Harper Lin
Being a golf caddy is a job that requires a good amount of knowledge about the sport and its etiquette. It involves carrying the golfer's bag of clubs, cleaning equipment, and offering advice on club selection and distances to the green. Caddies also need to know how to repair divots and rake sand traps. The job can be physically demanding as it involves a lot of walking and often takes place in outdoor settings. It can be a great way to gain transferable skills and job experience, especially for those who enjoy active or seasonal work. The pay can vary depending on the course and experience of the caddy, but it usually includes the opportunity to earn tips.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nature of the job | Physically demanding, long days, fun, good exercise, respectable career, great stepping stone, good money |
| Qualifications | No formal education required, but experience and knowledge of golf are important. Strong interpersonal skills are also necessary. |
| Duties | Carrying the golfer's bag of clubs, offering advice, cleaning equipment, raking sand traps, repairing divots, keeping score, and providing moral support. |
| Work environment | Seasonal work unless in a warm area, extensive travel if working with a professional golfer, potential for better loops and higher pay by helping the caddie master with chores. |
| Pay | $30 to $60 per bag carried, with the possibility of tips and higher pay during tournaments. |
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What You'll Learn
The role of a golf caddy
Caddies are expected to have knowledge of the game, including the rules, equipment, and golfing terminology. They may advise the golfer on challenges or hazards of a hole, predict wind speeds and directions, and provide moral support. They are also responsible for cleaning the golfer's clubs and balls throughout the game.
In addition, caddies are tasked with repairing divots and raking sand traps. They must fill in any divots created by the golfer's shot, using the chunk of grass if possible, or sand if the chunk cannot be located. They also rake sand traps to remove any traces of footprints or ball marks.
Caddies are often expected to know the distance from the ball to the green, using either a range finder or by pacing off the distance from a distance marker. They may also work with a forecaddie, who remains ahead of the golfers to keep track of their shots and help locate errant balls.
The pay for a caddying role varies depending on the course and the caddy's skill level. Caddies typically earn between $30 to $60 per bag they carry, with the potential for additional tips and tournament winnings.
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Qualifications and training
Golf caddying is a respectable career that does not require any formal education. Instead, qualifications for a golf caddy job focus on experience and knowledge of golf. Many candidates get both through work as a groundskeeper at a golf course, which provides opportunities to network and find temporary employment at scrambles or tournaments. Caddying is a great stepping stone as you learn about golf and network with golfers, who are sometimes very important people.
Most caddies start by volunteering. Others take online caddie courses or take training with the Professional Caddie Association. Caddie training includes learning how to forecaddie (positioning oneself ahead of golfers to keep track of their shots), tending flags, cleaning golf balls, and staying ahead of the golfer. Every day for a week, trainees would caddie one hole for the caddie master so he could assess their performance.
To be a good caddy, you must know all golfing terminology and the rules of the game, as well as all the golf equipment and clubs necessary. You must be prepared to provide advice to golfers when asked, like which club would be best for a particular shot. Before caddying, it is always a good idea to learn more about the golf course, including the "lay of the land" and where potential traps and bodies of water are located. You should also know where the out-of-bound markers are located.
In addition to knowing the golf course, you should also know the different types of clubs and their numbering configurations, such as the difference between a 9-iron and a 9-hybrid. You should also be able to determine the distance from the ball to the green using distance markers on the golf course or a range finder.
Lastly, it is important to know the etiquette of raking a sand trap, fixing ball marks on the green, and replacing divots.
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Day-to-day tasks
A golf caddy's day-to-day tasks can vary depending on the golfer and the circuit they play. The role of a golf caddy is to bring added value to the golfer's game. Here are some of the day-to-day tasks that a golf caddy may be expected to perform:
Carrying Golf Equipment
One of the primary duties of a golf caddy is to carry the golfer's bag of clubs and other equipment as they move from hole to hole. They should ensure that the bag is always ready for the golfer to easily select their club. If the golfer requests a specific club, the caddy should hand it to them promptly. After the golfer has taken their shot, the caddy is responsible for putting the clubs back into the bag.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Golf caddies are responsible for keeping the golf clubs, balls, and other equipment clean throughout the game. They should carry different types of towels and appropriate cleaning products to wipe down the clubs and balls. This includes cleaning the grooves of the clubs with a tee after each use.
