Alejandro Tosti's caddie Cliff Ellis explains why he quit mid-round at Biltmore Championship after heated argument over umbrella.

Cliff Ellis revealed details about his dramatic mid-round departure from Alejandro Tosti's bag during the Biltmore Championship Asheville, explaining that a heated exchange over an umbrella in the golf bag led to his decision to walk off the course. Ellis had worked for Tosti since the CJ Cup in May, describing their relationship as tumultuous despite making only three cuts together.

The incident occurred on the 18th hole of their first round when Tosti questioned why Ellis had placed an umbrella in the bag. Ellis explained the umbrella could provide protection from rain or sun, which Tosti often used during rounds. When Tosti called the decision stupid and used a personal insult that Ellis declined to repeat on radio, Ellis demanded Tosti retract the comment.

Ellis said Tosti doubled down on the insult rather than apologizing, prompting Ellis to quit immediately and remove his caddie bib in the fairway. Golf Channel cameras captured the brief but animated interaction near the 18th green before Ellis walked away, leaving Tosti to employ a fan from the gallery to carry his bag for the remaining nine holes.

Tosti completed his opening round with a 72 and added a 71 in the second round with a new caddie before missing the cut. Ellis has not heard from Tosti since the incident but remains open to caddying for another player in the future. Tosti currently sits 188th in the FedEx Cup fall rankings.