To become a golf caddy, you typically need to be at least 14 years old, possess a strong work ethic, have a good physical condition, and show a genuine interest in the game of golf. Many aspiring caddies start by applying directly to local golf courses or private clubs in their area.
Launching Your Career as a Golf Caddy
Want to spend your days outdoors and be part of the game of golf? Becoming a golf caddy might be the perfect fit. It is more than just carrying clubs. It is a respected role that helps golfers play their best game. This guide breaks down exactly how you start this rewarding job.
What Does a Golf Caddy Actually Do?
The caddy job description goes far beyond being a mere golf bag carrier duties. A good caddy is an assistant, a strategist, and a trusted companion to the golfer. They are key to the golfer’s success on the course.
Core Caddy Responsibilities
A caddy manages many things during a round of golf. These tasks require focus and good judgment.
- Carrying Equipment: Safely carrying the golf bag, which often weighs 30 to 40 pounds. This is the most basic duty.
- Course Navigation: Knowing the course layout very well. This includes finding lost balls quickly.
- Club Selection: Advising the golfer on which club to use for different shots. This requires knowing yardages and wind conditions.
- Reading Greens: Helping the golfer figure out how the ball will roll on the putting surface. This is often the most valuable service.
- Maintaining Equipment: Cleaning clubs and balls during the round. Keeping the course neat is also important.
- Offering Moral Support: Keeping the player calm and focused, especially during tough moments.
Meeting the Golf Caddy Requirements
Golf clubs look for specific qualities in their loopers. Meeting these basic golf caddy requirements helps you stand out when you apply.
Age and Physical Fitness
Most clubs set a minimum age. Usually, you must be at least 14 years old to start. The job is physically demanding. You walk several miles per round, often carrying heavy bags. Good stamina is a must. You must also be able to walk in all weather conditions, like heat or light rain.
Knowledge of Golf
You do not need to be a scratch golfer, but you must know the basics. You need to know the rules of golf. You should know club numbers and basic shot shapes. The more you know about golf, the faster you can learn the advanced skills needed for the job.
Personal Traits
Successful caddies show respect and professionalism. They must be trustworthy. Golfers often share personal thoughts while playing. Discretion is vital. A positive attitude helps keep the round enjoyable.
The Path to Becoming a Golf Caddy
How does one move from wanting the job to actually starting? Becoming a golf caddy involves learning, training, and finding the right opportunity.
Step 1: Research Local Courses
Start by looking at clubs near you. Private country clubs often have formal caddy programs. Public courses might hire independent caddies or have a rotation system. Call the golf shop or the head professional at these courses. Ask them directly about their hiring process for new caddies.
Step 2: Caddy Training Programs
Many top courses offer structured caddy training programs. These programs teach the basics quickly. They cover course layout, etiquette, rules, and club handling.
- What to expect in training:
- Learning to carry a bag correctly on hills.
- Practicing walking pace—neither too fast nor too slow.
- Role-playing difficult situations (like bad lies or poor shots).
- Reviewing specific club policies and codes of conduct.
Attending a formal training program shows commitment. It gives you a real advantage when seeking a job.
Step 3: Mastering the Fundamentals of Good Caddying
Learning to be a caddie is an ongoing process. But certain skills must be mastered early on. These are the best caddy skills to focus on developing.
Essential Caddy Skills Checklist
| Skill Category | Key Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Professionalism | Always arrive early and look neat. | First impressions are important for securing work. |
| Course Memory | Memorize yardages and slopes quickly. | Allows for faster advice and smoother play. |
| Communication | Speak clearly and only when asked for input. | Avoids distracting the golfer during focus moments. |
| Pace Control | Keep the game moving along smoothly. | Respects the time of the golfer and the course pace. |
| Bag Management | Keep clubs clean and organized in the bag. | Shows attention to detail and organization. |
Step 4: Securing a Caddying Job
Securing a caddying job often requires persistence. At high-end clubs, you might need to prove yourself over several loops as a trainee or “Caddy-in-Training.”
- Networking: Get to know the caddy master. The caddy master assigns loops. Building a good reputation with them is crucial.
- Shadowing: Ask if you can shadow an experienced caddy for a few rounds. This lets you see the job done well without the pressure of working alone.
- Being Available: The more flexible you are with your schedule, the more opportunities you will get, especially when starting out.
Deciphering Caddy Etiquette and Rules
Golf has a long history, and caddie etiquette and rules are a huge part of the culture. Poor etiquette can get you fired quickly, even if you know the yardages perfectly.
On-Course Behavior
The caddy’s job is to blend in. You should be seen and not heard unless the player needs you.
- Stay Out of Sight: When the golfer is hitting, stand where you won’t distract them. This is usually well behind or to the side.
- Be Quiet During Swings: Silence is golden when the golfer is addressing the ball or swinging.
