Collin Morikawa, the world No. 5 golfer and two-time major champion, has made headlines again, but not for his precision iron play or clutch putting.

Just days before the 2025 Rocket Classic at Detroit Golf Club, Morikawa confirmed he has parted ways with caddie Joe Greiner after only five tournaments together, marking his second caddie change of the season.

The decision, announced Wednesday, has sparked fresh speculation about Morikawa’s mental state, especially given his recent tense interactions with the media.

Morikawa’s caddie saga began in April when he unexpectedly split with longtime looper J.J. Jakovac, who had been by his side since he turned pro in 2019. Jakovac was on the bag for all six of Morikawa’s PGA Tour victories, including the 2020 PGA Championship and 2021 Open Championship.

Citing a need for a fresh dynamic, Morikawa brought on Greiner, a veteran caddie who had previously worked with Max Homa and filled in for Justin Thomas during his 2025 RBC Heritage win. But the partnership with Greiner never clicked. Despite making the cut in all five events together, Morikawa’s best finish was a lackluster T17 at the Truist Championship, with disappointing showings at the PGA Championship (T50) and U.S. Open (T23).

“Sometimes, things just don’t feel right,” Morikawa told reporters after Wednesday’s pro-am at Detroit Golf Club, his tone measured but guarded. “Joe’s an amazing caddie, but we were on different pages. It’s not about right or wrong — it just didn’t work for me.”

He downplayed any drama, emphasizing that the split was mutual, but his vague explanation left room for questions.

For the Rocket Classic, Morikawa has tapped KK Limbhasut, a former college teammate from Cal Berkeley and current Korn Ferry Tour player, as a temporary replacement. Limbhasut, ranked 159th on the Korn Ferry points list, is expected to be a one-week fill-in, with Morikawa still searching for a permanent caddie ahead of next month’s Open Championship at Royal Portrush.

The timing of the split is particularly notable. Morikawa returns to Detroit Golf Club, where he lost in a playoff to Rickie Fowler in 2023, hungry for his first PGA Tour win since the 2023 Zozo Championship. But his season has been a mixed bag. While he notched runner-up finishes at The Sentry and Arnold Palmer Invitational, his major performances have been underwhelming, and his putting woes — losing nearly 9 strokes at the U.S. Open — have drawn scrutiny. The caddie change adds another layer of uncertainty to an already pivotal moment in his season.

Beyond the course, Morikawa’s relationship with the media has also raised eyebrows. Earlier this year, he sparked controversy by declining to speak to reporters after blowing a three-stroke lead at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. The move drew criticism, with some labeling him aloof or overly sensitive to pressure.

“I don’t owe anyone anything,” Morikawa said at the time, a comment that didn’t sit well with golf’s traditionalists. His reluctance to engage has fueled speculation about his mental state, especially as he navigates a winless streak in the U.S. since 2021 and the pressure of being a top-ranked player.

“Collin’s always been a thinker, but he seems more guarded this year,” said a longtime PGA Tour observer, speaking anonymously. “The caddie changes, the media friction — it’s not the Collin we’re used to. You wonder if he’s feeling the weight of expectations.

“In his first two full seasons on tour, 2020 and 2021, he won five times including two majors, a world championship, and the European Tour’s flagship finale. Since, though, he’s won only once in almost four full seasons.”

Others close to Morikawa’s camp insist he’s simply in a phase of self-reflection, tweaking his team and approach to rediscover his edge. His decision to play without gloves at the Travelers Championship, where he shot a 3-under 67 in the opening round, was a bold experiment that hinted at a golfer unafraid to shake things up.

Still, the optics of firing two caddies in three months aren’t great. Greiner, known for his steady presence with Homa, was seen as a coup when Morikawa hired him. Their short-lived partnership has drawn comparisons to a golfer tinkering with equipment mid-season—necessary for some, disruptive for others.

“I spend more time with my caddie than anyone, even my wife sometimes,” Morikawa admitted Wednesday, underscoring the importance of chemistry. “It’s a true relationship, and I need to get it right.”

As Morikawa tees off Thursday with Limbhasut on the bag, all eyes will be on his performance — and his demeanor. The Rocket Classic, with its relatively weak field, offers a prime opportunity to silence doubters and build momentum for the summer. But the questions linger: Is Morikawa’s mental game as sharp as his ball-striking? Can he find stability with his team before the season’s final major? For now, the 28-year-old seems focused on tuning out the noise, even if his actions keep adding to it.

“I’m here to play golf and have fun,” Morikawa said, flashing a rare smile. “KK and I are going to go out and have a blast.”

Whether that translates to a trophy, or just more headlines, remains to be seen.