Who is Tyrrell Hatton’s caddie?

Tyrrell Hatton’s long-time friend Hugo Dobson now carries the bag for the fiery Englishman after a mid-2024 switch. Here’s everything you need to know about the man by Hatton’s side.

Tyrrell Hatton’s long-time friend Hugo Dobson now carries the bag for the fiery Englishman after a mid-2024 switch. Here’s everything you need to know about the man by Hatton’s side – and what happened to his former caddie Mick Donaghy.

Tyrrell Hatton is one of the best golfers in the world, but he’s arguably more well-known for his fiery on-course persona than his performances and results. With club slams, foul-mouthed tirades, and brutally honest self-commentary, Hatton is pure box office. Many feel that he’d perform better if he could keep his emotions in check, while some insist it’s part of what makes him so special – and successful.

Whichever side of that fence you sit on, it’s clear there are times when it’s safe to be outside a certain radius of Tyrrell Hatton. One man who has no choice but to enter the blast zone is Hatton’s caddie, Hugo Dobson. It’s his job to keep Hatton’s emotions in check in the heat of competition – while doing all the usual caddie duties, of course.

So, who is Hugo Dobson? And how did he end up on the bag for one of England’s top golfers?

A friendship that goes way back

Dobson isn’t just some seasoned looper picked out of a caddie pool. He’s been one of Hatton’s best mates since they were teenagers. The pair met at a junior event when they were around 14 and bonded quickly through shared ambitions, similar personalities, and a love for the game. They played a lot of amateur golf together and even turned pro at roughly the same time — though it’s fair to say their careers took different paths.

While Hatton climbed the ranks to become a Ryder Cup stalwart and multi-time winner on the DP World Tour and PGA Tour, Dobson didn’t stick with playing professionally. Instead, he pivoted into the caddie game – and it’s led to a full-circle moment for both of them.

The full-time switch

Dobson had been a part of Hatton’s inner circle for a while. He even caddied for Tyrrell at the 2019 Masters as a one-off. But in 2024, things changed permanently.

In early 2024, Hatton’s former caddie, the vastly experienced Mick Donaghy, suffered a fall after dinner before the final round of the LIV Golf Miami event, resulting in a shoulder injury that caused him to take a break from caddying.

Donaghy had been on the bag for over 30 years, and his absence opened the door for Dobson to step in on a temporary basis. But it soon became clear the partnership worked – both personally and professionally – and Dobson became Hatton’s full-time caddie.

What Dobson brings to the bag

You might not see Dobson barking out numbers or giving animated reads like some high-profile caddies, but that’s part of his magic. What he offers Hatton is balance – and for someone like Tyrrell, that’s a big deal.

Tyrrell’s intensity is part of what makes him brilliant, but he can run hot. Dobson knows exactly how to manage that. They have a natural rhythm, built from years of friendship, where Dobson knows when to say something, when to keep quiet, and when to crack a joke to cut the tension.

And make no mistake – Dobson knows his golf. He’s not just a cheerleader. With his own playing background and sharp understanding of strategy, he brings a quiet confidence to the partnership.

Results talk

Since teaming up, Hatton and Dobson have already chalked up some big wins. One of the standout moments was Hatton’s victory at LIV Golf Nashville in June 2024 – his first win on the Saudi-backed circuit. That came after his much-discussed move to LIV Golf and was a big statement from the Englishman.

Later that year, they also combined to complete the Dunhill Links Championship hat trick, with Hatton joining a rare club of three-time winners at the iconic Scottish event. Clearly, the Dobson-Hatton duo is clicking.

Final thoughts

In an era where many caddie relationships are transactional, the bond between Tyrrell Hatton and Hugo Dobson is a refreshing throwback. It’s not a relationship of convenience or purely transactional – it’s built on years of shared experiences, trust, and genuine friendship.

Dobson might not be the loudest guy on the course, but his presence is felt in the way Hatton plays. And if recent form is anything to go by, the best could be yet to come for this player-caddie duo.