Jon Yarbrough has left Phil Mickelson to carry the bag for Ben Griffin at the VidantaWorld Mexico Open, according to Today’s Golfer. This shift marks a clear change in the caddie market as experienced hands move back to the PGA Tour.
The three-time winner Griffin ended his partnership with Alex Ritthamel to secure this new arrangement. Yarbrough brings deep experience from his time with Mickelson and Scott Stallings. His move comes as Mickelson faces serious personal and professional challenges away from the game.
The new partnership starts this week in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Griffin is looking to build on a strong 2025 season that included three wins and a spot on the U.S. Ryder Cup team after a winless 2026 so far. Yarbrough is a known quantity who understands the pressure of top-level competition. He spent a decade working with veteran Scott Stallings before joining Mickelson’s team. That history gives Griffin a steady hand for the final stretch of the fall series.
A New Bag for a Rising Star
Ben Griffin made his choice to split from Alex Ritthamel just before the Mexico Open. The decision allows him to work with a caddie who has seen the highest levels of play. Yarbrough was Mickelson’s caddie starting ahead of the 2024 Masters. He took over the role after Mickelson’s brother, Tim, stepped down. The pair did not win a tournament together, but their bond was strong on the greens.
Yarbrough brings specific skills that Griffin needs right now. Mickelson once called him the “best green reader I’ve ever seen.” This comment highlights the value Yarbrough adds to a player’s game. Reading the line on fast, sloping greens is a critical skill that wins tournaments. Griffin, who won three times in 2025, will benefit from this specific expertise. The move shows that winning players still value old-school knowledge over new trends.
The Shadow of Mickelson’s Departure
Phil Mickelson’s absence from golf is the backdrop for this caddie shuffle. The 56-year-old has not played since LIV South Africa earlier this season. He missed the rest of the campaign due to private family matters. According to reports, he voluntarily entered a California facility to address trauma and addiction recently. This health issue has kept him out of the public eye for months.
While Mickelson deals with personal struggles, the allegations against him continue to surface. Alan Shipnuck reported on claims involving inappropriate behavior with another player’s wife. Ashley Perez, the ex-wife of former LIV star Pat Perez, shared details about these incidents.
Mickelson’s legal team has pushed back hard against these reports. They called Shipnuck’s article an “anonymously sourced drive-by shooting.” Despite the denial, the damage to his reputation is significant. In June, The Farms Golf Club in San Diego, his home course, cancelled his membership. The club cited inappropriate behavior towards a female employee as the reason. With these issues unresolved, Mickelson’s return to competitive golf remains uncertain.
The Caddie Market in Motion
The move by Yarbrough is part of a larger trend on the PGA Tour. More caddies are leaving LIV Golf to return to the traditional tour. The money and competitive structure on the PGA Tour are drawing talent back. Jose Campra, who worked for Sebastian Munoz on LIV, is now carrying the bag for Camilo Villegas. Brian Dilley left David Puig to fill in for Karl Vilips. These shifts show that the flow of talent is moving toward the established tour.
Other players are also making changes to their teams this week. Wyndham Clark will have his brother, Brendan, on the bag for the Mexico Open. This family connection offers a different kind of support system. The caddie yard is full of activity as the FedEx Cup Fall schedule rolls on. Players and caddies are reassessing partnerships to find the best fit for the rest of the year.
For caddies looking to make a permanent move, this week is a key opportunity. Temporary assignments can turn into long-term jobs if the results are good. James Edmondson is working for Cam Tankersley, while Julien Trudeau has Ryder Cowen on the bag. The market is fluid, and the right match can change a player’s season. Yarbrough’s move to Griffin is a prime example of this dynamic at work.
The partnership between Griffin and Yarbrough is a strategic play for the final stretch of the season. Griffin needs a caddie who can handle the pressure of the fall series. Yarbrough has the experience to guide a player through the ups and downs of a tournament week. Their success will depend on how well they mesh on the course. If they click, Griffin could add more wins to his 2025 tally.
For Mickelson, the departure of his caddie signals a major shift in his career. He has not announced a return date to public life. The combination of health issues and public allegations has kept him away from the game. Until he resolves these matters, the golf world will watch from a distance. The sport moves on, and players like Griffin are ready to take the stage.
The VidantaWorld Mexico Open will be a test for this new duo.
