"Incredible difficult decision" - Webb Simpson announces split with caddie Paul Tesori after 12 years together in a special note
Webb Simpson has parted ways with his longtime caddie Paul Tesori, ending their 12-year-long successful partnership that included the US Open title.
Simpson announced the decision on Monday via his Twitter handle.
"After over twelve years of working together, Paul Tesori and I have made the hard decision to change directions. This was an incredibly difficult decision for both of us, but one that we have thoroughly considered after spending many hours in prayer, seeking counsel from mentors, and having countless conversations together."
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He added that their time has been unforgettable, which included competing in a few Ryder Cups and Presidents Cups, winning the 2012 US Open win, and the 2018 Players Championship title. He reached World No. 4 in the golf rankings with Tesori on the bag.
"I could never have done this without Paul by my side. Not only has he been my caddie and swing coach, but one of my best friends in the world."
Tesori has worked with five PGA Tour players, winning 23 times in total.
Webb Simpson-Paul Tesori partnership details
Tesori himself was a good golfer but didn't pursue it further and switched to caddying. He started as a junior golfer for the junior college national championship team in Central Alabama. Tesori earned his PGA Tour card in 1996 but a car accident meant he couldn't play further. He then carried bags for Vijay Singh and Sean O’Hair before teaming up with Simpson.
In their last event as a team, Simpson and Tesori finished at T-7 at the Valspar Championship last week, his first top-10 finish in more than a year. The 37-year-old's last victory came in 2020 at RBC Heritage.
The duo's biggest achievement came in 2012 when Simpson went on to win the US Open, his first and only major so far where he beat Graeme McDowell and Michael Thompson by a two-stroke margin.
The partnership brought fortunes for Simpson as he went on to win a few more titles like the 2013 Shriners Hospitals for the Children's Open, the 2018 Players Championship, the 2020 Waste Management Phoenix Open, and the 2020 RBC Heritage
Webb Simpson had six top-10 finishes in the 2020-21 season before getting injured. Since returning from injury, he has only had two, including last week's Valspar Championship.
What's next for Webb Simpson and Paul Tesori?
Webb Simpson hasn't revealed who his new caddie will be, but he has given information about what's next for Paul Tesori. Tesori will now be on the bag for the 25-year-old Cameron Young. Currently World No. 17 Young was the rookie of the year last season.
Young is yet to win on the PGA Tour yet but has 10 top-10 finishes in the last two seasons. He has ended up as the runner-up in five of those, including the Open Championship. He has two Korn Ferry Tour titles. A maiden title might be on the cards now with a veteran caddie like Tesori by his side.