After nearly three years without a win, Justin Thomas finally broke through at the 2025 RBC Heritage. His playoff victory over Andrew Novak snapped a 1,064-day drought that stretched back to the 2022 PGA Championship. But amid the celebration, one lingering question remained: what now for the caddie who helped get him over the line? Joe Greiner, the longtime bagman for Max Homa, stepped in last minute to caddie for Thomas at Augusta and continued the role into Harbour Town. The result? A victory that felt both cathartic and calculated.
Greiner isn’t just a temporary stand-in. He’s one of the most respected caddies on TOUR, known for his steady presence and sharp eye. For over a decade, he was a staple by Homa’s side, helping him through every level of the PGA Tour, from Korn Ferry wins to multiple TOUR titles and a Ryder Cup appearance. However, the pair may not have been meant to last forever, and the caddie has to find a new partner.
In the latest episode of The Smylie Show, Charlie Hulme joins in to discuss Griener’s impact on JT’s game. “Joe Greiner, who’s just split with Max, steps in last minute — sort of a get-to-know-you phase, I’m sure,” said the guest. “I mean, not that they don’t already know each other; they’ve been in the same team rooms a number of times. But just in terms of working together, that first week at the Masters was a trial of sorts — and they go out in their second start together and win the golf tournament.” For someone facing a victory drought, this small but significant change showed extremely positive results almost immediately, considering the fact that this is just their second attempt at working together after the 2025 Masters.
Hulme also noted that Greiner’s involvement went well beyond what you’d expect from a short-term fill-in. “I thought it was interesting this week just seeing how involved Joe was with reading putts with JT—just more so than you’d expect a sort of stand-in, fill-in caddie to be.” That point is significant. Thomas has struggled with confidence on the greens, and a second set of eyes, particularly one with Greiner’s experience, could be exactly what he needed to regain his form. During the final round and playoff at Harbour Town, Thomas never looked more sure of himself. Greiner was part of nearly every read.
Justin Thomas didn’t hold back when crediting Joe Greiner for his role in breaking the 1,064-day winless streak at the RBC Heritage. After nailing a critical birdie putt on the 18th to force a playoff, Thomas said, “It was a great read by Joe. It’s nice to finish off like that and ride that momentum into tomorrow.” Greiner’s temporary stint—filling in for Thomas’s regular caddie Matt Minister, who was out with a back injury—suddenly looked more like a catalyst than a stopgap. “He knows I’m playing well, and he knows that I feel the same way,” Thomas explained. “So he’s wanting to help but also trying to not over caddie, and it’s tough. But he’s doing a great job.” Thomas even shared a candid moment between the two walking up to the final green: “I said to Joe coming up 18, I have never made a putt to win a tournament before of length. It was pretty cool. It was as fun as I thought it would be.”
Still, there’s no official word on whether Greiner will stay on Thomas’s bag going forward. While the win proves the chemistry is there, both sides are likely weighing their options. For Thomas, this is a crucial stage in his career — a re-ignition of sorts after a few underwhelming seasons. For Greiner, it’s about more than just availability; it’s about the right fit. Thomas will need to decide by the time Minister is back from his injury. Because while one door opens for the caddie, another closed just days earlier.
End of an era: Homa and Greiner split after years of success
Max Homa’s 2025 season took a dramatic turn ahead of the Masters when he announced his split with longtime caddie and childhood friend Joe Greiner. The two first teamed up in 2013 after Homa turned professional and reunited six years later, going on to achieve all six of Homa’s PGA Tour victories together. Greiner was also on the bag during Homa’s appearances in the 2022 and 2024 Presidents Cups and the 2023 Ryder Cup. The split, first reported by the PGA Tour, came during a turbulent stretch in Homa’s career marked by missed cuts, swing changes, and a slide to 78th in the Official World Golf Ranking.
“Joe and I made memories for a lifetime and can’t be more thankful for all the hard work,” Homa told the PGA Tour. “We have parted ways and it will be sad to see him go. I’ll always be grateful to have walked the fairways with one of my best friends.” Greiner’s decision to step away was reportedly driven by a desire to preserve their friendship amid growing professional strain. Homa, who also changed equipment sponsors and instructors this season, has struggled on the course, missing four consecutive cuts and withdrawing from the Farmers Insurance Open after an opening-round 77.
Despite the downturn, Homa remains introspective and focused on long-term growth. At the Genesis Invitational, he cited a quote from NFL quarterback Jalen Hurts: “I’ve had purpose long before anybody had an opinion about it.” Reflecting on his progress, Homa added, “As bad as this has been, I do know that I’m actually going the proper direction now.” With veteran caddie Bill Harke stepping in for the Valero Texas Open, Homa is hoping to reset and rebuild as he looks to reestablish himself among the game’s elite. Joe Greiner has yet to make a public statement about the split, leaving only Homa’s account—one that frames the decision as not his own and prioritizes their lasting friendship over the professional fallout.
The post Despite Helping Justin Thomas End 1,064-Day Drought, Max Homa’s Ex-Caddie Faces an Uncertain Future appeared first on EssentiallySports.