Watch: Footage emerges of shocking moment PGA Tour caddie quits mid-round
Alejandro Tosti was reportedly caught off guard by his looper's decision to walk off the course during the opening round of the Biltmore Championship.
Footage has emerged of the moment PGA Tour golfer Alejandro Tosti was caught off guard after his caddie quit during the opening round of the Biltmore Championship in North Carolina.
Tosti was left without a caddie midway through Thursday’s opening round at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove after Cliff Ellis walked off the course.
The controversial Argentine golfer and Ellis had started the tournament on the back nine playing alongside Luke Clanton and Spencer Oxendine.
By the time they reached the par-4 18th hole - Tosti's ninth hole of the day - the relationship had broken down.
Video has now emerged showing the pair exchanging words before Ellis dropped Tosti's bag, removed his caddie bib and walked away from the course.
Take a look at the footage here:
The departure apparently caught Tosti off guard.
According to a report by Golfweek, Tosti initially believed Ellis had simply gone to the bathroom near the 18th green.
He continued toward the first tee before realizing that Ellis had left for good.
The two had reportedly experienced tension earlier in the week during a practice round, although neither has publicly provided a detailed account of what triggered Thursday’s final disagreement.
Tosti, known for his intense on-course demeanour, responded with humour when contacted afterward.
Asked about Ellis' disappearance, he told Golfweek: "He couldn't keep up with nine pars in a row," adding laughing emojis.
With no caddie available, Tosti had to improvise.
Golf Channel reported he recruited a spectator from the gallery to carry his bag for the remainder of the round.
Despite the disruption, he completed the tournament's first round with a 1-over 72.
Tosti had Patrick Talledo on his bag for the second round. He carded a 71 to miss the cut by three strokes.
What remains unclear is exactly what was said between Tosti and Ellis before the walkout.
America's Neal Shipley holds a one-shot lead heading into the weekend at the inaugural PGA Tour event, which forms part of the FedEx Cup Fall schedule.
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