What is a golf caddy? A golf caddy is a person who helps a golfer during a round of golf. They carry the golfer’s bag. They also offer advice on shots and the course. This guide helps you start your caddying career quickly and successfully.
Getting Started: The Basics of Becoming a Golf Caddy
Becoming a golf caddy is a great way to earn money and spend time outdoors. It mixes physical work with mental focus. Many pathways exist to start this job. You can work at local golf clubs, private country clubs, or even try for the professional tours.
The Appeal of Caddying
Why choose this job? It offers fresh air. You learn about golf course management. You meet interesting people. For those who love the sport, it is the best seat in the house. You get paid to be near the action.
Essential Golf Caddy Requirements
Before you sign up, you need to meet certain needs. These are the basic golf caddy requirements for most clubs.
- Physical Fitness: You must be able to walk many miles. Carrying a heavy bag for four to five hours is hard work. Be ready for hills and hot weather.
- Age: Most clubs require caddies to be at least 14 years old. Some private clubs might ask for older applicants.
- Punctuality: Being on time is crucial. Golf starts early. You must be ready before the golfer.
- Good Attitude: You need a positive outlook. You must be ready to work, rain or shine.
Finding Your First Caddy Job
Where do you find work? Start close to home.
- Local Golf Courses: Call the pro shop at your nearest course. Ask if they run a caddy program.
- Private Clubs: These often pay better but require more formal training. Ask about their caddy master.
- Caddy Schools: Some areas have schools to teach you the ropes. This is great for learning caddy training.
Caddy Training: Learning the Skills You Need
Good caddies are not just bag carriers. They are course experts. Proper caddy training makes you valuable. It sets you apart from others.
Bag Handling and Care
The most basic task is caddy bag carrying. You must do this safely and correctly.
- Weight Distribution: Learn how to balance the bag. Keep the heavy clubs near your back.
- Carrying Technique: Hold the bag handle firmly. Keep the bag close to your body. Do not swing it around.
- Club Management: Know the order of the clubs. Pull the right club quickly when asked. Return clubs to the bag immediately after use. Put them in the correct slots.
Rules of Golf Knowledge
You must know the basic rules. If you do not know a rule, ask the golfer or the caddy master. Do not guess. Knowing simple rules helps speed up play.
- Out of Bounds: Where is it?
- Hazards: What counts as a water hazard?
- Relief: How does a golfer take relief from a cart path or casual water?
Pace of Play
Slow play frustrates golfers. You must keep the game moving. This is a key part of caddy responsibilities on the course.
- Be Ready: Have the next club ready before the golfer reaches the ball.
- Watch the Shot: Follow the ball flight. Know where it lands. Go straight to that spot.
- Marking the Ball: Mark the ball right away when the golfer reaches the green. This saves time.
Core Caddy Duties on the Course
Your job goes far beyond carrying gear. Golf caddy duties are varied and require attention to detail.
Preparing for the Round
Before the golfer arrives, you must be set.
- Check Equipment: Make sure all clubs are clean. The golf balls are grouped. Towels are damp and ready.
- Yardage Check: Walk the tees if possible. Know the distances to key spots.
- Weather Watch: Check the wind direction and speed. Tell the golfer what you see.
On the Tee Box
When the golfer prepares to hit off the tee:
- Tee Selection: Ask the golfer what tee height they prefer. Place the tee in the ground for them.
- Club Selection: Suggest a club based on yardage and wind. Say something simple like, “The wind is strong today. Maybe the 6-iron instead of the 7-iron?”
- Stance: Stand still and quiet when the golfer is hitting. Hold the bag out of the way.
On the Fairway
As the golfer walks toward the ball:
- Range Finder Use: If the golfer uses a range finder, you can help spot the distance.
- Lie Assessment: Look at how the ball is sitting on the grass. Is it uphill or downhill? Tell the golfer.
- Walk Ahead: Walk ahead to the ball if it is safe to do so. This shows preparedness.
Around the Green
This is where a great caddy earns their money. Excellent caddy responsibilities on the course shine here.
- Pin Position: Check the flagstick location. Is it front, middle, or back of the green?
- Reading the Green: Look at the slopes from many angles. Walk the line the golfer plans to putt. Tell them your read simply. “It breaks left to right, maybe three feet.”
