Know the Game
To perform the duties of a caddie you must have a good knowledge of the game and its rules. As a caddie you must calculate yardages, clean golf clubs and read the greens. A caddie is also responsible for maintaining the golf course for all players. A caddie must know how to fix divots, repair ball marks and rake bunkers.
Contact a Private Club
Some country clubs will provide caddies to members and guests. A private golf club is more likely to have a caddie program than a public golf course. Prestigious clubs like Pinehurst, Augusta National, Bandon Dunes and Pebble Beach all have high-quality caddie programs. Often, a private club will employ a company to provide caddies. Augusta National employs Caddie Masters Enterprises (CME). When a club hires a service like CME, the caddies are trained specifically on that golf course. Caddies employed at a private club will generally earn more than other caddies. As a caddie, it is customary to receive a cash tip from the player ($60-$100) and a bag fee ($20-$30) from the club or service.
Caddie Masters Enterprises
www.manta.com
Contact a Caddie Service
There are also a few caddie services that provide caddies specifically for tournaments and outings. Some services operate solely in one city and some operate in multiple cities. Caddie Club Golf (see Resources) is a service that operates in one city, Dallas, while a service like Caddie Connection (see Resources) provides caddies to multiple cities. When working for a caddie service, you do not have set hours and you work at many different courses separate from the one you are trained on. Due to dependence on tournaments, caddies who work for a caddie service may not see as much work as caddies at a private club.
Complete Training
Whether you caddie for a service or a private club, you will have to go through a three-day training program. In training, you will learn how to carry single bags, double bags and forecaddie. You walk beside the player when carrying a single or double bag, and as a forecaddie you always stay in front of the player to spot his ball. You will also the learn the proper way to tend the flagstick, clean clubs and stay in the right position. Once you have completed training, you can work as an independent contractor for the club or caddie service.
About The Author
John Wagner is a certified golf instructor and professional golfer with over eight years of experience. As a certified GolfTEC and Chuck Cook golf instructor, he has given over 3,000 golf lessons. John writes for GolfLink.com and has over 40 articles published.
