Ryo Hisatsune’s impressive performance on the PGA Tour has a quiet yet powerful influence working alongside him: William Spencer, his caddie. Since joining forces in mid-2025, Spencer’s steady presence, precise timing, and extensive experience have played a crucial role in supporting Hisatsune’s rise, particularly evident during the 2026 WM Phoenix Open, where the Japanese golfer continues to excel.
William Spencer’s Roots and Early Sports Life
Known also as Billy Spencer or by the nickname “Spence,” William Spencer was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario. He attended Aurora High School, graduating in 1993, before pursuing higher education at Carleton University from 1994 to 1997. Subsequently, he enrolled at Georgian College, earning a degree in Business Administration and Management in 1998.
Spencer’s athletic background began on the ice rather than the greens; he played hockey throughout college and remains an avid hockey player. His passion for golf started more casually but eventually evolved into a professional vocation, reflected in his notably low handicap of 5. Among his most cherished golf memories is playing a full 18 holes alongside his father and his son, Zack Henderson, underscoring the sport’s family significance for him.
From Course Operations to Longstanding PGA Tour Caddie
Spencer’s first involvement with golf was operational, working at Beacon Hall Golf Club in Aurora, Ontario, from 1993 to 2000. During this period, he also gained experience at Eagles Nest Golf Club in Maple, Ontario. It was in the late 1990s that he transitioned to caddying professionally, a career that now spans nearly 30 years.
Throughout his caddie journey, Spencer has partnered with numerous PGA Tour professionals, including C.T. Pan, Daniel Berger, Stephan Jaeger, Jason Bohn, Bret Stegmaier, Will MacKenzie, Bo Van Pelt, Russell Henley, DH Lee, Tag Ridings, Doug LaBelle, Sungjae Im, and now Ryo Hisatsune.
His longest tenure was with Jason Bohn, lasting around 12 to 13 years, and he also worked with Bo Van Pelt for nearly four years. Spencer joined Sungjae Im’s team after the U.S. Open at the Rocket Mortgage Classic, staying through to the Tour Championship, showcasing his adaptability to new partnerships.
Despite language barriers with Im, Spencer emphasized their effective communication through shot presentations and club selections. In a conversation on the TeeTalk podcast, he detailed their green-reading coordination and how they prepared for tournaments, including weather contingencies.
William Spencer’s journey has also intersected with golf legends. He recounted his experiences around Tiger Woods during his time caddying for Hank Kuehne in the late 1990s and early 2000s, practicing and occasionally pairing with Woods at Isleworth, where Woods was a member.
“I’ve been out with Tiger a bunch, actually when I worked for Hank Kuehne back in the late 90s early 2000s, he practiced and played at Isleworth, which is where Tiger was a member,”
William Spencer said in On The Screws Podcast.
“So they would practice together a little bit. Obviously I was around him in a non-competitive environment and then I’ve been paired with them I’ve prepared with him a bunch of times.”
Hisatsune’s prior caddies included Taiga Tabuchi and others, but since welcoming Spencer on board a few weeks before May 2025, the Japanese golfer has praised the Canadian’s punctuality and support during critical moments.
He has good timing,
Hisatsune told Golf.com.
“Some caddies have [not], some forgot. But he’s doing very well.”
This comment referred specifically to Hisatsune’s consistent pre-putt routine: a sip of water from a blue bottle handed by Spencer, followed by the strike. This small ritual illustrates the level of trust and synchronization between golfer and caddie.
Insights into William Spencer’s Personal Life and Interests
Although William Spencer maintains a relatively low profile off the course, some details about his lifestyle are known. He divides his offseason between Toronto and Dallas and dedicates time to coaching youth hockey as well as mentoring high school and college golfers.
His leisure preferences include backyard grilling, enjoying Tito’s vodka on ice, dining at Mi Cocina, and visiting the Real Sports bar. Family remains central to his life, as he can often be found supporting his son, Zack Henderson, during baseball games.
A devoted Toronto Maple Leafs supporter, Spencer also appreciates the cult classic hockey movie Slapshot. His favorite golf courses to caddie on include Augusta National, while he favors Colonial for playing rounds himself.
Why William Spencer’s Role Is Vital to Ryo Hisatsune’s Advancement
The story of William Spencer’s path from Canadian hockey arenas to the elite ranks of PGA Tour caddies reveals much about why he has become an integral factor in Ryo Hisatsune’s development. Spencer’s seasoned expertise, calm under pressure, and attention to detail provide Hisatsune a competitive edge that goes beyond skill alone.
As Hisatsune continues to contend on golf’s biggest stages, the steady influence of his caddie is a quiet but persistent force. With Spencer managing the often overlooked nuances of preparation, timing, and mental focus, Hisatsune’s promising career is likely to maintain its upward trajectory.