- Flagstick Handling: Never leave the flagstick in the hole when the golfer is putting, unless they specifically ask you to leave it in. Pull it smoothly when they are ready to putt.
- Cleaning Balls: Always clean the ball before it goes on the green. Wipe it down after it is marked.
Advancing Your Skills: Tips for New Golf Caddies
To move from being a beginner to a top choice, follow these tips for new golf caddies. Success comes from reliability and quiet confidence.
Communication is Key
Talk only when needed. When you do speak, be clear and brief.
- Listen More: Let the golfer lead the conversation.
- Offer Input, Don’t Command: Frame advice as a suggestion, not an order. For example, “I think you have plenty of club here,” is better than, “You need the 8-iron.”
- Be a Good Listener: Sometimes a golfer just needs to vent about a bad shot. Be a silent, supportive presence.
Maintain Course Etiquette
Golf has strict rules about behavior. Follow them closely.
- Silence During Shots: Absolute quiet when the golfer addresses the ball.
- Walk Smartly: Do not walk in a golfer’s line of sight or putting line. Stay behind them or off to the side.
- Repair Divots and Ball Marks: Fix any turf you damage. Repair any ball marks you see on the green. This is a basic respect for the course.
Manage Your Energy
A full round takes four to five hours of constant movement.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink water even if the golfer does not offer you any. You need energy.
- Pace Yourself: Do not sprint between shots if it is not necessary. Walk briskly and purposefully. Save your energy for crucial moments.
Caddy Pay and Tipping Structure
How much money can you make? Caddy pay and tipping vary greatly by location and the quality of the service you provide.
Standard Base Pay
Most courses pay a set base rate for carrying a bag for 18 holes. This rate might change based on whether you are working a loop (18 holes) or a single nine.
| Location Type | Approximate Base Pay (18 Holes) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Municipal Course | \$20 – \$35 | Lower base, often relies more on tips. |
| Private Club | \$40 – \$60 | Higher standard base pay. |
| Touring Professional Events | Variable | Often paid a weekly retainer plus percentage of winnings. |
The Importance of Tipping
Tips are where the real money is made, especially at private clubs. A good tip rewards excellent service.
- Good Service: Expect a tip of 20% to 50% of the base pay.
- Excellent Service: If you are attentive, give great advice, and keep the pace fast, you might earn 100% or more of the base pay as a tip.
- Poor Service: If you are slow, rude, or neglect your duties, you might receive nothing or a very small tip.
Tipping Etiquette
Always accept a tip graciously. A simple “Thank you, I enjoyed helping you today” is perfect. Never ask for a tip directly. Let your service speak for itself.
Advanced Caddying: Working with Professionals
Caddying for professional golfers is the pinnacle of the profession. It requires years of experience and a deep knowledge of the game.
The Difference at the Pro Level
Working on the PGA Tour or LPGA Tour is intensely competitive. The stakes are much higher.
- Strategy Deep Dive: You are not just reading greens; you are calculating wind shifts over long holes. You are using detailed yardage books.
- Emotional Support: Pro golfers face intense pressure. The caddy must be a calm, steady presence. You absorb stress so the player can focus.
- Contractual Obligations: Pro caddies often sign contracts. They may get a small percentage (e.g., 5% to 10%) of the player’s winnings, in addition to a weekly salary.
Securing a Pro Caddy Job
This rarely happens overnight. Most pro caddies start by working their way up through smaller tours or by caddying locally for good amateurs who eventually turn pro.
- Networking: Attend professional events. Observe the best caddies. Get to know the caddy masters who work those events.
- Prove Yourself: Even if you start by filling in for an injured caddy, you must perform flawlessly. A bad round can cost a player a spot in the next tournament.
Best Caddy Practices for Long-Term Success
To ensure you get called back again and again, adopt best caddy practices. These habits build trust.
Reliability and Professional Appearance
First impressions matter immensely in golf culture.
- Dress Code: Always adhere to the club’s dress code. This usually means neat trousers or shorts, a collared shirt, and clean shoes. No jeans, no distracting logos.
- Hygiene: Be clean. You will be near people for four hours.
