Who is Xander Schauffele’s caddie?

He’s a multiple major champion and PGA Tour winner as well as a Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup star, but who is Xander Schauffele’s caddie?

When you watch Xander Schauffele compete on the PGA Tour, it’s easy to focus solely on his killer approach play and cool demeanor. But behind every top golfer is someone quietly guiding them through every round. So who is Xander Schauffele’s caddie? Let’s find out…

Who is Xander Schauffele’s caddie?

Xander Schauffele’s caddie is Austin Kaiser, and the pair have been working together on tour for more than a decade – though they’ve known each other a lot longer than that.

From college teammates to tour partners

Schauffele and Kaiser go way back. They first met at San Diego State University, playing together on the Aztecs’ golf team from 2011 to 2015. Kaiser was a talented player in his own right, finishing fourth on the team with multiple top-20 finishes during his junior year. After college, Kaiser briefly considered a career as a police officer, even enrolling in the police academy. But when Schauffele turned pro, he reached out to his old friend to join him on tour.

A decade of trust – and success

Since 2015, Kaiser has been by Schauffele’s side through thick and thin. Together, they’ve celebrated two major championships – the PGA Championship and The Open Championship in 2024 – an Olympic Gold Medal, multiple PGA Tour wins, and victories in both the Presidents Cup and Ryder Cup. Their partnership has been remarkably fruitful, with total earnings exceeding $50 million, including over $1 million in bonuses for Kaiser in 2024 alone.

Their bond goes beyond the scoreboard. Kaiser once told the San Diego Union-Tribune:

“We have a perfect balance of professionalism and friendship. I don’t think I’d work for anyone else. It’s like being drafted by your favorite team growing up. You can’t get that with anyone else.”

N’aww.

A special gesture after Olympic Gold

At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Schauffele won gold – but caddies don’t receive medals. To honor Kaiser’s support, Schauffele gifted him a gold ring engraved with the Olympic rings and the US flag, a touching reminder of their shared journey.

Behind the scenes on tour

Kaiser’s role goes far beyond carrying the bag. He helps with strategy, reading greens, managing pressure, and even keeping Schauffele grounded during tense moments. Their seamless communication and trust make it one of the most respected caddie-golfer partnerships on tour. For a closer look at their process, check out this behind-the-scenes video as they prepare for the 2025 Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass:

Schauffele’s seal of approval

We’ve heard from Kaiser, but what does Schauffele say about the relationship with his caddie?

“I told Austin he’ll never get fired for something he says to me,” said Schauffele. “I want him to give me his honest advice. I trust him. He played golf. He’s a good player. 

“When I ask him for his advice, tell me what you think. We know each other’s tendencies when we play golf as well – he hits his putts harder than I do, so he’s always on maybe a little bit lower read, things of that nature.

“But I told him, I won’t ever fire you because you thought it was this and I thought it was that, and if I was right, that’s not going to be the difference maker.

“There are a lot of variables in golf. Austin is a great guy, a great caddie. He’s one of my best friends. I think, if you can keep your caddie as a constant, it’s an advantage.”

More than a decade in, it sounds like Austin Kaiser will remain on Xander Schauffele’s golf bag for plenty more time to come.

• Who is Xander Schauffele’s wife?

• What’s in Xander Schauffele’s golf bag?