In the glamorous world of professional golf, players usually get the spotlight. Yet behind many championship wins are the steady voices of caddies. Two of the most legendary figures in this role are Michael Greller and Mike “Fluff” Cowan. Their journeys, earnings, and personal lives show how caddies can shape the careers of golf’s biggest names while building lasting legacies of their own.
Who Is Michael Greller?
Michael Greller was born on February 23, 1978, in Traverse City, Michigan, and is 47 years old in 2025. Unlike many who grew up inside the sport, Greller’s path was unusual. He worked as a sixth-grade math teacher until 2011 when he received a career-changing call from Jordan Spieth. From that moment, he traded the classroom for the PGA Tour, becoming Spieth’s full-time caddie.
His calm approach, tactical insights, and ability to guide Spieth under pressure have made him one of the most trusted names on tour. Greller has been on the bag for Spieth’s most memorable moments, including his wins at the 2015 Masters, the 2015 U.S. Open, and the 2017 Open Championship. Fans often credit his steady influence as a big reason behind Spieth’s success.
Michael Greller Net Worth in 2025
By 2025, Greller’s net worth is estimated between $2 million and $3 million. His fortune comes largely from Spieth’s massive career earnings, which exceed $60 million. Caddies typically earn 5 to 10 percent of a player’s winnings plus a weekly salary. When Spieth won the 2015 Masters and pocketed $1.8 million, Greller likely earned around $180,000 from that single victory.
During Spieth’s best season in 2015, when he earned over $12 million, Greller’s share reportedly came close to $1 million. Even in 2024, when Spieth brought home about $8 million, Greller’s income was still likely between $700,000 and $800,000, keeping him among the highest-paid caddies in the sport.
Michael Greller’s Family and Personal Life
Greller’s home life is just as steady as his career. He married Ellie Greller, a former kindergarten teacher, in 2013. The couple has two children, a son named James and a daughter named Evie. They live in Dallas, Texas, where Greller balances his travel-heavy schedule with family commitments. His background as a teacher and father has made him approachable and respected both inside and outside of golf.
Who Is Mike “Fluff” Cowan?
If Greller is a symbol of the modern caddie era, then Mike “Fluff” Cowan represents golf’s old-school charm and experience. Born on February 7, 1948, in Winslow, Maine, Cowan is 77 years old in 2025 and still walking fairways. His trademark mustache and relaxed personality have made him one of the most recognizable figures in golf history.
Cowan first rose to fame while caddying for Tiger Woods during his 1997 Masters victory. That win launched Woods into global superstardom, and Cowan into the history books. After parting ways with Woods in 1999, Cowan teamed up with Jim Furyk, a partnership that lasted nearly 25 years. Together they won the 2003 U.S. Open and countless other tournaments. In 2024, Cowan took on a new challenge, working with Pan Cheng-tsung, showing his passion for the game remains as strong as ever.
Mike “Fluff” Cowan Net Worth in 2025
Cowan’s net worth in 2025 is estimated at $1.5 million to $2 million. His long career has seen him earn top-tier caddie pay, including 10 percent of Woods’ winnings during his peak years. In 2014, when Furyk earned around $8 million, Cowan reportedly took home about $700,000, showing how financially rewarding the job can be when paired with a successful player.
His iconic reputation has also added value through appearances, endorsements, and his strong fan following. Few caddies have been able to turn their career into a personal brand the way Cowan has.
Mike Cowan’s Family and Personal Life
Cowan has lived a more private life compared to many in golf. He is married to Jennifer Cowan, and the couple has a daughter named Bobbie. They reside in Rockville, Maryland. Beyond golf, Cowan is a longtime fan of the Grateful Dead, and his nickname “Fluff” came from a resemblance to golfer Steve Melnyk. His mix of professionalism and laid-back personality has earned him a special place in the hearts of players and fans.
Greller and Cowan in 2025
Both Greller and Cowan remain active on the PGA Tour in 2025. Greller continues to support Jordan Spieth, aiming for another big season after a year of ups and downs. Fans often describe their partnership as one of the best combinations of patience and strategy on tour.
Meanwhile, Cowan continues to amaze fans by caddying at age 77. His presence at the 2025 Masters alongside Pan Cheng-tsung reminded the golf world just how long his influence has lasted. His familiar mustache and wealth of experience bring nostalgia to fans and inspiration to younger players.
Fun Facts About Michael Greller and Mike Cowan
- Greller used to be a math teacher before becoming a caddie.
- Cowan got his nickname “Fluff” because he resembled Steve Melnyk.
- Greller’s biggest career moment came during Spieth’s 2015 Masters win.
- Cowan’s most famous victory was guiding Tiger Woods at the 1997 Masters.
- Both men are respected for loyalty and building long-term partnerships with their players.
Lessons from Their Careers
The paths of Greller and Cowan show the importance of adaptability and teamwork. Greller proved that taking risks, like leaving teaching, can lead to extraordinary success. Cowan demonstrated how longevity and dedication can keep a career thriving even into one’s late seventies. Together, their stories show that while golfers hit the shots, caddies are essential partners in making history.
Conclusion
Michael Greller and Mike “Fluff” Cowan are proof that greatness in golf doesn’t always come from swinging the club. Their combined net worths of around $2–3 million and $1.5–2 million in 2025 reflect decades of dedication to the sport. From Spieth’s dramatic wins to Woods’ unforgettable 1997 Masters, they have been part of moments that shaped golf forever.
Their stories highlight that behind every champion, there is often a steady voice, a trusted partner, and a loyal caddie who makes success possible.