Collin Morikawa’s caddie makes hole in one at TPC Sawgrass
Collin Morikawa’s longtime caddie, J.J. Jakovac, etched his name into The Players Championship Caddie Competition history, becoming the first to win the event with a hole-in-one at TPC Sawgrass’ famed island-green 17th.
With a pitching wedge from 132 yards, Jakovac’s shot landed three paces beyond the hole before spinning back into the cup, igniting a wild celebration on the tee box. Morikawa, along with a dozen caddies and players, erupted in cheers as Jakovac secured the most memorable shot in the event’s history.
“The hole location made it a lot more possible, but I hit a really good shot,” Jakovac said of his ace, which marks the ninth of his career. “It was crazy. I told the boys my favorite part was when they went nuts when it went in.”
The annual caddie competition, which benefits the Bruce Edwards Foundation, saw officials position the pin in a front-left bowl, creating a natural funnel toward the hole. Still, no one had ever converted an ace—until Jakovac.
The previous closest attempt came in 2021, when Chris Rice, Harold Varner III’s caddie, stuck it to 1 foot, 2 inches to win the event. This year, Tyler Paul (Max McGreevy’s caddie) claimed second place with a shot to 1 foot, 5 inches.
For his historic win, Jakovac collected the winner’s pot—made up of caddie and player contributions—along with a $10,000 bonus from Knockaround Sunglasses, an engraved money clip, a custom drawing, and the ever-coveted VIP parking space.
Adding to the moment, the PGA Tour matched his winnings, with Jakovac choosing to donate the sum to Blue Star Families, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting military families in Northeast Florida.
From looping for a two-time major champion to making his own mark at TPC Sawgrass, Jakovac’s ace is one for the books.
Photo – Morikawa Instagram
