Categories
Uncategorized

Victor Kho steps in as John Catlin’s caddie at SJM Macao Open

Unusual caddie swap at the SJM Macao Open: Taichi Kho’s father, Victor, jumped in to carry John Catlin’s bag after illness struck.

The Asian Tour captured one of those rare mid-round moments that says a lot about golf’s community spirit. After John Catlin’s caddie fell ill partway through his round, Victor Kho — father of Taichi Kho — stepped in and shouldered the bag. The clip, shared by the Asian Tour, shows a smooth handover and a calm Catlin continuing on with minimal disruption.

Mid-round caddie changes are unusual at tour level, but they do happen, and the priority is always the wellbeing of everyone involved while keeping play moving. In this case, a familiar face stepped up at short notice, helping a seasoned professional stay focused under circumstances that could easily have unsettled the day.

SJM Macao Open: a small crisis, a quick solution

The SJM Macao Open has a reputation for lively crowds and tight scoring on the Asian Tour schedule, and moments like this add to the event’s character. The video shows Victor Kho taking over with little fuss — an understated gesture that likely made a big difference to Catlin’s rhythm for the rest of the round.

For players at this level, the caddie is more than a bag carrier; they’re a second set of eyes, a voice of reason, and often the pace setter for decision-making. A sudden change mid-round tests routines. That Catlin continued without apparent delay speaks to good officiating on site and to the professionalism of everyone involved.

Why the caddie-player bond matters

Even for a few holes, adapting to a new voice can be tricky. Yardages, winds, and green speeds are one half of the equation; trust and tempo are the other. A steady replacement who knows how to move, when to speak and when to stay out of the way can reduce friction. The clip suggests exactly that: simple, effective teamwork to navigate an unexpected hiccup.

It’s also a reminder that tournament golf, while fiercely competitive, is built on a tight-knit ecosystem of players, families, officials and staff who travel together week after week. Having someone like Victor Kho nearby made a potentially round-altering dilemma manageable.

Takeaway for the week

Whatever the final outcome of Catlin’s round, the incident is a neat snapshot of resilience and camaraderie at the SJM Macao Open. It underscores how quickly plans can change inside the ropes — and how the right helping hand can keep a round on track.