- No Distractions: Keep your phone put away unless you are using it for authorized course measuring. Do not chew gum loudly or whistle.
Course Management and Pace Control
A great caddy keeps the momentum going. Think two shots ahead.
| Situation | Caddy Action (Best Practice) |
|---|---|
| Golfer hits the green | Immediately retrieve the first player’s ball. Prepare to mark the second ball. |
| Golfer retrieves a club | Clean the club face before handing it back, even if they didn’t ask. |
| Walking to the next tee | Know the yardage to the next tee. Walk at a steady, quick pace. |
| Green reading | Give your opinion, then step back and let the golfer make the final decision. |
Handling Bad Shots
Every golfer hits bad shots. How you react defines you.
- Never Criticize: Do not say, “That was a terrible shot.”
- Focus on the Next Shot: Immediately say something forward-looking, like, “Okay, let’s focus on the next one. It’s a tricky pitch.”
- Locate the Ball: Move quickly to find the ball, no matter where it went. Help the golfer assess the trouble they are in without judgment.
Comprehending Course Setup and Conditions
A caddy must constantly adapt to the changing environment. This requires sharp observation skills.
Interpreting Green Speeds
Green speed changes throughout the day.
- Morning: Greens are often slower because they are damp from dew or rain.
- Afternoon: Greens dry out, especially in the sun. They become much faster.
- Testing the Speed: Before the first putt, you can gently brush a practice putt across the surface. Feel how fast the ball rolls. Tell the golfer your assessment.
Wind Effects
Wind is the most variable factor in golf.
- Direction: Is it a headwind (pushing the ball back), a tailwind (carrying it further), or a crosswind (blowing it sideways)?
- Strength: Light wind might require one extra club. Strong wind might require two or three extra clubs, or a lower shot trajectory.
- Checking Surface Wind: Look at the tops of tall trees. See how flags on the clubhouse wave. This gives you a better idea than just feeling the wind on your face.
The Mental Game of Caddying
Being a caddy is as much a mental job as a physical one. You need stamina for the mind, too.
Maintaining Focus Over Four Hours
It is easy to zone out when the golfer is hitting a long drive. But you need to stay engaged.
- Mental Rehearsal: While the golfer hits, mentally rehearse your next steps. Where will you stand? Which towel will you use?
- Note Taking (Advanced): Some caddies keep simple notes on yardages the golfer struggled with or clubs they used successfully. This helps build a personalized database for that golfer.
Managing Player Emotions
Golf is a game of frustration. Your job is to manage that frustration, not feed it.
- Positive Reinforcement: Acknowledge good shots sincerely. “Great contact on that one!”
- Neutral Response to Bad Shots: Keep your face neutral. Say nothing about the result unless the golfer asks for an opinion.
- Encourage Breaks: If a golfer is clearly getting angry, suggest they take an extra moment before the next shot. “Let’s take a deep breath before we approach this one.”
By mastering these areas—physical preparation, core duties, professional conduct, and mental fortitude—you will quickly advance in becoming a golf caddy and earn a reputation as a reliable expert.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take to become a good caddy?
It takes about 20 to 30 rounds of caddying before you feel truly comfortable with caddy responsibilities on the course. True mastery, especially in reading greens and managing professional expectations, can take years. Consistent practice through caddy training accelerates this process.
Is caddying a year-round job?
This depends on where you live. In warm climates, caddying can be a year-round career. In cold climates, it is seasonal. If you aim for caddying for professional golfers, the tour schedule often keeps you busy nearly all year long, traveling across the country or the world.
What should I do if I don’t know the answer to a golf rule question?
Never guess. The best caddy practices involve honesty. Simply say, “I am not sure of the exact ruling there. Let’s check the rule book quickly, or ask the Pro on the course.” Speed of play is important, but incorrect rulings can cause bigger problems later.
Do I need my own golf clubs to start caddying?
No. For standard caddy bag carrying at a club, the club provides the bag, or the golfer provides their bag for you to carry. If you are caddying for a professional, they provide the equipment.
Can a caddy make a good living?
Yes, especially if you secure regular loops at high-end private clubs or become associated with a successful tour player. Caddy pay and tipping structures mean that high earners can make a very respectable income, often surpassing many entry-level white-collar jobs.