PGA Tour golfer Alejandro Tosti completed his first round at the Biltmore Championship in Asheville, North Carolina, on Thursday without his primary caddie. Cliff Ellis, who has worked with the 30-year-old Argentine on and off for several years, abruptly left the bag while the pair were playing their ninth hole of the day, as first reported by Golf Channel.
At the time of the departure, Tosti was even par. He finished the round with a 1-over 72. Tosti was grouped with competitors Luke Clanton and Spencer Oxendine during the event at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove.
When reached for comment by Golfweek regarding the sudden exit, Tosti stated via text message that Ellis “couldn’t keep up with eight pars in a row,” accompanying the remark with laughing emojis. The incident highlights the high-pressure nature of professional caddie-player relationships, particularly for Tosti, who has previously faced scrutiny for his on-course conduct.
Tosti, who was suspended from the Korn Ferry Tour in 2023 for conduct unbecoming a professional, has previously discussed his internal struggles. In a past interview with Golfweek, the golfer noted the lifelong challenge of managing his temperament and mental approach to the game. The departure of Ellis—with whom Tosti has a history of past disputes—adds another layer to the Argentine’s turbulent reputation on the professional circuit. Tosti is scheduled to tee off for his second round on Friday at 1:49 p.m. ET.
Follow-up Questions
What is confirmed in this story?
Alejandro Tosti’s Caddie Abandons Bag During PGA Tour Event PGA Tour golfer Alejandro Tosti finished his round after his caddie, Cliff Ellis, departed the bag midway through the Biltmore Championship in Asheville.
What should readers watch next?
At the time of the departure, Tosti was even par.
What remains unclear: The available reporting does not yet fully settle the next step in the story.
Perspectives
The Professional Perspective vs The Player’s Perspective
Story lens
The Professional Perspective
The mid-round departure of a caddie signals a significant breakdown in the player-caddie contract, which usually mandates the caddie remain with the player for the duration of the event. Such public exits reflect poorly on the professionalism of both, potentially making it difficult for the player to secure future caddies
The Player’s Perspective
Tosti’s lighthearted public response, using laughing emojis, frames the incident as a minor irritation rather than a crisis. By minimizing the event, he maintains his public persona as a ‘fiery’ competitor who is unfazed by external distractions, though this may mask the underlying difficulty of finding a replacement on short notice
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PGA Tour golfer Alejandro Tosti finished his round after his caddie, Cliff Ellis, departed the bag midway through the Biltmore Championship in Asheville.
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