The game of golf often spotlights the players who swing the clubs. Yet behind every successful golfer stands a crucial figure carrying more than just the bag. They provide strategic guidance, emotional support, and critical course insights when it matters most. For Jhonattan Vegas, that steadfast presence is Ruben Yorio, an Argentinian caddie with a remarkable journey of his own. Their partnership exemplifies the special bond that can transform good players into champions through mutual trust and shared experiences.
Yorio’s story begins in Ezpeleta, a southern suburb of Buenos Aires. His father, a railway station worker, passed away when Yorio was just 14 years old. This tragic event thrust his mother into the role of sole provider, working six days a week at a laundromat to support the family. His mother’s tireless work ethic left an indelible impression on young Ruben, instilling values of perseverance and sacrifice that would later define his career. Despite their financial struggles, she encouraged his early interest in golf, recognizing it as a potential pathway to a better life.
At merely 12 years old, Yorio started caddying at Ranelagh Golf Club to help supplement the family income. He would trek to the club on foot or by bicycle, determined to earn whatever he could. This early exposure to golf eventually sculpted his professional path.
By 18, Yorio had catapulted into professional caddying, beginning with fellow Ranelagh caddie Rodolfo Gonzalez. He honed his skills on the European Tour with Vincente Fernandez. Later, he navigated the LPGA Tour for three transformative years.
Yorio’s career soared when he partnered with fellow Argentinian Angel Cabrera. Their crowning achievement came at the 2009 Masters, where Yorio’s calm guidance helped Cabrera navigate the pressure-packed final holes at Augusta National. During the sudden-death playoff against Kenny Perry and Chad Campbell, Yorio’s advice proved invaluable, particularly on the second playoff hole where Cabrera secured his green jacket. Their chemistry extended to another significant victory at the 2014 Greenbrier Classic.
Between his time with Cabrera and Vegas, Yorio also guided Spanish golfer Alvaro Quiros to victory at the 2011 Dubai Desert Classic. This experience working with different personalities and playing styles enhanced Yorio’s adaptability—a skill that would prove essential in his future partnerships. His growing reputation as a caddie who could deliver under pressure made him increasingly sought after on tour.
These impressive achievements with major champions set the stage for his next significant professional relationship.
Ruben Yorio and Jhonattan Vegas: A winning partnership
The veteran looper forged a partnership with Vegas in 2015, creating a powerful South American alliance. With his calming influence and strategic insights, Yorio has masterfully guided Vegas through course challenges. He excels at reading greens and calculating distances, especially in high-pressure situations.
Since their partnership began, Yorio has shepherded Vegas to multiple PGA Tour victories, including a triumphant comeback at the 2024 3M Open after injury struggles. Vegas’s journey back to the winner’s circle was particularly challenging, as he battled persistent shoulder issues that threatened his career. Their victory represented more than just another trophy—it validated their perseverance through the challenging rehabilitation process.
“He always was a fighter,” Yorio remarked after Vegas’s 2024 victory. Their bond transcends the course, with both championing golf’s growth throughout Latin America.
Now 49, Yorio juggles professional commitments with family life. He cherishes time with his wife, Mara, a former collegiate golfer, and their daughter, Catalina. A former collegiate golfer whose understanding of the sport creates an additional bond in their relationship. Her golfing background gives her unique insight into the demands of Yorio’s profession, allowing her to provide both emotional support and technical perspective during challenging stretches on tour.
Despite the grueling travel schedule, Yorio thrives in his role as Vegas’s strategic partner. His distinctive pink grip on Vegas’s 9-iron serves a practical purpose—helping identify his players’ clubs during broadcasts. The Vegas-Yorio collaboration continues to flourish through mutual respect and shared values. Their latest success unfolded at the 2025 PGA Championship, where Vegas blazed into the lead with a stunning 64 in the opening round.
“We’re from a poor background,” Yorio once confided to Golf Canada. This shared understanding perhaps explains their chemistry – two men who battled immense odds to reach golf’s highest stage, now conquering it together, one calculated yardage at a time.
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