Hideki Matsuyama will once again be without longtime caddie Shota Hayafuji at this week’s Wyndham Championship, marking the second consecutive PGA Tour event where the Japanese star has made a change on the bag.
Instead, Taiga Tabuchi will continue alongside Matsuyama as the former Masters champion prepares for the final event of the FedEx Cup regular season.
While a caddie change often raises questions among fans, this week’s switch is not the result of a permanent split between player and caddie. Rather, Hayafuji is currently sidelined as he continues to recover from a back injury.
Taiga Tabuchi Steps in Again
Tabuchi is hardly a new face in Matsuyama’s camp. The two have worked together before, including during one of the biggest victories of Matsuyama’s recent career.
In 2024, Tabuchi filled in at the FedEx St. Jude Championship under unusual circumstances after Hayafuji was unable to return to the United States in time. According to Golfweek, while Hayafuji was traveling back from the Olympic Games, he had both his passport and visa stolen at a London airport, preventing him from making it to the tournament.
Despite the unexpected change, Matsuyama went on to capture the title, proving that the temporary partnership could succeed under pressure.
Shota Hayafuji Remains a Key Part of Matsuyama’s Team
Although Tabuchi is carrying the bag this week, there is no indication that Matsuyama has made a permanent change.
Hayafuji has been one of the most recognizable caddies on the PGA Tour over the past several years, most memorably sharing in Matsuyama’s historic 2021 Masters victory. After Matsuyama became the first Japanese player to win the Green Jacket, Hayafuji drew worldwide praise when he respectfully bowed toward the 18th green after replacing the flagstick following the final putt.
The pair have enjoyed years of success together, and Hayafuji has remained Matsuyama’s trusted caddie ever since.
Hayafuji has dealt with a few interruptions this season. Earlier in the year, he stepped away from competition following the birth of his child. His current absence, however, is reportedly related to a back injury, keeping him off the course until he is healthy enough to return.
Several Notable Caddie Changes at Wyndham
Matsuyama isn’t the only player making a change on the bag this week, as several PGA Tour veterans arrive at the Wyndham Championship with different faces alongside them.
Billy Horschel has officially partnered with veteran caddie Gareth Lord after rotating through several options since parting ways with Micah Fugitt earlier this year. Lord brings an impressive resume, having worked with Henrik Stenson during his 2016 Open Championship victory while also previously filling in for Justin Rose during a PGA Tour win.
Horschel enters the week needing a strong finish as he sits outside the top 100 in the FedEx Cup standings.
Tom Hoge is also hoping a new voice can help extend his season. The world No. 79 in the FedEx Cup standings will have former PGA Tour professional Tom Gillis on the bag as he looks to secure a playoff berth.
Gillis enjoyed a lengthy professional career and is perhaps best remembered for losing to Jordan Spieth in a playoff at the 2015 John Deere Classic.
Elsewhere, Matt Kuchar has once again turned to his son Cameron as his caddie. The Wyndham Championship is expected to be one of their final tournaments together before Cameron heads to TCU to begin college.
Kuchar has described the experience as a special opportunity for father and son to spend time together inside the ropes.
The week’s list of caddie moves also includes the return of C.T. Pan, who is making his first PGA Tour start in several months with veteran caddie Ben Hulka back on his bag.
Meanwhile, sponsor exemption Kihei Akina will be accompanied by longtime Tour caddie A.J. Montecinos, whose career includes working for Y.E. Yang during his memorable victory over Tiger Woods at the 2009 PGA Championship.
Hideki Matsuyama Among Several Stars With New Caddies at Wyndham