Report: Why PGA Tour caddie quit on golf's "bad boy" during round

Alejandro Tosti's caddie walked off the course during the opening round of the Biltmore Championship after the pair argued over an umbrella, according to a report.

Cliff Ellis hit the headlines last week during the opening round of the inaugural PGA Tour event in North Carolina.

The looper was seen taking Tosti's bag off his shoulders, setting it down, removing his caddie bib and walking off the 18th hole at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove. 

A report from Ryan French, also known as MondayQInfo, has now laid bare what actually happened between the duo. 

According to a detailed account from Ellis, the incident was the culmination of months of tension between the caddie and the Argentine golfer, who is known as the "bad boy" of the PGA Tour. 

The final argument came, Ellis said, after Tosti questioned why he had put an umbrella in the bag despite only a slight chance of rain. 

Tosti told the report's author that he takes pride in carrying one of the lightest bags on the PGA Tour and that the umbrella added about three pounds.

According to Ellis, the argument escalated, with Tosti repeatedly calling him a 'dumbass.' 

Tosti acknowledged that the conversation became contentious but disputed using the word, saying it was not language he uses.

Ellis said he had threatened several times to leave before eventually deciding he was done. 

He set down the bag and headed toward the parking lot, while Tosti continued his round with a fan carrying his clubs.

Tosti nabbed a spectator to carry his bag for the rest of his round. A day later, he shot 72 and missed the cut. 

The incident marked the end of a partnership that had begun in May, when Ellis started working for Tosti after the pair were introduced through a mutual friend.

The arrangement was unusual. Ellis agreed to work without a weekly salary, instead receiving six per cent of Tosti's prize money. 

The structure is highly unusual. 

The pair worked together for eight events, plus the final stage of U.S. Open qualifying, but made only one cut. 

At the Canadian Open in June, Tosti finished tied for 40th and earned $40,670.

Ellis also claimed his share of that money was not paid for more than a month. 

Tosti disputed that he had intentionally delayed payment, saying he was waiting for Ellis to provide a tax form. 

He provided documentation showing an invoice dated July 7 and payment on July 20.

The money dispute was not the only source of friction.

Ellis said Tosti regularly lost his temper during rounds and that his frustration was sometimes directed toward him.

At the Rocket Classic, Ellis said Tosti slammed clubs into the ground, struck penalty-area stakes and threw a club toward the bag after opening with an 82. Ellis stressed that he did not believe the club was thrown at him.

Tosti confirmed that Tour officials spoke to him after the incident and said he has been working with a psychologist to manage his emotions.

The pair attempted to reset before arriving in Asheville. 

Tosti invited Ellis to Florida to practice, and the two attended a session with along with the golfer's psychologist.

Two days later, the partnership ended.

Both Tosti and Ellis said they have faced no disciplinary action from the PGA Tour over the incident. 

Ellis returned home to Texas after leaving the tournament..