6 of the biggest shock splits in professional golf

As the saying goes: all good things must come to an end.

Over the years, some of golf’s biggest names have been tangled up in huge breakups, moving on from major winning caddies and coaches for different reasons. Here are some of those that raised more than a few eyebrows…

• Meet the man who will save your old golf shoes (and your money)

• Jim Nantz: A voice unlike any other

Matt Fitzpatrick – Billy Foster

After six years – and a US Open triumph in 2022 – the English pair parted ways having tasted major glory together for the first time. It’s tough to imagine these two going forward without one another after Foster steered Fitzpatrick to PGA Tour, DP World Tour and Ryder Cup success.

Phil Mickelson – Jim ‘Bones’ Mackay

Over 25 years together, this one tugged some heartstrings. It was, however, a slightly unsavoury parting of ways. Author Alan Shipnuck claims Bones sacked ‘Lefty’ as he was owed money and became irked by Mickelson’s disregard for his advice.

Tiger Woods – Butch Harmon

This was a team who won eight majors together, how could they possibly split? Well, Woods found a new coach in 2003 after a period of remarkable dominance. He was adamant in tweaking his game, while Harmon, obviously, didn’t back him to do so.

• The best players never to have won The Masters

• “I’ve caddied for over 500 golfers. Here’s what it’s really like.”

Viktor Hovland – Joe Mayo

The Norwegian is no stranger to change, and his twice former coach Joe Mayo knows all about that. Following a stand-out 2023 for Hovland, including a FedEx Cup and Ryder Cup win, the pair split. So, seven months later, they reunited. But you guessed it, they split again ahead of the 2025 season.

Jason Day – Colin Swatton

The former world No.1 was 12 when Swatton became his swing coach. But after two decades and 12 PGA Tour titles, including a PGA Championship, it was time for a change of caddie/coach. You’ll be glad to know that after a series of text messages and phone calls, the band got back together in March.

Bubba Watson – Ted Scott

Watson and Scott were like a married couple, enjoying good and bad (some very bad) moments. In their 15-year stint, Watson slipped into two green jackets but would also openly berate his looper in front of the world. Perhaps surprisingly, they are friends today.