N.J. Golf Community Mourns the Passing of John "JD" Doherty

KENILWORTH, NEW JERSEY – The golf community mourns the passing of John “JD” Doherty, a longtime caddie and Red Bank, N.J. resident, who passed away on Friday, January 10 at the age of 54 after a years-long battle with Diabetes.

One of the most likeable, knowledgeable, and popular figures around the local and regional golf circuit, JD got his start as a caddie at Navesink Country Club at the age of 13 where he learned the trade from his grandfather, a member at the club. Through excellent service, word-of-mouth, and his outstanding reputation, JD went on to caddie thousands of rounds at Navesink and in championships, qualifiers, invitational and other events in the area and the country. Dozens of area club professionals and top amateurs were known to seek out JD, whose expertise was always in demand.

On the national level, JD was perhaps best known for his partnership with top amateur Stewart Hagestad during his remarkable victory in the 2016 U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship, which came with a coveted spot in the following year’s Augusta National’s Masters Invitational.

"JD was more than just a caddie; he was a mentor and a friend," said Hagestad. "His presence on the course was a calming force, and his insights were invaluable."

On working with JD, Hagestad stated, "There’s a reason everyone knows who he is. There’s a long list of players who’ve enjoyed working with him. I have a ton of respect for what he’s accomplished over the years, and the fact he is willing to work with me is pretty cool. Going to The Masters is a dream come true for both of us," Hagestad added.

(To read more about JD’s 2017 experience at The Masters, click here.)

He also caddied on some of golf’s grandest stages, including for Chris Nallen during the 2004 U.S. Amateur (and some subsequent PGA TOUR events), Cameron Wilson at the 2012 U.S. Open, and Hagestad once again at the 2018 U.S. Open.

In New Jersey, JD’s list of accomplishments is unparalleled. He caddied for many champions, including Mike Stamberger, who won the NJSGA Amateur in 2013 and 2014 and Jeff Thomas, an eight-time champion who won it in 1994, among others. He caddied for four NJSGA Mid-Amateur champions, two NJSGA Four-Ball championship teams, and one NJSGA Public Links champion. He was on the bag for more than 50 career winners, in addition to multiple USGA qualifying medalists.

Said Stamberger, “JD loved golf more than anyone I ever met. He loved caddying and being out in competition even more,” stated his close friend.

JD was also an advocate of giving back to his profession. He participated in caddie training sessions for military veterans with the NJ Golf Foundation, and was a supporter of the NJSGA Caddie Scholarship Foundation.

More information regarding an obituary and other arrangements will be available in the coming days. Please check back for updates.

Editor’s note: Local author Kevin Casey also contributed to this article.