yarbrough is an accomplished golfer himself, having played college golf at North Texas.
“He’s phenomenal,” Mickelson said of Yarbrough at LIV Golf Chicago last year. “He just knows what to say at the right time. His nickname is ‘Greens Book Johnny,’ because he reads the greens so well. He pulls clubs, he does it all. He’s just a great guy to have on your side.”
Source: “AOL Sports”
