Jordan Spieth’s regular caddie, Michael Greller, will not be on the bag when action gets underway on Thursday at Chapultepec Golf Club in Mexico City for the WGC-Mexico Championship as he has flown back home to Seattle following the death of his father, John Greller.
Greller, who has been alongside the No. 24-ranked player in the world for all 11 of his PGA Tour victories, including his three major triumphs, was in Mexico when he received the news. He flew home on Tuesday night.
Spieth’s father, Shawn, will take the bag around the 7,300-yard layout as Spieth looks to get back on track following a disappointing final round at Riviera Country Club that saw the 26-year-old record every number on his scorecard from 3 to 8.
“Heavy heart for Michael and his family,” Jordan’s mother and Shawn’s wife, Christine Spieth, tweeted on Wednesday. “Bear was a great father, husband, and grandfather. Heaven gained another angel!
Heavy heart for Michael and his family. Bear was a great father, husband, and grandfather. Heaven gained another angel! https://t.co/CHOIQwctIO
— Christine Spieth (@jsekiddos) February 21, 2019
USA Today Sports golf writer Steve DiMeglio ran into Spieth’s father on the eve of the tournament, reporting that this will be Shawn Spieth’s first time on the bag since Jordan played in the 2011 U.S. Amateur.
Bumped into Shawn Spieth a few minutes ago. He last caddied for @JordanSpieth in 2011 US Amateur at Erin Hills. Shawn said it was last time he’s caddied for anyone. Shawn was on bag for front-nine practice round today in Mexico City. Has not seen back nine.
— Steve DiMeglio (@Steve_DiMeglio) February 21, 2019
Shawn is a bit worried about working in altitude. Hopefully he won’t be carrying a staff bag. Is excited and up for the challenge.
— Steve DiMeglio (@Steve_DiMeglio) February 21, 2019
Spieth tees off in the first two rounds alongside Russell Knox and Satoshi Kodaira looking for his first top-10 since the 2018 Open Championship.
