Adam Hayes, the pillar supporting a legendary player

We exclusively interviewed Jon Rahm’s caddie at LIV Golf Andalucía. We reviewed his career in the world of golf, focusing particularly on his years with Rahmbo. Years in which they’ve become one of the most successful and stable partnerships in professional golf.

The idea for this interview came about many months ago, at the beginning of the year, when we were planning an exciting trip to the Hero Dubai Desert Classic in January 2025. On that occasion, it wasn’t meant to be, as the ever-capricious “golf gods” decided that Jon Rahm and Adam Hayes would not make the cut in the season’s opening event. We had to wait for a better opportunity.

Our next chance came at LIV Golf Andalucía. The wait was worth it, and we were finally able to interview Adam Hayes. We were truly thrilled to ask him about his life and career. We hope you enjoy it. This time, we can honestly say the pleasure was all ours.

Please take your time to watch the interview video. Nothing like a Adam Hayes are infinite.

Adam Hayes was born in Rockledge, Florida, and began playing golf at a very young age. Like so many of us, he got caught in the grip of a sport that, once it grabs you, will never let you go.

As a young boy already playing golf, he had the chance to visit Augusta National, and that experience left a mark on him. Imagine being a kid, just starting in the sport, and being taken to Augusta to watch a round... You never forget that. Not only that, it sets a goal and a path. And Adam followed it. Since then, he has caddied at Augusta 15 times and has won there (for now), fulfilling one of his childhood dreams.

In college, a crucial phase in the development of professional athletes in the United States, he attended the University of Central Florida and played for The Knights. It was after that stage that, as he himself explains, he realized he lacked two essential things: the financial support to launch his first years as a pro, and perhaps the necessary level of play for that support to appear. Unfortunately, sometimes playing very good golf isn’t enough to “make it.”

After caddying for a friend at Torrey Pines (you’ll notice Jon and Adam’s recurring connection to this course), he realized he enjoyed the experience and decided to give it a try. What we’ll never know, thankfully, is whether the world missed out on a great insurance salesman, that was Adam’s alternative career at the time. What we did gain is a world-class caddie.

Once the decision was made, he spent four seasons as a caddie on the LPGA Tour for various players, until he was let go. Those times were tough (although Adam remembers them fondly as a wonderful learning experience), with very limited income and a reality far from what people usually imagine about professional sports. No luxury,quite the opposite.

Sometimes, several caddies would share the same room to cut costs, and they decided who got the bed with a game they called “Scores for Floors.” The best result avoided the floor. If that’s not motivation...

As the saying goes in caddie circles, you’re not a real caddie until you’ve been fired at least once. In Adam’s case, it was a blessing. Just a week after being fired, he started carrying the bag for his good friend Vaughn Taylor. And the gamble couldn’t have turned out better. Soon after, in 2004, they got their first PGA Tour win at the Reno-Tahoe Open.

From then on, Adam began experiencing some incredible moments on the golf course. One of the most memorable came in 2010 while carrying Jonathan Byrd’s bag in Las Vegas. The tournament was the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open.

A playoff was needed after 72 holes. Things got complicated because, after three playoff holes, Jonathan Byrd, Martin Laird, and Cameron Percy were still tied. The light was fading, and everyone expected a Monday finish, which no one wanted. Eventually, they played a fourth hole, and what happened was unforgettable. The media reports of the time say it all.

Just before working with Jon Rahm, he was caddie for Russell Henley, with whom he maintains a good friendship. Around that time, due to family matters, Adam considered taking a break and focusing more on his family. Thank God he didn’t!.

Then came a call from Phil Mickelson’s legendary caddie, Jim “Bones” Mackay, to whom both Adam and all Spanish fans owe a lot. Thanks to him, one of the most successful pairings in Spanish and world golf was formed. Thanks to Bones, Adam became Jon Rahm’s caddie.

Decisions must be judged in the context in which they’re made. Otherwise, we risk being unfair. Today, everyone would say that being Jon Rahm’s caddie is like winning the lottery. But in 2016, when they joined forces, Rahm, despite a stellar amateur and college career, was ranked 126th in the world. He had only been a professional for a few months. Adam, by contrast, had already spent several years on the PGA Tour and had a few wins under his belt.

It was a bold and risky decision. And it worked. There’s not much better than that in life.

Soon, they started making memories. On their debut together at the Safeway Open in Napa, California in October 2016, Jon finished T15, but something memorable happened. Jon made a hole-in-one with his very first shot in official competition with Adam Hayes. Not his first as a pro, his first ever! What’s more, he had never witnessed a hole-in-one before, his own or a playing partner’s. Naturally, he was interviewed. Few beginnings are this good, right?.

Earlier we mentioned the Torrey Pines connection. Here’s another one. The 2017 Farmers Insurance Open was their first PGA Tour win together. Jon closed the tournament with two eagles (holes 13 and 18), displaying a maturity that astonished many. That eternal putt on 18 nearly caused heart attacks.

And on hole 13, Jon hit a second shot that Adam calls “the best shot never broadcasted on TV.” After that shot, he holes an 18 foot putt.

This win was crucial because it lifted a huge weight off both Jon and Adam. There were high expectations. Mission accomplished — and from there, they took off.

Two key wins followed: the 2020 Memorial Tournament, which took Jon and Adam to world number one, and their first major: the 2021 U.S. Open. Remember where? 

Exactly — Torrey Pines. The first Spanish player to win the U.S. Open. Their first major together.

The 2023 Masters at Augusta is, probably, the most special moment for Adam. Winning is always amazing. Winning at Augusta National is another level. Emotionally, historically, prestigiously. Listen to how Adam talks about those days.

By the way, Jon’s words during the trophy ceremony right after winning the Masters, speaking about Adam, are a demonstration of affection and respect worth remembering.

And yes, in that tournament, on Sunday, Jon hit what we believe to be his best shot so far: his second shot on hole 14. Of course, we couldn't resist asking Adam about that shot.

Of course, we asked Adam about the 2025 Ryder Cup. He told us what Europeans can expect at Bethpage and from the New York crowd. He confirmed it will be an unforgettable atmosphere.

He also explained how he handles being American and defending Europe’s interests. By the way, can you guess which are his favorite countries in Europe?. Adam is a proud American, but make no mistake, he’s also one of us. You’ll be sure of it when you hear him talk about this.

He shared how he disconnects from golf at home, and don’t miss the marvel he built, including a Full Swing golf simulator (which he recommended we try) and a fully equipped gym.

Adam has shared rounds with legendary caddies like Billy Foster, Steve Williams, Jim “Bones” Mackay, Joe LaCava… He tells us what he learned from them and how he still learns from others every day. It’s a job that is not only demanding but strategic in a player’s success.

About caddying, Adam has said that a caddie’s main job is to adapt to the player. In his case, Adam works distances in meters, not yards.

To close, we asked him the hardest question. After 25 years of career, what does Adam dream about when he dreams of golf? What goals remain for someone who’s achieved nearly everything in the sport? He still has challenges, and he’s crystal clear about them. Can you guess which major he’s targeting?.

Enjoy the interview. A legendary caddie speaks. Adam Hayes speaks. Please, rise!