Alejandro Tosti’s caddie quit mid-round during the Biltmore Championship on September 17, 2026, as the Argentine golfer faced another turmoil-filled week on the PGA Tour. Tosti later joked, He couldn’t keep up with eight pars in a row,
a reference to the start of his round.
The incident unfolded at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove in Asheville, North Carolina, where Tosti was grouped with Luke Clanton and Spencer Oxendine. Ellis, who had caddied for Tosti on and off in recent years, left his bag on the fairway and walked away after a heated exchange near the 18th green, according to Golfweek. The golfer later confirmed the departure via text, adding three laughing emojis to his message.
A History of Friction and Fire
Tosti’s caddie exit was not an isolated incident. The Argentine, known for his volatile temperament, has a documented history of clashes with staff and competitors. Golf Channel reported that Tosti once described himself as a Dr. Jekyll, Mr. Hyde type,
noting his tendency to act aggressively during tournaments while being amicable in pro-ams.
His relationship with caddies has been particularly tumultuous. In 2023, Tosti cursed repeatedly at caddie Ray Yoel during a Korn Ferry Tour event, and he frequently changes bags, as chronicled by Ryan French of The Monday Q. Earlier this year, Tosti made headlines by having his caddie wear a bib reading “Need a wife” at the Valspar Championship, a nod to the tournament’s creative bib tradition. The incident drew comparisons to Australian Robert Allenby, who had multiple caddies quit on him during a 2015 round at the RBC Canadian Open.
The Immediate Aftermath and Tosti’s Response
Following the caddie’s departure, Tosti’s round took a toll. He finished with a 1-over 72, four strokes off the projected cutline. Golf Channel footage showed Tosti striding toward the green as Ellis abandoned his bag, with the two exchanging words near the 18th fairway. Tosti later enlisted a fan to carry his bag for the back nine, a move that highlighted the chaos of the situation.
Tosti’s reaction to the incident was lighthearted, but his history suggests deeper struggles. In a 2024 interview with Golfweek, he admitted, It’s been the challenge for me my whole life, dealing with myself.
The golfer also denied accusations from Ryan French’s article, which alleged repeated conflicts with caddies, though he did not elaborate further. Ellis’ departure came days after a practice round clash, according to Golfweek, though Tosti claimed he believed his caddie was using the restroom before the exit.
The Broader Implications for Tosti’s Career
The incident adds to a pattern of instability for Tosti, who entered the week ranked No. 186 in the FedEx Cup Fall standings. His caddie issues, combined with his mental game struggles, have raised questions about his ability to maintain consistency on the PGA Tour. Golf Channel noted that Tosti’s second-round tee time on September 18—1:49 p.m. ET—provided ample time to find a replacement, though no official announcement was made by the article’s deadline.
Competitors and officials have long viewed Tosti as a polarizing figure. A veteran Tour player described him as a sweetheart to be around in pro-ams,
but also noted his Dr. Jekyll, Mr. Hyde type
behavior during tournaments. The golfer’s ability to manage his temper and secure stable caddie support will be critical to his long-term success. As of September 18, Tosti had completed seven holes in his second round, carding a 1-over 72, with Patrick Talledo now on his bag.
The Biltmore Championship will likely be a pivotal test for Tosti’s resilience. With the cutline looming, his ability to recover from the caddie crisis will be closely watched. The incident also underscores the broader challenges of managing personal conduct and support systems in professional golf. As Golfweek’s Adam Schupak noted, Tosti’s career has been marked by “fiery” moments, but his capacity to adapt—and find reliable caddies—will define his trajectory.
For now, the focus remains on Tosti’s performance in the second round. If he can stabilize his game and avoid further drama, he may yet salvage his standing in the tournament. But for a player whose career has often teetered on the edge of turmoil, the path forward remains as uncertain as ever.