Michael Greller Reflects on 10 Years Since U.S. Open Victory

University Place, Washington – Michael Greller marked the 10th anniversary of his victory at the 2015 U.S. Open alongside Jordan Spieth, revisiting the memories of a groundbreaking event.

Greller, who caddied for Spieth that unforgettable Sunday, recalls never having watched the final round in full. He has seen snippets, however, including moments in the scoring trailer when Spieth was crowned champion. The 2015 U.S. Open was particularly historic, being the first major broadcast by Fox and the first to be held at Chambers Bay.

“How could a recording live up to the real thing?” Greller asked as he walked through Chambers Bay, pointing to significant spots that hold deep personal meaning. He married his wife, Ellie, on the same grounds 12 years ago.

On a warm June evening, Greller shared that both his personal and professional peaks occurred at the same venue. “There’s not a lot of people who can say the best moments of their personal life and their professional life came at the same place,” he said.

Reflecting on the moments of that championship, Greller was reminded of the rollercoaster finish and the emotional connection he has with Spieth. Their friendship blossomed through significant events, including Greller’s first caddie gig with Justin Thomas at Chambers Bay and the beginning of his career in caddying.

During their visit, Greller demonstrated how vividly he remembers specific shots from the tournament. As they stood at the 16th hole, he recalled Spieth’s tee shot with meticulous detail. “His 3-wood… it ended up kind of by this head,” he said, marking the spot where the ball rested.

Their reconnection to that pivotal week was palpable, especially as they encountered young golfers on the course, including a second-grader named Lexi, who echoed sentiments from that monumental U.S. Open.

Greller also highlighted the pressure of the final holes Spieth faced, explaining that during crucial moments, he often adjusts his approach based on the golfer’s mood. “Sometimes it’s encouragement. Sometimes talking makes it worse,” Greller said.

As the day progressed, Greller’s thoughts shifted back to his family, who were present during both his marriage and the U.S. Open. He remembers how the venue, which holds personal and professional significance, is intricately tied to memories of family and friendship.

Looking back over the past decade, Greller noted the changes in his life and that of Spieth’s, who is now a father, emphasizing their evolution both on and off the course. Although the landscape of their lives has transformed, the bond built through caddying remains strong.

Ultimately, Greller cherishes the moments spent on the course, sharing experiences with his family and reflecting on his journey, culminating in those unforgettable days at Chambers Bay.

“What just happened? How did Jordan just win?” Greller recalled asking the day of the victory. Those questions linger, signifying the impactful and tumultuous experiences that shaped their paths.