- Manners Matter: Always address members and guests respectfully using proper titles (Sir, Ma’am, or Mr./Ms. Last Name).
Rules of the Course
You must know the USGA and R&A Rules of Golf. Caddies are often consulted on rules questions. Giving the wrong advice can result in penalties for the player. You must know when to suggest a ruling or call over a rules official.
The Life of a Caddy: Pay and Progression
One of the biggest attractions to this job is the potential for good income. Determining your caddy salary and earnings depends heavily on where you work and how well you perform.
How Caddies Earn Money
Caddies are usually paid based on the loop (one round of 18 holes). Pay is often split into a base fee and a tip.
- Base Fee: This is a set amount paid by the course or the player for completing a round.
- Tips: This is where the real money is made. Good service leads to good tips.
Typical Earnings Structure
| Level of Play | Average Base Fee (Per 18 Holes) | Average Tip Range (Per 18 Holes) | Total Estimated Earnings (Per 18 Holes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Municipal Course | \$20 – \$30 | \$20 – \$40 | \$40 – \$70 |
| Standard Country Club | \$30 – \$50 | \$40 – \$70 | \$70 – \$120 |
| Elite Private Club | \$50 – \$75 | \$80 – \$200+ | \$130 – \$275+ |
Note: Earnings vary greatly by region and season.
Elite clubs often feature loopers who have established relationships with long-term members. These established caddies often earn significantly more because they receive higher tip percentages consistently.
Advancing Your Caddy Career
For ambitious individuals, caddying can be a stepping stone.
Junior Caddy Development
Many organizations focus on developing young caddies. Programs like the Evans Scholars Foundation provide financial aid based on outstanding caddying service and academic merit. This shows that commitment to becoming a golf caddy can lead to educational opportunities.
Looping for Professional Events
The highest level of caddying involves working for touring professionals (PGA Tour, Korn Ferry Tour, etc.). This requires a different set of qualifications, including extensive experience at a high-level course and often networking within the professional golf community. These roles command much higher guaranteed pay plus a percentage of the player’s winnings.
Interpreting the Golfer’s Needs
A great caddy anticipates needs before the golfer even voices them. This proactive approach separates the average golf bag carrier duties performer from a true asset.
Reading the Golfer’s Mood
Golf can be frustrating. The caddy must adjust their approach based on the player’s temperament.
- If the player is playing well: Offer brief, factual advice. Keep the energy positive.
- If the player is struggling: Offer very little advice unless specifically asked. Focus instead on maintaining a steady pace and keeping the clubs clean. A comforting presence is more important than swing tips.
Yardage Management and Course Strategy
When advising on distance, present the information clearly. Do not overwhelm the golfer with too many variables.
- “The pin looks tucked back left. It plays about 165 yards, but there is a one-club wind coming in from the right. I recommend the 7-iron.”
This format gives the distance, accounts for conditions, and suggests the club, allowing the player to make the final choice.
Maintaining Physical and Mental Readiness
The physical toll of caddying is real. To sustain this career, you must manage your body and mind effectively.
Physical Conditioning
Regular exercise focused on leg strength, core stability, and endurance is vital. You are essentially walking the equivalent of a marathon over three or four hours, several times a week during peak season. Good shoes are your most important investment.
Mental Toughness
Dealing with bad shots, bad weather, and sometimes demanding people requires mental toughness. Never show frustration. Your composure sets the tone for the entire group. If the player throws a club in anger, the caddy must remain calm, retrieve the club, and prepare for the next shot without comment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Becoming a Caddy
Q: Do I need my own golf clubs to start caddying?
A: No, you usually do not need your own clubs when first starting, especially if you are part of a formal training program. The golfer provides the bag and clubs you carry for them. However, having your own comfortable walking shoes is highly recommended.
Q: How many rounds can a caddy typically work in one day?
A: This depends on the course and the season. During busy summer weekends, a caddy might loop two 18-hole rounds, or possibly one 18 and one 9-hole round. During busy times, they might be on the course for 8 to 10 hours total.
Q: Is caddying just for young people trying to get into college?
A: While many high school and college students use caddying as a way to earn money and gain experience, it is a viable job for many adults too. Experienced caddies can work full-time, especially at resort courses or those hosting major tournaments.
Q: What is the difference between a forecaddie and a caddy?
A: A traditional caddy (or loop caddy) carries the player’s bag and gives advice on every shot. A forecaddie walks ahead of the group to find golf balls and confirm yardages, but they do not typically carry the bag or offer in-depth advice. Some private clubs use forecaddies, especially for large groups.
Q: How quickly can I start earning good tips?
A: Good tips come from excellent service. If you complete a caddy training program, follow all caddie etiquette and rules, and quickly learn the best caddy skills like reading greens, you should start receiving solid tips within your first 10 to 20 loops. Consistency is key to high earnings.