Who Is Jhonattan Vegas’ Caddie? Meet Ruben Yorio
Argentinian looper Ruben Yorio has caddied for Jhonattan Vegas for several years - here is what we know about him
Four-time PGA Tour winner Jhonattan Vegas has worked with veteran Argentinian caddie Ruben Yorio since 2015.
Yorio has been on Vegas’ bag for his last three victories on the PGA Tour, including his recent win at the 3M Open, where he claimed his first title in five years.
Yorio, who grew up in Ezpeleta on the southern outskirts of Buenos Aires, came from humble beginnings.
He lost his father – a railway station worker – to a heart attack at the age of 14, leaving his mother to raise him and his brother on her own.
“We’re from a poor background,” Yorio told Golf Canada in 2018.
Unlike many caddies on the PGA Tour, Yorio didn’t grow up playing golf at a high level. In fact, he wasn’t much of a golfer at all before caddying at his local club for the first time at the age of 12.
He said he discovered caddying after one of his friends showed up one day with “a new bike, new shoes and new clothes” after looping at Ranelagh Golf Club in Buenos Aires.
Get the top Black Friday deals right in your inbox: Sign up now!
The hottest deals and product recommendations during deals season straight to your inbox plus all the best game-changing tips, in-depth features and the latest news and insights around the game.
Yorio’s friend then invited him along to the course, where he would start caddying for the members and make US$20 a day.
He eventually started caddying in the professional ranks by the age of 18, before moving on to stints on the European and LPGA Tours.
Prior to working with Vegas, Yorio had a successful spell with fellow Argentinian Angel Cabrera, with the pair winning the 2009 Masters and the 2014 Greenbrier Classic together.
He also looped for Alvaro Quiros in between, helping the Spaniard win the 2011 Dubai Desert Classic.
When Cabrera’s son started carrying his bag, Yorio decided to move on and started working with Vegas, and has been a permanent fixture of the PGA Tour player’s team ever since.
Yorio and Vegas, who is from Venezuela, have formed a strong South American connection, and have both been passionate about growing the game in the region.
"We have to get kids involved in the sport, teach them what a golf club is and how to hit the ball,” Vegas told Arizona Republic in 2023. “I'm sure many good players will come out of it, but if there is no exposure, it will be difficult for golf to grow."
Yorio added similar sentiments: "There would have to be more publicity in Latin America and there would have to be more big tournaments so that people are motivated and want to see themselves reflected in the pro players."
Vegas managed to return to the winner’s circle in 2024 with victory at the 3M Open, having struggled with injuries during most of the 2022-23 season. He has required surgery for an elbow injury and continues to live with pain.
Yorio said Vegas fought through pain on the course to claim a one-stroke victory over Max Greyserman, thanks to a birdie on the 18th in the final round.
“He always was a fighter,” Yorio said of Vegas after the win.
Joel Kulasingham is freelance writer for Golf Monthly. He has worked as a sports reporter and editor in New Zealand for more than five years, covering a wide range of sports including golf, rugby and football. He moved to London in 2023 and writes for several publications in the UK and abroad. He is a life-long sports nut and has been obsessed with golf since first swinging a club at the age of 13. These days he spends most of his time watching, reading and writing about sports, and playing mediocre golf at courses around London.
-
Graham DeLaet Facts: 20 Things To Know About The PGA Tour Pro Turned Broadcaster
Graham DeLaet had a successful career in the game, but after injuries took a toll, he has stepped into a broadcasting role in recent years - here are 20 facts about him
By Mike Hall Published
-
Arron Oberholser Facts: 15 Things To Know About The PGA Tour-Winning Golf Channel Broadcaster
Arron Oberholser left his PGA Tour career behind to take up life as a Golf Channel broadcaster in 2013 – here are 15 things to know about him
By Mike Hall Published
-
Who Is Jesper Svensson's Caddie?
Swedish player Jesper Svensson’s caddie is South African Xolani “Lucky” Shandu – get to know more about him here
By Mike Hall Published
-
Who Is Niklas Norgaard's Caddie?
Kasper Broch Estrup helped Nikas Norgaard to the biggest win of his professional career in 2024 – here’s what we know about him
By Mike Hall Published
-
Who Is Rasmus Hojgaard’s Caddie?
Rasmus Hojgaard claimed arguably the most impressive win of his career with Tom Ayling on his bag – here’s what we know about him
By Mike Hall Published
-
What Are Xander Schauffele's Stock Yardages?
The American enjoyed a phenomenal 2024, picking up two Major scalps in the process. Here, we take a look at how far he hits every club in the bag
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Nate Lashley Facts: 15 Things You Didn't Know About The PGA Tour Pro
Nate Lashley has faced tragedy and triumph during his life and career - here are 15 facts about the PGA Tour star
By Mike Hall Published
-
Rico Hoey Facts: 15 Things You Didn't Know About The PGA Tour Golfer
Rico Hoey has two wins as a professional and plays on the PGA Tour - here are some facts you may not know about the American-Filipino golfer
By Joel Kulasingham Published
-
Who Is Matt Wallace's Caddie?
Matt Wallace has had several caddies in recent years, but his latest is Jamie Lane - here's what we know about him
By Sam Tremlett Published
-
PGA Tour Money List 2024: How Much The Top Earners Made
Scottie Scheffler topped the 2024 PGA Tour Official Money List, with the average winnings for the season listed as just under $2m
By Paul Higham Published