Michael Cromie has been brought in as the Scottie Scheffler fill-in caddie for the PGA Tour’s BMW Championship, the second event in the FedEx Cup playoffs. With Scheffler’s regular caddie unable to attend due to personal reasons, Cromie’s presence provides essential support during this crucial tournament.

Scottie Scheffler’s full-time caddie, Ted Scott, had to depart before the final round of the previous FedEx St. Jude Championship to address a family matter. This left Scheffler to turn to PGA Tour chaplain Brad Payne to caddie the last round, where Scheffler finished 3-under par but missed advancing to the BMW playoffs. Given more time to prepare for BMW, Scheffler secured the services of Michael Cromie, an experienced Tour caddie and close friend of Chris Kirk, who narrowly missed qualifying for the BMW as he placed 51st at St. Jude.

A Longtime PGA Tour Caddie with Experience at Caves Valley Golf Club

Michael Cromie has been working full time on the PGA Tour since 2020, primarily serving as the caddie for Chris Kirk, a six-time Tour winner. Cromie’s familiarity with the Caves Valley Golf Club, host course for the BMW Championship, comes from previous experience when Kirk finished 8-under par and 48th in the last tournament held at the Maryland venue.

Michael Cromie’s Strong Playing Background

Before his caddie career, Cromie was a notable amateur golfer with an impressive collegiate record. Playing for the University of Georgia, he earned All-SEC and All-American honors in 2014. During his college years, Cromie had the opportunity to play prestigious courses such as Augusta National Golf Club and Cypress Point. Among his amateur achievements, he claimed victory at the North and South Amateur held at Pinehurst.

Key Role in Improving Chris Kirk’s Putting Performance

As Kirk’s full-time caddie, Cromie has been instrumental in addressing putting challenges that Kirk faced after returning to the Tour. Late in 2024, Cromie collaborated with an Odyssey representative to fit Kirk with a customized putter tailored for the playoff stretch. This adjustment contributed to Kirk’s strong putting showing at the 2024 St. Jude Championship, where he ranked sixth in putting and just qualified for the BMW event by finishing 50th. Kirk’s top-10 finish at BMW then secured a spot in the Tour Championship. During these key tournaments, Kirk earned approximately $600,000 and qualified for the 2025 signature events, culminating in nearly $3 million for the season before his eventual elimination. Despite this success, Kirk’s putting form has been inconsistent this year, ranking 146th in strokes gained putting, signaling potential future adjustments.

Bringing Entertainment to the Course with Trivia During Rounds

Cromie’s approach to caddying includes more than strategic support; he also helps make long practice rounds and tournament days more engaging. He prepares trivia games to keep morale and focus high on the course, using creative methods to pass the time. This lighthearted habit has been shared on social media, with one post noting the unexpected use of the yardage book for trivia activities.

Yardage book used for … trivia? Chris Kirk and his caddie Michael have found a fun and interesting way to pass time on the course. pic.twitter.com/y4i9aReQc1 — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 7, 2024

Whether or not Cromie has included trivia in his work with Scheffler remains unknown as he steps into this new role.

Balancing Work and Family Life Away from the Course

Off the course, Michael Cromie is a devoted family man. He and his wife, Collins, whom he married in September 2017, have two children named Gunner and Shaw. The family resides in Georgia, balancing life on the road with personal commitments and family time.

Significance of Cromie’s Role for Scheffler and Tour Impact

Michael Cromie’s entry as the Scottie Scheffler fill-in caddie comes at a pivotal moment in the FedEx Cup playoffs, where every detail and support system counts. His wealth of experience as a seasoned caddie, combined with his past success working closely with Chris Kirk, positions him to provide solid guidance to the world No. 1. Cromie’s ability to adapt quickly and integrate into Scheffler’s routine could influence Scheffler’s performance at the BMW Championship and beyond. As the playoffs intensify, the chemistry between player and caddie often proves critical, and Cromie’s presence might well prove to be an important factor in Scheffler’s continued pursuit of Tour success.