Advising and Assisting the Golfer
Golf caddies provide assistance and serve the needs of the golfer. They may offer advice and insights about the course, potential hazards, and club selection. Caddies should have a good understanding of golfing terminology, rules, and equipment to effectively assist the golfer. This includes knowledge of different types of clubs, such as irons, wedges, putters, woods, and hybrids, as well as the numbering configurations used with certain clubs.
Distance Measurement
Golfers often ask caddies about the distance to the green. Caddies should be able to use distance markers on the course or range finders to calculate and provide accurate distance information to the golfer.
Repairing Divots and Raking Sand Traps
When a golfer's strike creates a divot, the caddy retrieves the chunk of grass and replaces it, patting it down with their foot. If the missing piece cannot be located, the caddy should use sand to fill the hole. Additionally, caddies are responsible for raking sand traps after the golfer has taken their shot, ensuring that all footprints and marks are smoothed over.
Scoring and Record-Keeping
Golf caddies also assist with keeping score during the game. They need to know the different types of strokes (Par, Birdie, Eagle, Double Eagle, etc.) and how many points to record for each. Accurate scorekeeping is essential for the golfer's performance and strategic decision-making.
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Dress code
Being a golf caddy requires a specific dress code, and while it may not be a challenging job, adhering to the dress code is important. Golf caddies are expected to dress appropriately, with a standard attire of a collared shirt, dress slacks, and a hat. Comfortable shoes are also essential, as caddies will be walking several miles while carrying heavy golf bags.
At country clubs, caddies often have a designated uniform, which can include a caddy bib that displays the player's name during professional events. Some golf courses, such as Augusta National, have distinct outfits for caddies, like the iconic white jumpsuit. Caddies typically avoid wearing golf shoes to prevent interfering with the golfer's putts on the green, opting instead for comfortable athletic shoes.
It is important for caddies to maintain a professional appearance at all times, especially when working at prestigious events like the PGA tournament. Caddies at such events are expected to dress professionally, just like the professional golfers they accompany.
Additionally, some golf clubs and associations offer caddy training programs that cover the nuances of being a professional caddy, including appropriate attire. These programs can enhance a caddy's skills and professional standing, preparing them for more senior roles, such as caddy master or manager, which involve overseeing and training a team of caddies.
Overall, adhering to the dress code is an important aspect of being a golf caddy, ensuring that caddies blend into the professional environment while also being practical and comfortable given the physical demands of the role.
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Pay and tips
Golf caddies are expected to provide assistance to the golfer and serve their needs. Their responsibilities include determining the distance from the ball to the green, repairing divots, raking sand traps, and keeping the golf clubs, balls, and other equipment clean. They are also responsible for providing advice to golfers when asked and carrying the golf bag for the golfer.
The pay and tips for golf caddies vary depending on various factors. At some clubs, caddies are rated and the fee is set accordingly. The standard caddie fee is $100 per bag, and a $50 tip is considered generous for excellent service. Some sources suggest tipping a caddie 40% to 50% of the green fee, which could be around $120 for a green fee of $239.
It is also common for golfers to share a percentage of their winnings with their caddies. A typical arrangement includes a 5% cut for a finish outside the top 10, 6-8% for a top-10 finish, and 10% for a win. Additionally, travel and hotel costs are often negotiated, and some players cover these expenses for their caddies.
The average caddie can expect to earn somewhere between $100,000 and $150,000 between weekly pay and winnings. However, this can vary significantly depending on the player they are caddying for and their specific agreement. For example, it was estimated that the caddie of a top player who earned over $54 million in on-course earnings in 2024 likely received around $5 million.
While the financial aspects of being a golf caddy can be lucrative, it is important to note that the job requires a strong understanding of the game, equipment, and golfing terminology. Caddies are expected to provide valuable advice and assistance to the golfers they work with.
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Frequently asked questions
A golf caddy carries the golfer's bag of clubs and offers advice on club selection, challenges of the course, and distances to the green. They also keep the course clean by raking sand traps and fixing divots.
Knowledge of the sport and its rules is essential. Good communication skills are also important, as is the ability to read the course and the golfer's game.
The pay varies depending on the course, the caddy's experience, and the golfer. On average, a caddy in the U.S. earns $32,008 per year, but this can be much higher at certain clubs and courses. Caddies also have the opportunity to earn tips.
The job usually doesn't have a set schedule. Games happen during the day, with weekends being the most popular time for golfers.
You can gain experience by volunteering at tournaments or by applying for part-time caddying positions at local golf courses. Networking with golfers and other caddies can help secure future opportunities. Qualifications focus on experience and knowledge of golf rather than formal education.
