PGA Tour star reveals reason for sacking caddie after making fast start in Mexico
Ben Griffin has revealed why he parted ways with his former caddie after making a fast start at Vidanta Vallarta.
Ben Griffin admitted it was a tough decision to part ways with his former caddie after making a fast start at the Mexico Open.
For the past four-and-a-half years, the 30-year-old American had Alex Ritthamel carry his sticks.
Together, they enjoyed considerable success and Ritthamel was on the bag as Griffin rose to a three-time PGA Tour winner and a member of the 2025 United States Ryder Cup squad.
But Griffin decided to move on after a "great run" and has turned to veteran looper Jon Yarbrough, who most recently worked for multiple major champion Phil Mickelson on LIV Golf.
"Incredible run with Alex," Griffin told reporters after firing a 7-under 64 at Vidanta Vallarta to trail early leader Kensei Hirata by one shot.
"Four and a half years, we changed each other's lives. It was a really tough decision honestly. All respect to Alex.
"We had a great run and we had so much fun together really. Still friendly. It's just tough out here.
"Four and a half years and I just felt like the time was right for me to make a switch, and yeah, it's worked out really well."
He added: "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."
Griffin described Yarbrough as "one of the chillest".
"Super calm," he added. "And it's been fun so far having him one day in."
Griffin’s first start in Mexico followed an up-and-down season.
He advanced to the BMW Championship, but dropped out of an automatic qualifying spot for the Presidents Cup and wasn't chosen by Brandt Snedeker to represent the United States team.
After a breakthrough 2025 season, Griffin managed only four top-10 finishes this season.
The 30-year-old has also barely played any golf since August.
He told media that he has received PRP and hyaluronic acid injections in his left knee after an MRI revealed he had a fissure in his cartilage.
Thursday’s round was Griffin's first time walking 18 holes since the final round at the BMW Championship.
"This is like week seven since, and they say it's supposed to kick in between six and eight weeks, so even here was pushing it a little bit, but I felt good," Griffin said.
"I'm not too worried about it really. I don't think about it on the golf course."
Elsewhere, Marco Penge is tied for second alongside Griffin after the morning wave.
The Englishman is at risk of losing his PGA Tour card after only one season.
He began the week 112th in the standings. Only the top 100 keep their cards.
Billy Horschel is also at risk and decided to skip the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth in September to try and secure his playing privileges for 2027.
The eight-time PGA Tour winner was forced to withdraw during the first round with illness.
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