Lydia Ko

Lydia Ko finished T2 at the Lotte Championship this weekend, but that didn’t stop her from firing her caddy Gary Matthews. And she’s got some serious form in this department. 

Gary Matthews had been on Ko’s bag for just nine events together, after Ko sacked Jason Hamilton who caddied for 10 of Ko’s 14 career wins.

Following the split, Matthews spoke with Golf Digest/Golf World senior writer and Golf Channel insider Tim Rosaforte about the decision.

"In all honesty, there is no communication in the whole camp. You never know anything or are told anything," said Matthews.

"The agent [Michael Yim of IMG] called me on the Monday after Palm Springs and said, 'She needed a change, we’re going with somebody else, but you can caddie in Hawaii.'

"I’m like well, never in 19 years have I been fired, and I’m still working for the person. What was so strange for me, we worked unbelievably well in Hawaii, the communication and everything was just phenomenal."

Lydia Ko with Gary Matthews 

Matthews is not exactly some novice.  He has worked for Sergio Garcia, Anthony Kim, Trevor Immelman and Camilo Villegas.

But he was told that Ko "needed a friend out there."

And it’s not just Matthews and Hamilton who have got the sack, as Ko has now gone through nine caddies in just three years!

Matthews gave this candid assessment:

"I wish her the best, but she’s gone through so many caddies, she needs to wake up on caddie­–player relationships," said Matthews. "Otherwise she’ll just keep doing it."

Matthews finds the whole situation baffling:

"I was like, 'This is a bit strange; I didn't think I did that bad of a job.'"

"I feel like I am the best, that’s how I look at myself. I took the job when she was No. 1 in the world," Matthews said. "It's what I strive for and thrive for."

Ko will play in next week's Volunteers of America Texas Shootout, but is clearly still in need of a new caddy. Any takers?

Related:

Why you should never criticise your golfing partner