Doug Ghim, currently leading the John Deere Classic, credits his recent success to a mid-season caddie change that revitalized his game. After making the switch last month, Ghim gained momentum and surged to the top of the leaderboard through 36 holes at TPC Deere Run.
The Reason Behind Ghim’s Mid-Season Caddie Switch
Though Ghim was performing steadily prior to the change, he felt unable to build lasting momentum. Reflecting on this, he explained that he needed a fresh approach at that stage of the season. Ghim had an off week without a PGA start and was focused on qualifying for the U.S. Open, which presented an opportune moment to make a shift.
He shared,
“I think I was at point in the season where I just needed something different. You know, was playing fine but just couldn’t quite get any positive momentum.”
Ghim emphasized the importance of enjoyment during competition, adding,
“Being able to have fun I think was, I just needed to switch it up just a little bit. It was probably the right time of the year to do it. I was getting an off week, I didn’t get into the PGA so having that off week trying to qualify for the U.S. Open, just wanted to switch things up and have a friend. It’s been working.”
A Close Friendship Drives Their On-Course Chemistry
The new caddie, Kevin Techakanokboon, had previously worked with Chan Kim and was familiar to Ghim from practice sessions alongside Kim. Ghim highlighted that Kevin is not just a caddie but also one of his closest friends, which plays a key role in their dynamic.
On balancing competitiveness with camaraderie, Ghim noted,
“We have a lot fun and that’s very important to me. Tech is a very good player himself, so it’s important to keep it light out here.”
He described the long, intense hours on the course and how having a close friend caddying creates a more relaxed atmosphere.
“We’re out here for four and a half to five hours at a time. It gets pretty intense out there, especially on the weekends and when you’re in contention. It gets pretty intimidating sometimes, so to have a friend and someone that you can laugh with is always important. We had a blast,”
he said.
Current Standings and Upcoming Tee Times at the John Deere Classic
After two rounds, Doug Ghim stands at 12-under par, holding a slender one-shot advantage over players such as Davis Thompson, Brian Campbell, David Lipsky, Emiliano Grillo, and Max Homa. Despite this lead, Ghim, 29, is still pursuing his first professional victory.
For the third round on Saturday, July 5, Ghim will tee off from the first hole at 9:55 a.m. ET alongside Davis Thompson and Brian Campbell. The John Deere Classic features split tees for Round 3, with other groups beginning simultaneously from the first and tenth holes. For instance, Justin Lower, Chris Kirk, and Matt Kuchar start from Hole 1 at 8:05 a.m. ET, while Chris Gotterup, Ben Kohles, and Zac Blair begin on the tenth tee.
What This Means for Ghim’s Season and Career
Ghim’s decision to switch to Kevin Techakanokboon as his caddie has clearly energized his game during an important stretch of the season. The positive momentum he has built may provide a key breakthrough as he continues seeking his first title. Having a supportive caddie who is also a good friend could help him maintain focus and manage pressure as the tournament progresses.
With the third round approaching, Ghim’s ability to sustain this momentum under increasingly intense conditions will be crucial. Observers will be watching closely to see if this caddie change can finally translate into a career-defining victory amid a competitive leaderboard.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Has Doug Ghim ever won?
A. He started with a score of 9-under 62, aiming to win his first PGA TOUR event at the John Deere Classic. Ghim was ahead of Max Homa and Austin Eckroat by one shot at TPC Deere Run. Over the last 15 years, the winning score has often been 20-under par or better.
Q. How much money did Doug Ghim make in his career?
A. Doug Ghim has made $7,255,745 throughout his career. StatMuse offers data on earnings by season, which dates back to the 1980 season.