How to Become a Caddie
- Read about golf and watch golf on television. Learn the lingo and the rules associated with the game.
- Find the nearest golf course that employs caddies. At most courses, you will go through a caddie training course and learn about the fundamental responsibilities of a caddie.
- Go to the course as often as possible and get there as early as possible. ...
- Work hard during every round you caddie. Begin by asking the golfer if there is anything specific he would like you to do during the round.
- Develop a rapport with some golfers for whom you have caddied. ...
- Pay attention any time there is a tournament in your area, whether it is amateur or professional. ...
- Work your way up the ranks, if that is your desire. While the PGA Tour might be your goal, it is unlikely that is where you will begin.
What does it take to become a golf caddy?
The Professional Caddies Association (PCA) offers training and apprenticeship programs to get you started. If you're still in school, check with golf courses in your area about caddying opportunities. Talk with caddies. Attend a tournament in your area and after a round, ask a few caddies what the job is really like.
How does someone become a professional golf caddy?
“How To Become A Professional Golf Caddie”
- Becoming a Pro Caddie (Learning the Art) The first step to becoming good at anything you are trying to accomplish is through practice and learning all you can ...
- Becoming a Pro Caddie (Make it a Job) Whether you choose to work part time or full time, this is the next step in your journey and a ...
- Becoming a Pro Caddie (Make it a Career)
What are some tips for being a golf caddy?
What do you have to do to be a caddy?
- Have the Clubs Ready. Place the bottom of the golf bag on the ground and hold the top away from your body.
- Clean Clubs and Balls.
- Be Ready to Rake.
- Watch the Ball.
- Maintain the Golf Course.
- Tend the Pin.
- Stand in the Right Place.
- Wear the Proper Attire.
How to be a good golf caddy?
What Are Some Tips for Being a Golf Caddy?
- Overview. The overall responsibility of golf caddies is to make the game of golf more enjoyable for the golfers for whom they are caddying.
- Be prepared. ...
- Have the Clubs Ready. ...
- Clean Clubs and Balls. ...
- Be Ready to Rake. ...
- Watch the Ball. ...
- Maintain the Golf Course. ...
- Tend the Pin. ...
- Stand in the Right Place. ...
- Wear the Proper Attire. ...
How do you become a golf caddie?
InstructionsStudy the game of golf. Read as much as you can on the rules and how to play. ... Frequent your local country club. ... Work as a caddy at your local country club. ... Volunteer for Professional Amateur golf events scheduled in your area. ... Network at Professional Amateur golf events.
How much money do you make as a golf caddy?
A caddy's pay is a combination of a weekly stipend plus a percentage of a player's winnings. While every player/caddie agreement is different, generally speaking, most PGA Tour caddies make a base of between $1,500 and $3,000 per week.
Is it easy to become a golf caddy?
Difficulty: Moderately Easy Following that, you and other beginners will probably be assigned lower-ranking players until you can convince the caddie master that you are trained sufficiently to move up to a better position. Learn as much as you can about the golf course.
Can you be a golf caddy at 14?
Golf Caddy Especially since junior caddies can start as young as 14, carrying one bag and learning the skill. On average, a teenage golf caddy can earn $100 to $120 carrying two bags for 18 holes, referred to as a “loop.” Assuming a “loop” takes around 4 hours, the hourly pay breaks down to $20-$30 per hour.
Do caddies get paid if player misses cut?
"If the player misses the cut, the caddie still has to get a paycheck because the caddie pays for all of his own expenses - airfare, hotel, car, food, all of it." "If the guy makes the cut, the standard is 10-7-5 - 10% for a win, 7% for a top 10, 5% for everything else," Collins said.
Is caddying a good job?
Caddying is a great job for high school students because: Caddies often earn free golf at the course they caddy. As a caddie you build relationships with your teammates, course staff, and business leaders. There are not many barriers to starting a job as a caddy.
How are caddies chosen?
Caddies rely on their pro golfers because how much pro golfers pay their caddies is based on how much the pro makes. Pro golfers pay their caddies on an individual basis. As far as the PGA Tour is concerned, pro golfers and their caddies are considered independent contractors.
