Tony Finau trials new caddie at RBC Heritage after missing Masters

The 36-year-old is searching for his first PGA Tour win since 2023 with a new caddie on the bag.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 4:33pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting using vibrant neon colors and rapid brushstrokes to depict the powerful motion and energy of a professional golfer swinging a golf club.Finau's search for his first PGA Tour win since 2023 takes on a new energy with the addition of a new caddie at the RBC Heritage.Los Angeles Today

Tony Finau, who missed the Masters this year, is playing the PGA Tour's RBC Heritage event with a new caddie, John Ellis. Finau is looking to end his winless drought dating back to 2023, with Ellis joining him after recently parting ways with Wyndham Clark's longtime caddie. Finau noted this week is a 'vibe check' and the partnership is not necessarily permanent.

Why it matters

Finau, a 36-year-old veteran, is seeking his first PGA Tour victory since the 2023 Mexico Open. The change in caddies could provide a fresh perspective as he tries to get his game back on track after missing the Masters for the first time in several years.

The details

Finau is playing the RBC Heritage through a sponsor's exemption after missing the cut at the Valero Texas Open in his last start. He has struggled with consistency this season, missing the first two cuts of the year before a T-11 finish at the Farmers Insurance Open. Ellis, who spent nearly a decade caddying for Wyndham Clark, recently parted ways with his longtime player and is now on Finau's bag on a trial basis.

  • Finau last won on the PGA Tour at the 2023 Mexico Open at Vidanta.
  • Finau missed the cut at the Valero Texas Open in his most recent start.
  • Finau is playing the RBC Heritage this week on a sponsor's exemption.

The players

Tony Finau

A 36-year-old PGA Tour veteran who is searching for his first win since 2023.

John Ellis

Finau's new caddie for this week's RBC Heritage, who recently parted ways with Wyndham Clark.

Wyndham Clark

The former World No. 3 player who recently split with his longtime caddie, John Ellis.

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What they’re saying

“When things aren't going great, and I care more about Wyndham and my friendship. We're friends before business, and things just weren't right. Something had to give. I felt like it was just time, maybe a different voice for both of us would help.”

— John Ellis, Former Caddie for Wyndham Clark

What’s next

Finau will continue his partnership with John Ellis at the upcoming Valspar Championship, where he will look to build momentum and contend for his first PGA Tour win in over three years.

The takeaway

Finau's decision to trial a new caddie at the RBC Heritage highlights the importance of chemistry and fit between players and their caddies on the PGA Tour. The veteran is hoping a fresh perspective can help him end his winless drought and return to the winner's circle for the first time since 2023.