In the tight-knit world of professional caddying, earning a nickname is a badge of honour — a sign that you’ve truly made your mark. As the legendary Mike “Fluff” Cowan once said: “It’s almost like you haven’t made it in the caddie world until you’ve got a nickname.” Few embodied that spirit better than John “Scotchy” Graham, whose recent passing has left a lasting void across the golfing community.
A Life on the Fairways
A proud Glaswegian, Graham earned his nickname from his Scottish roots and became one of the game’s most respected and colourful characters. Over a career spanning decades, he was best known for his partnership with Lee Westwood, notably guiding him to victory at the 1998 Freeport-McDermott Classic — Westwood’s first PGA Tour title.
Graham also played a role in the 2004 Ryder Cup at Oakland Hills, where he caddied for Howard Clark during one of Europe’s most dominant team performances. Known for his quick wit, love of storytelling and unwavering professionalism, “Scotchy” was a fixture inside the ropes and a friend to countless players and fellow caddies.
Courage and Character
In recent years, Graham faced ongoing health battles following a cancer diagnosis in the early 2020s. Yet even as illness slowed him down, his spirit never dimmed. A heart-warming video shared by Caddieworld in August 2025 captured him visiting Copenhagen, laughing and sharing tales from his decades on Tour. The post read: “He’s not been in the best of health, but his stories and memories were sparkling as usual. Everyone was so pleased to see him.”
Tributes From Across the Game
Following the news of his passing, tributes poured in from across the golf world. Lee Westwood was among the first to share his condolences, posting a photo of the pair crossing paths on a fairway with the caption: “Rest in peace, Scotchy xxx.”
Caddies, coaches and players alike followed suit. Wayne Riley wrote, “RIP legend,” while Claude Harmon IIIremembered him as “one of the absolute best.” Fellow caddie Kyle ‘Roachy’ Roadley reflected on their friendship, saying: “Thanks for the laughs, my friend — gone but never forgotten.”
Another touching tribute came from Billy Foster, who shared a photo of Graham with the words: “A very sad day for the caddying world, losing the best character our game has ever known.”
A True Caddie’s Caddie
John “Scotchy” Graham will be remembered not only for his work alongside some of golf’s greats, but for the humour, humility and heart he brought to every fairway. His legacy will live on in the stories shared by those lucky enough to walk beside him.
