Who Is Somi Lee’s Caddie? Everything You Need to Know About the LPGA Rising Star's Bag-Carrier

Somi Lee (also known as Lee So-mi) has been turning heads on the LPGA Tour with her rapid rise — and at her side during her most important moments is a trusted caddie who plays a vital role in her performance. Understanding the professional relationship between Lee and her caddie gives insight into how she navigates high-pressure tournaments and builds her future. Here’s a full breakdown of what is publicly known about Somi Lee’s caddie, their partnership, and why it matters.

Somi Lee: A Quick Profile

Before diving into caddie details, it helps to understand who Somi Lee is and where she is in her career:

• Somi Lee, born January 6, 1999, is a South Korean professional golfer.

• She turned professional several years ago and played on the KLPGA Tour, where she won multiple times before earning her LPGA Tour card. 

• According to her LPGA bio, she joined the LPGA Tour in 2024.

• She made significant strides on the LPGA: in 2025, her performance included several strong finishes and she earned a first LPGA Tour victory at the Dow Championship, according to her winner’s-circle profile.

Who Is Somi Lee’s Caddie?

According to the LPGA’s official records, Somi Lee’s caddie is Joakim Hilton.
Here’s what is publicly known — and what remains private — about their partnership, based on LPGA documentation, media coverage, and Lee’s own public profile.

Understanding Joakim Hilton: The Man Behind the Bag

1. Official Role

• The 2025 “In the Winner’s Circle” document from the LPGA confirms Joakim Hilton as Lee’s caddie.

• Having a consistent caddie is critical for any golfer, especially as they climb the ranks — Hilton likely provides technical advice, course strategy, and emotional support during tournaments.

2. Caddie Responsibilities

While there’s limited public detail on Hilton’s backstory, we can reasonably infer the typical responsibilities he takes on for Lee:

• Course Management: As her caddie, Hilton helps Lee pick strategy on each hole — when to attack, where to play safe, and how to handle wind or tricky terrain.

• Club Selection: During competitions, Hilton advises on which clubs to use for each shot, based on yardage, lie, and overall strategy.

• Mental Support: In pro golf, mental resilience is as important as technical skill. A caddie often acts as a calming force during tense moments.

• Scouting: Hilton likely helps somi study course layouts, reads greens, and remembers key hole features — information that could be crucial for key LPGA events.

3. Partnership Importance

• Lee’s breakthrough performances and consistency suggest a strong working relationship with her caddie.

• The fact that Hilton caddies for her during high-stakes events implies a level of trust and mutual understanding that is essential for success on tour.

Why the Caddie Matters in Somi Lee’s Breakout Year

A. Victory at the Dow Championship

In 2025, Lee secured her first LPGA Tour win at the Dow Championship, a major milestone in her career.

• Such a victory is not just about the player’s skills — it's also a testament to the teamwork between Lee and her caddie. On the final holes, Hilton’s advice on shot execution and course management likely played a critical role.

• Her winner’s circle documents highlight both Lee and Hilton, underscoring that the LPGA recognizes the caddie’s part in her success.

B. Tactical Growth

• Lee’s LPGA statistics show she has strengths in strokes gained on approach and off the tee.

• A caddie like Hilton could be instrumental in helping her maximize her shots to the green (approach) and in planning aggressive tee shots when needed.

C. Mental Edge

• As Lee competes on bigger stages, Hilton’s presence can help maintain her composure, especially under pressure.

• In tie-breaker situations, or when unexpected trouble hits, a caddie’s support — offering both strategic and emotional guidance — can be the difference-maker.

Challenges and Unknowns

While we know Hilton is her caddie, several details remain unclear or are not widely covered in public sources:

1. Background of Hilton

   • There is limited biographical information in the public domain about Joakim Hilton — his past experience, other players he has worked for, or his path to becoming Lee’s caddie is not well documented in media or LPGA sources.

2. Length of Partnership

   • It is not explicitly stated when Hilton began caddying for Somi Lee, though his name appears in LPGA player-caddie listings.

   • Whether this is a long-term, season-by-season, or tournament-by-tournament arrangement remains unknown.

3. Impact Beyond Tour Wins

   • While his role in Lee’s Dow Championship win is acknowledged, there’s limited media coverage of how Hilton aids her in regular tour events.

   • Analysis of how the Lee-Hilton pairing works in her day-to-day tournament rounds is sparse, leaving room for speculation about their dynamic in non-winning events.

Why Caddie Choice Is Strategic for Rising Stars

Choosing the right caddie is a major decision for any golfer, especially up-and-coming pros like Somi Lee:

• Trust & Communication: A caddie must understand the player’s temperament, decision-making style, and risk tolerance.

• Technical Knowledge: Understanding both the player’s swing and course strategy is critical.

• Adaptability: Tour events are diverse — different courses, climates, and formats. A great caddie adjusts advice accordingly.

• Career Support: For a young golfer, a consistent caddie can provide long-term mentorship and stability.

For Lee, working with Hilton could align well with her ambitions — as she makes a name for herself globally, having someone familiar with her tendencies and strengths is a powerful advantage.

What Somi Lee’s Caddie Partnership Signals About Her Future

• Professional Maturity: Having a dedicated caddie like Hilton suggests Lee is serious about long-term tour success, not just short-term results.

• Preparation for Bigger Moments: Notching her first LPGA win with Hilton on the bag could set the tone for future major performances.

• Strategic Growth: As her game sharpens, Hilton’s support might help her refine strategies, especially in complex tournament layouts or high-pressure moments.

• Mentorship & Stability: For many players, a trusted caddie becomes not just an advisor but a partner in career development — helping navigate both performance and mental challenges.

While Somi Lee continues to build her legacy on the LPGA Tour, her partnership with Joakim Hilton is a behind-the-scenes but crucial part of her story. Their connection combines technical strategy, mental support, and long-term ambition — all of which contribute to her rising success.

Although the public doesn’t know every detail about Hilton’s background, his role in Lee’s first LPGA victory and his presence in her camp highlight a significant synergy. As Somi Lee’s star continues to rise, the caddie-player relationship could prove to be one of the foundational pillars of her growth.

For fans and followers of the LPGA, paying attention to this partnership offers a richer understanding of how next-generation talent is supported, molded, and elevated — not just by raw talent, but by the right team behind the scenes.