Can anyone be a golf caddy?
Learn as much as you can about caddying and the sport of golf in general. No professional golfer will ever hire a caddy who has no experience or does not know anything about the sport. It is important to understand not only every aspect of the game, including rules and scoring, but also how the clubhouse operates.
How are caddies hired?
You can find many positions through referrals instead of an employment ad. However, if you work for a single course, you can simply apply for the job, as most courses keep several caddies on staff. Knowledge of the sport is essential to advise your clients. You also need strong interpersonal skills.
How do teenage caddies get paid?
But when there's work the pay is good, and in cash. Caddies usually make more than $100 for each 18-hole round, or ''loop. '' Most clubs set a flat caddying fee per round, but the real pay comes from tips.
What is the highest paying job for a teenager?
High-paying jobs for teensLandscape laborer. ... Dog walker. ... Youth sports referee. ... Babysitter. ... Delivery service driver. National average salary: $17.68 per hour. ... Pet sitter. National average salary: $13.52 per hour. ... Automotive technician. National average salary: $23.01 per hour. ... Tutor. National average salary: $24.79 per hour.More items...
What do teenage caddies do?
You should know where the sand traps and water hazards are, for example, as well as how the holes are laid out. While your primary responsibility as a caddy is to carry golf clubs, you may get better tips or otherwise make your golfer happier if you can help out with information during the round.
Do golf caddies make good money?
Caddies can range from $1,500-$3,000 a week. However, some caddies opt for a higher weekly paycheck in exchange for a lower percentage of winnings. "No caddie and player has the same deal," Collins said. "Everyone negotiates themselves."
Who is the richest caddy in golf?
1. Jimmy Johnson. What is this? Jimmy Johnson is currently caddying for Justin Thomas, but he has a successful history on tour.
How much does Tiger Woods caddy get paid?
A caddie makes between $1,500 and $2,500 in base pay per week during golf tournaments, Forbes reports. In 2007, the outlet noted that Tiger's former caddie Steve Williams made more than $1 million in earnings. Tiger made a whopping $5.4 million during the 2018 PGA Tour.
Do pro caddies make good money?
On average, PGA Tour caddies make a base salary of $1,500-$3,000 per tournament, plus a percentage of winnings (if the golfer makes the cut)–10% for a win, 7% for a top-ten finish, and 5% for everything else. While this is typical, caddie's salaries are often negotiated with the golfer.
How to be a good caddy?
The best caddies know what a golfer requires. Keep the golfer hydrated, as cool or dry as possible, and know which club is necessary for the next hole. Be able to distinguish each club and be ready to offer a couple of different solutions for each of the golfer's obstacles throughout the game.
What is a caddy in golf?
Being a caddy is more than carrying a bag around a golf course for 18 holes. Serving a golfer well in this capacity requires a solid relationship between the golfer and the caddy and an understanding of the game of golf. The golfer should be assured that the caddy is prepared, knows the game well, and offers sound advice.
What does a caddy need to know?
A caddy needs to know the yardages of the holes, referring to the yardage book when necessary in order to help the golfer choose the right club for each hole. Knowing the yardages isn't always enough, and the caddy has to take the distances into account with weather conditions, course conditions and lie.
What to do if your golfer doesn't have everything?
If your golfer doesn't have everything required, it could adversely affect the game. Check your golfer's bag for the appropriate golf clubs, new golf balls, extra gloves, towels, a yardage finder, a yardage book, bug spray, sunscreen, an umbrella, and a medical kit.
What does promptness mean in golf?
Promptness indicates to the golfer that you are professional and prepared.
What is the difference between a golf coach and a golf caddy?
A golf caddy is someone who carries the golf clubs whereas a coach is someone who instructs the player.
How to stop a golfer from swinging?
Caddies need a certain amount of confidence in their knowledge of the game. It's acceptable to stop a golfer from swinging if you disagree with a club choice or if you sense the wind about to change. A golfer will be more at ease if he or she knows they can rely on their caddy.
What is a caddie program?
A professionally trained, knowledgeable and courteous group of caddies and a well-managed caddie program can help a club deal more effectively with slow play, significantly add to the number of enjoyable rounds of golf and enhance the club’s overall image of a first class operation.
