The Jani-King Spring Clean Challenge is back on the PGA Tour, bringing an exciting twist to the season with teams of two players vying for a bonus prize pool based on FedEx Cup points. This year, Jacob Bridgeman and Chris Gotterup are leading the charge as early favorites, having already made their mark by winning half of the first six events this season.
The challenge is more than just a competition; it’s part of a long-standing partnership between Jani-King and the Association of Professional Tour Caddies, dating back to 2015. During the event, caddies will sport a distinctive green Jani-King towel, a symbol of their participation and a nod to the brand’s presence on the course.
This year’s challenge features a $150,000 bonus payout, spread across seven PGA Tour events, kicking off at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Bridgeman’s journey to this point is noteworthy.
After turning pro in 2022, the South Carolina native sought a caddie and found GW Cable, thanks to recommendations from his agent and college coach. Cable, taking a chance on Bridgeman, joined him on the Korn Ferry Tour, and their partnership flourished, culminating in their first PGA Tour victory together at the Genesis Invitational.
Now, Bridgeman teams up with Gotterup, a rising star who’s already clinched victories at the Sony Open in Hawaii and the WM Phoenix Open. Their combined momentum makes them a formidable duo as they enter the Spring Clean Challenge.
The Jani-King and APTC partnership has grown significantly since its inception, now featuring dozens of caddies carrying the iconic towel. It’s a staple at tournaments, seen cleaning clubs and wiping grips, subtly promoting the brand during broadcasts.
Mike Biggs, Jani-King’s senior VP of sports partnerships, has been instrumental in integrating caddies into the campaign. He highlights the colorful personalities of caddies and their pivotal role in the sport. This initiative marked a shift in the golf world, giving caddies endorsement opportunities they previously lacked.
While the Jani-King towels have become iconic, they remain exclusive to the Tour, adding an air of mystery and exclusivity. Biggs emphasizes the importance of brand awareness, especially with a limited budget compared to other golf sponsors.
Now in its third year, the Spring Clean Challenge offers more than just brand exposure. It injects cash incentives into the Tour, rewarding performance and consistency. This season, teams will split the $150,000 bonus based on their FedEx Cup points.
CBS golf announcer Colt Knost, who has a history with Jani-King, returns as host and organizer of the event. The 2026 teams include:
- Kings of Clean: Jacob Bridgeman and Chris Gotterup
- Clean Strikes: Tom Hoge and Michael Kim
- Carolina Clean: Andrew Novak and J.T. Poston
The schedule is packed with prestigious tournaments, from the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando to the PGA Championship in Newton Square.
Last year, Sepp Straka and Greyson Sigg, known as the Big Dawgs, claimed the title through consistent and clutch performances, earning significant bonuses and reinforcing the prestige of the Jani-King challenge. As the new season unfolds, all eyes will be on Bridgeman and Gotterup to see if they can continue their impressive run.