In the world of professional caddying, earning a nickname is a sign of true respect and recognition. Mike “Fluff” Cowan, a legendary caddie himself, once said, “It’s almost like you haven’t made it in the caddie world until you’ve got a nickname.” One such respected figure was John Graham, affectionately known as “Scotchy.” His recent passing has left a lasting impression on the golf community.

John ‘Scotchy’ Graham’s presence on the course was as unforgettable as the stories he told. He got this nickname from his birthplace. He was a native of Glasgow, Scotland. He gained prominence as the caddie for Lee Westwood, notably during Westwood’s victory at the 1998 Freeport-McDermott Classic, his first PGA Tour win. Graham also had a significant role in the 2004 Ryder Cup at Oakland Hills, where he caddied for Howard Clark. A veteran of the game, it was age that eventually slowed him down.. Graham had been battling health issues for several years, with complications from cancer first diagnosed in the early 2020s.

His health had been a concern in recent years, yet his passion for the game and his engaging stories remained undiminished. A reel shared by ‘Caddieworld’ in August 2025 highlighted his visit to Copenhagen. Despite health challenges, his vibrant storytelling captivated those around him. The reel noted, “The sun shone this week in Copenhagen and a caddie legend came to visit. John “Scotchy” Graham has seen it all and tells the stories so well…. 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….. 💙”

After the news of Scotchy’s passing, Lee Westwood was among the first to share a tribute on Instagram. The figure shared an image of the two crossing each other on a golf course. In the post, the 25-time DP Tour winner wrote, “Rest in peace Scotchy xxx.”

The tribute was expected as the duo had shared a close bond throughout their time working together. While the exact time they spent as the golfer-caddie duo is not known, Graham was seen caddying for Westwood in the mid-2000s. They had posed together at the Par-3 contest at The Masters, held at the Augusta National Golf Club in 2005. Later, Graham also held the bag for Westwood during the 2006 PGA Championship.

Following his sudden passing, many in the golf community, including Lee Westwood, took to social media to pay their respects. From fellow caddies to professional golfers, messages poured in on Instagram.

The golf world mourns the passing of John ‘Scotchy’ Graham

When Westwood’s post was out, others, too, began sharing heartfelt messages in the comments. Fellow caddie Wayne Riley wrote, “RIP legend 🙏❤️🤠.” His words captured the sentiment of many who saw Graham not just as a caddie but as a mentor and influential figure in the sport. Echoing similar feelings, Claude Harmon III shared his admiration for Scotchy, stating, “One of the absolute best. 😢.”

Another fellow caddie, Kyle Roadley, shared about the laughs the two had. Like Graham, Kyle also has a nickname, Roachy, and has caddied for players like Robert Rock and Sami Valimaki. Reflecting on their friendship and the lighter moments on tour, he wrote, “Ledge … Rest In Peace SCOTCHY lad … thanx for the laughs my friend 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼gone but never to be forgotten ❤️”

While some shared messages through comments, others shared their feelings with Instagram stories. Billy Foster, a fellow caddie who has caddied for notable golfers such as Hugh Baiocchi, paid tribute to Scotchy by sharing a photo of him on Instagram. With the story, Billy wrote, “Rest In Peace Scotchy 🙏❤️” and “A very sad day for the caddying world losing the best character our game has ever known 🙏.”

Claude Harmon’s grandson, Claude Harmon III, also shared various stories on Instagram featuring Scotchy. Alongside resharing the reel by ‘Caddieworld’, he also shared a story with the text, “Rest easy Scotchy….” His words reflect the personal loss felt by many who had the privilege of working alongside Scotchy.

These tributes show that John “Scotchy” Graham’s impact went far beyond carrying bags. He shaped careers, mentored younger caddies, and brought warmth and wisdom to every course he stepped on. While his passing closes a chapter, his influence on the game and the people who knew him will continue to resonate for years to come.