AUGUSTA, Ga. — Justin Thomas will have a new, albeit temporary, caddie for the Masters.
Thomas posted on social media Tuesday that his looper, Matt “Rev” Minister, had to drop out of this week’s tournament due to an injury. Fans will recognize who will be taking Minister’s place.
“Unfortunately, my caddie Rev hurt his back this week and isn’t able to be on the bag with me this week at Augusta,” Thomas posted on an Instagram story. “Rev is resting up so he gets better soon. I’m very lucky Joe Greiner is a great friend and able to help me out last minute.”
Greiner is best known of his partnership and friendship with Max Homa. The two knew each other from playing at the same childhood golf course, and were together for all six of Homa’s PGA Tour wins, as well as Homa’s Team USA appearances at the 2022 and 2024 Presidents Cups and 2023 Ryder Cup. Homa has consistently praised Greiner’s friendship and presence as one of the reasons for his success.
However, Homa has struggled with his game for the past year, and the pair split following a missed cut at the Players Championship. On Tuesday Homa spoke of the break-up. “It was not my choice so it sucked, but we always had a deal that we’re friends first and friendship mattered more than the work thing, and he was wise enough to do what he did,” Homa said. “But I was happy that he did it, because I would rather – you know, at the end of my days we continue to be great friends than one of us resent the other for how hard this game can be on a relationship.
“So it sucks because I just pictured always walking fairways with Joe. But again … that was not the deal. I would rather walk life with Joe forever than this dumb game. So it’s been hard to process, but also good in a way, because friendship does matter more than any of this stuff.”
After a disappointing 2023, Thomas has enjoyed a career revival over the past year, entering Augusta at No. 8 in the Official World Golf Ranking and No. 9 in the FedEx Cup standings. This will be his ninth Masters start, with his best finish a fourth-place showing in 2020.
This article was originally published on golfdigest.com
