Phil Mickelson completes PGA Tour raid as Jon Rahm orchestrates another LIV Golf acquisition

Phil Mickelson swiftly moved to address the unexpected vacancy left by the retirement of his longtime caddie and brother, Tim Mickelson, by tapping into the talent pool of the PGA Tour. Tim Mickelson, who had been on Phil’s bag for an impressive eight years, including during his memorable 2021 PGA Championship victory, bid farewell to his role alongside his brother this week. Phil expressed gratitude for their shared experiences on and off the course, acknowledging the special bond they share.

With the need to fill the caddie position urgently, Mickelson wasted no time in securing Jon Yarbrough as his new caddie, as reported by GolfWeek. Yarbrough, known for his decade-long partnership with PGA Tour veteran Scott Stallings, brings a wealth of experience having also worked with notable players like Gary Woodland, Smylie Kaufman, and Bill Haas. Despite his close friendship with Stallings, Yarbrough was enticed by the “incredible” financial opportunity presented by Mickelson’s team, prompting his decision to join forces with the six-time major champion. Stallings gracefully acknowledged the change, expressing gratitude for their fruitful partnership over the past decade.

Meanwhile, Phil Mickelson is not the only LIV Golf star making changes in the caddie department ahead of the upcoming LIV Golf Miami tournament, set to commence on April 5. Jon Rahm’s Legion XIII teammate, Caleb Surratt, orchestrated the recruitment of Brian Dilley, formerly caddie to rising PGA Tour talent Akshay Bhatia. Dilley’s move to Surratt’s team was facilitated by his close relationship with Rahm’s caddie, Adam Hayes, highlighting the interconnectedness within the golfing community.

Reflecting on the addition of Dilley to his team, Surratt expressed optimism about the impact the seasoned caddie would have on his game. With Dilley’s extensive experience and reputation for excellence, Surratt looks forward to leveraging his expertise to elevate his own performance on the course. As he continues to develop as a player, Surratt sees Dilley as an invaluable asset in his journey towards competing at the highest level of professional golf.

In light of these developments, the stage is set for an exciting transition for both Mickelson and Surratt as they gear up for the challenges ahead, with their newly appointed caddies by their side.