While a number of pro golfers have to switch caddies from time-to-time, or even struggle to find the right pairing, Max Homa knows his most recent caddie well. But, it’s also not his normal partner on the course either, as the two linked up at the 2019 Wells Fargo Championship following an injury to a fellow PGA Tour pro.
Homa’s caddie, Joe Greiner, was previously working with Kevin Chappell, but an unfortunate back injury led to Greiner being open to land a new job recently. In turn, the decision to pair up with Homa, his close friend, made a lot of sense. But it went beyond just their friendship, as the two also have a history on the course together.
Max Homa & Caddie Joe Greiner Teamed up in 2013
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As Rigo Carbajal of CougarNews.com pointed out, Homa called his friend in Greiner to caddie on the Web.com tour back in 2013. After Greiner agreed, it resulted in Homa finishing in 9th at the event, and Greiner proceeded to find success as a caddie a bit later in his career, specifically with Chappell, after spending numerous years prior as a player.
But the history between Homa and Greiner goes beyond just the player/caddie pairing, as the two played together in the Santa Clarita Valley, which Carbajal pointed out. It’s unknown if this pairing will stick together beyond the immediate future, as Greiner could certainly go back to working with Chappell after he returns from injury.
For now, though, they’re working well together, specifically at the 2019 Wells Fargo Championship.
Joe Greiner’s History With Kevin Chappell
GettyKevin Chappell and Joe Greiner
Chappell had back surgery in November, and as Golf Channel revealed, Homa proceeded to team back up with Greiner following for a second stint together. The two worked together for one year previously, and Homa said the caddie stuck with him “until it became financially irresponsible for him to work for me.”
“My attitude is awesome nowadays,” he said. “I don’t really get too down on myself. I have an awesome, awesome caddie that doesn’t let me. If I’m quiet, he yells at me and tells me quiet golfers are usually very mean to themselves, so we have a good thing going.”
As Marek Warszawski of the Fresno Bee reported, Chappell hired Greiner, who’s one of his closest friends, during February of 2016.
Greiner was on the bag when Chappell won the 2017 Valero Texas Open, and they also worked together at the 2017 Presidents Cup. There’s been a strong bond built between Chappell and Greiner it appears so Homa may have a tough time keeping him after his fellow pro recovers from the injury.
Joe Greiner Was With Kevin Chappell During Two Best Years
GettyKevin Chappell and Joe Greiner
While we mentioned the victory at the Valero Texas Open, Chappell found success with Greiner through the 2016 and 2017 seasons in a big way. After winning just north of $1.28 million in 2015 and posting two top-10 finishes, the tides turned right around the time the two teamed up in 2016.
Chappell proceeded to finish No. 8 in the FedExCup rankings in 2016 and won more than $4.5 million that season. He tallied eight top-10 finishes, including second-place results at THE PLAYERS Championship, Arnold Palmer Invitational and The RSM Classic.
From there, Chappell won just over $3.149 million in 2017 with five top-10 finishes. Along with his victory, he posted a T4 finish at the FedEx St. Jude Classic and a T6 at The Northern Trust.
Greiner Played College Golf & on Professional Mini Tour
Greiner’s success as a caddie may be at least partially attributed to his ability as a player. As Michael Eiden of CougarNews.com pointed out, Greiner had played golf throughout high school and prior before playing collegiately at College of the Canyons.
“I realized one day that I wanted to pursue this as a career and that this is something I wanted to do for the rest of my life,” Greiner said.
As Eiden went on to point out, Greiner was invited to play on the Professional Mini Tour. He chose to take a break from the tour shortly after and returned to school to get his degree while attempting to continue his goal of playing professional golf.
“Everything in my life was golf. If I wasn’t playing it or practicing, I was thinking about it” he stated, which is one of the many reasons he got to where he is today.
Homa Relies on His Caddie Greiner in a Big Way
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There’s no shortage of respect between Homa and Greiner, and the PGA Tour pro had no problem heaping praise on his caddie, even back when he was on the Web.com Tour. During an interview in 2014 with 2nd Swing, Homa said he relied on Greiner more than anyone due to the knowledge the caddie has of his game.
Who do you rely on the most and why?
MH: Joe (Greiner), my caddie, because he is very knowledgeable about my game and can help (me) considerably.
With the history between these two, it’s not surprising that Homa has complete trust in Greiner on the course. And that rapport was on full display recently, specifically when the two were together at the Wells Fargo Championship.
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Max Homa’s Caddie, Joe Greiner: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know