Max Homa Carries His Own Bag After Caddie Split During U.S. Open Qualifiers
PGA Tour star Max Homa drew widespread attention during the 2025 U.S. Open Qualifiers held in Ohio after he was spotted carrying his own golf bag. The move came following his reported decision to part ways with caddie Bill Harke.
Homa, a six-time PGA Tour winner, most recently claimed victory at the 2023 Farmers Insurance Open with an impressive 13-under 275 score—finishing two strokes ahead of Keegan Bradley. Earlier in 2025, just before the Valero Texas Open, Homa ended his long-term professional relationship with Joe Greiner, who had been his caddie for six years. Bill Harke stepped in to fill the role, but their partnership was short-lived and reportedly ended within two months.
Max Homa carried own bag at U.S. Open qualifying because he parted ways with caddie Bill Harke, per @dougferguson405.pic.twitter.com/YfZjJH6REU
— Underdog Golf (@UnderdogGolf) June 3, 2025
Following his performance in the U.S. Open Qualifying event, Homa was approached for comments regarding his split with Harke. He responded briefly, choosing to focus on the competition rather than personal changes. “I’d much rather talk about the golf instead of all the questions about the caddie. I’m good. Just hoofed it 36,” he said, referencing the grueling 36-hole day.
Despite his efforts, Homa failed to secure a spot in the U.S. Open. He narrowly missed qualifying after a tough playoff against Rickie Fowler, Cameron Young, Eric Cole, and Chase Johnson. He later described the outcome as “heartbreaking” and noted that carrying his bag for two full rounds left him physically drained, as it had been a long time since he last did so.
Bill Harke, his former caddie, is a seasoned veteran with over two decades of experience on the PGA Tour. He has previously worked with notable players like Min Woo Lee, Sam Ryder, and Colt Knost.
In the days leading up to the qualifiers, Homa also participated in the 2025 Memorial Tournament presented by Workday. While he started strong with six birdies and two bogeys in the first round, his performance dipped over the next three rounds. On Day 2, he carded multiple bogeys and two costly double bogeys. He did manage to make the cut, but Saturday (moving day) was another challenging round with five bogeys and just two birdies. His struggles continued into the final round, which included a double bogey on the 11th hole and a triple bogey on the 15th.
Homa ultimately finished tied for 51st place at 11-over-par 299, sharing the spot with Adam Hadwin, Andrew Novak, and Harry Higgs.