J.J. Jakovac is a highly accomplished caddie in the world of professional golf, best known for his successful partnership with golfer Collin Morikawa.
Originally from Napa, California, Jakovac gained prominence during his college years at California State University, where he won two NCAA Division II-level championships and earned recognition as a three-time All-American.
Transitioning to a career as a caddie, Jakovac’s notable achievements include being the second-highest-paid caddie in 2020, earning around $486,000, primarily attributed to Morikawa’s victories at prestigious tournaments such as the 2020 PGA Championship.
In this article on Jonathan Jakovac’s net worth, wiki, and bio, we’ll delve into his professional journey and background to uncover what’s behind the scenes.
Quick Facts
- Age: July 18, 1984
- Hometown: Napa, California
- College: California State University (2000-2004)
- Caddie Career: Notable partnerships with Matt Bettencourt, Ryan Moore, and Collin Morikawa
- Career Highlights: Two NCAA Division II-level championships in college, induction into the California Collegiate Athletic Association Hall of Fame in 2023
- Family: Married to Amanda; two sons, Bo and Benji
- Interests: Enjoys fly fishing and woodworking
- Notable Achievements: Second-highest paid caddie in 2020, significant contributions to Morikawa’s victories including the 2020 PGA Championship and 2021 Open Championship.
Early Life and Career
JJ Jakovac was raised in Napa, California, and began playing golf at a very young age. His father, a skilled player at a local golf club, introduced Jakovac to the sport, and he started hitting golf balls at the age of three or four.
However, Jakovac initially leaned towards baseball during his childhood. It wasn’t until he played nine holes with his baseball team and realized his golf skills surpassed his teammates that Jakovac decided to focus on golf again.
Jakovac attended California State University from 2000 to 2004 and was part of the golf team known as the Chico State Wildcats.
During his college years, he achieved significant success, winning two NCAA Division II-level championships and earning the title of a three-time All-American.
In 2004, he was awarded the prestigious Jack Nicklaus Award for the most outstanding collegiate golfer in the U.S. across divisions.
His achievements led to his induction into the California Collegiate Athletic Association Hall of Fame in 2023, marking a recognition of his outstanding contributions to collegiate golf.
After college, Jakovac initially pursued a professional golfing career but eventually experienced burnout.
Dissatisfied with the lack of success and enjoyment, he decided to explore other avenues within the golfing world, eventually transitioning to a career as a caddie.
Professional Career as a Caddie
J.J. Jakovac’s journey into caddying began somewhat serendipitously when Matt Bettencourt, a former amateur golf opponent, reached out to him.
Despite Jakovac’s lack of prior caddying experience, Bettencourt valued the trust and golf knowledge Jakovac brought to the table. Their partnership proved successful, with Bettencourt winning twice on the Nationwide Tour in 2008.
After parting ways with Bettencourt, Jakovac continued to work with various golfers, including Peter Tomasulo, before forming a significant and lasting partnership with Ryan Moore.
The collaboration with Ryan Moore spanned several years. Jakovac and Moore experienced notable successes together, including back-to-back wins for Moore at the CIMB Classic in Malaysia in 2013 and 2014.
J.J. Jakovac’s career as a caddie took a notable turn after parting ways with golfer Ryan Moore following the 2019 PGA Championship.
Back in his hometown of Napa, California, Jakovac recognized the rising talent of Collin Morikawa. Inspired by Morikawa’s potential, Jakovac reached out to Morikawa’s team through an agent friend to explore the possibility of forming a partnership.
Their first meeting occurred at the sectional qualifier for the 2019 US Open at Pebble Beach, where Morikawa advanced, marking the beginning of their successful collaboration.
Since then, Morikawa and Jakovac have achieved rapid success, claiming victories at prestigious events such as the 2019 Barracuda Championship, the 2020 Workday Charity Open, and the 2020 PGA Championship.
Their winning streak continued in 2021, with notable triumphs at the WGC-Workday Championship, the Open Championship, and the DP World Tour Championship.
Personal Life
Having made the move from Napa to Las Vegas over a decade ago, Jakovac currently resides in Las Vegas with his wife, Amanda, and their two sons, Bo and Benji.
Bo, his firstborn, shares their family journey, while Benji, born in late October 2020, brings additional joy to their lives.
Amanda is the younger sister of Nicole Moore, the wife of Jakovac’s former golf partner, Ryan Moore. Their relationship blossomed over the years, leading to marriage, and now they enjoy the shared joys and responsibilities of raising their two sons.
Amanda Jakovac, a private individual on Instagram, reveals a multi-faceted persona in her Instagram profile. Describing herself as “JJ’s Wife, Bo Bennett and Benji Banks Momma, and Dental Hygienist,” she plays multiple roles with grace and enthusiasm.
Away from the golf course, Jakovac indulges in hobbies that reflect his diverse interests. A fan of fly fishing and woodworking, he shared with The Caddie Network that, if not a caddie, he could see himself as a general contractor.
His passion for construction and building things stems from his background, having worked in construction between his playing days and the beginning of his caddying career.
Net Worth
While J.J. Jakovac’s exact net worth isn’t publicly disclosed, his substantial earnings as one of the top-paid caddies in the golfing world provide a glimpse into his financial success.
Jakovac’s earnings comprised a base salary of $120,000, augmented by substantial bonuses tied to Morikawa’s achievements at various tournaments.
For instance, Jakovac earned around $198,000 from Morikawa’s $1.98 million winnings at the PGA Championship in 2020.
In total, Jakovac’s earnings as Collin Morikawa’s caddie for the year amounted to an impressive $486,000, securing him the notable position of the second-highest-paid caddie in 2023.
Given the estimated annual earnings of J.J. Jakovac, it’s plausible to suggest that his net worth could be in the range of several hundred thousand to a few million dollars.
Conclusion
From his early days in California to his collegiate achievements, Jakovac’s journey reflects dedication and success in the sport.
With notable earnings and a substantial impact on the golfing landscape, Jakovac’s story serves as an inspiring testament to the integral role caddies play in the professional golfing arena.
