GOLF.AI • Sep 26, 2026

The Tosti File: A Pattern of Controversy

The dramatic mid-round departure of caddie Cliff Ellis from Alejandro Tosti's bag at the Biltmore Championship Asheville was more than just a workplace dispute; it was the latest chapter in a troubling narrative surrounding the talented but volatile PGA Tour player.

The incident was the culmination of a tense week. It reportedly began with a physical "tussle" on the driving range over the placement of the golf bag. The friction escalated on their ninth hole of the day when an argument over carrying an umbrella boiled over. Ellis alleges that Tosti directed a personal insult at him, which was the final straw. Ellis removed his bib, told his player, "I'm done with you," and walked off the course, leaving a stunned Tosti to recruit a spectator to carry his bag for the remainder of his round.

The accounts of the event diverge sharply. Ellis described Tosti's behavior throughout the week as "off the wall" and "insane." Tosti, however, has publicly denied using the specific slur Ellis alleged. In a dismissive, joking response to Golfweek, Tosti claimed Ellis simply "couldn't keep up with eight pars in a row."

This public breakup is not an anomaly but part of an emerging pattern. Reports have surfaced of Tosti's past conduct, including an incident at the Rocket Classic where he allegedly threw a club toward a previous caddie. Insiders also note that Tosti has "cycled through numerous caddies" since joining the tour, suggesting a history of difficult professional relationships. The latest controversy turns the spotlight from a single event into a compelling character study of a player whose immense talent may be at war with his temperament, raising questions about his reputation in a sport built on composure.