What is a caddie manager?
THE CADDIE MANAGER. The Caddie Manager is pivotal to the golf club industry with many responsibilities, which can materially affect the welfare of the club. The Caddie Manager is charged with the task of recruiting and scheduling caddies.
Why is it important to communicate with other caddies?
Your ability to communicate with the other caddies in your group and work as a member of a team will help your ability to effectively service the members of your group and help the pace of play immeasurably. It will also make your job easier, more fun and could result in better tips.
How far to stand to watch a player's ball?
When you reach your player’s ball, stand the bag about three feet to the right of the ball. After the player has selected his club, quickly move out to a position at least ten feet to the right of the player and concentrate on watching your player’s ball in flight.
How to get rid of rattle on golf clubs?
Walk with your hand over the clubs so they do not rattle.
How many clubs can you put in a golf bag?
Carefully count the clubs in the bag (the rules permit a maximum of 14 clubs). If the player has more or less than 14 clubs, tell the player.
When to hand your putter?
Hand your player his putter as soon as his ball is on the green.
What is a golf caddy?
A golf caddy is a professional who serves as an assistant to a golfer, providing the golfer with support and advice during a round or tournament . Caddies help the golfer by studying the course, tracking distances and acting as an adviser. A caddy may be a former golfer who wants to keep working at a professional level, or they may be someone with extensive knowledge and a deep understanding of the game. The relationship between a golfer and their caddy can have a direct impact on the golfer's game—both mentally and physically.
What is the average salary for professional caddies?
The average annual salary for a golf caddy is $33,609 per year . Professional golf caddies often earn more money than caddies working at a local golf course or assisting players at an amateur level. Professional caddies can also earn bonuses if the golfer places in or wins a tournament. A caddy's annual salary can also vary based on their geographic location and experience.
How to get a caddie on the PGA Tour?
While the PGA Tour might be your goal, it is unlikely that is where you will begin. Look into caddying for players on lower-tier tournament circuits like the Nationwide Tour. If you do a good job for the them and they make it to higher levels, it is likely they will take you with them as their caddie.
How do golfers maintain ties to the sport?
In both instances, golfers can maintain ties to the sport by working as caddies. Whether they are carrying the clubs in a high-dollar tournament or just for a golfer who is playing with friends, caddies have the same task: to help in any way to make sure golfers gain more enjoyment from their round.
How to keep score in golf?
Otherwise, keep the basics in mind: always watch where the ball goes; wipe the clubs with a towel after each shot; clean the ball whenever you can; replace any divots the golfer takes; rake the bunkers or sand traps after the golfer has hit out of them; tend the pin when necessary. Some golfers may also want their caddies to keep score.
Can a caddie help a golfer read a green?
By Larry Anderson. Helping a golfer read a green may be a part of a caddie's role. Most golfers will never be skilled enough to play at the highest levels. But that does not mean they cannot participate in the sport. Other people love golf and want to spend time at the course, but cannot afford the fee required to play.
Can you caddy at your local golf course?
This is especially true if you want to caddie more than just at your local course. While your responsibilities during these events are the same, you likely will be caddying for golfers who are more serious about the sport and, perhaps want to pursue it professionally.
Can you caddie twice in a day?
And if your golfer finishes the round quickly enough, you may even get to caddie twice in the same day.
How to become a caddy?
Step 1. Get some official training, even if you've caddied as a youngster. The Professional Caddies Association (PCA) offers training and apprenticeship programs to get you started. If you're still in school, check with golf courses in your area about caddying opportunities.
How to get caddy experience?
Get caddying experience through part-time opportunities associated with large tournaments or scrambles in your area. See how it's done in less pressurized situations and find out if it's truly something you want to do full-time. Keep an eye out for upcoming tournaments and ask around at local courses that tend to host these kinds of events. You can often get started with no experience, as long as you have knowledge of golf and willingness to tote a bag.
What major do you need to be a golf caddie?
When we researched the most common majors for a golf caddie, we found that they most commonly earn bachelor's degree degrees or high school diploma degrees . Other degrees that we often see on golf caddie resumes include associate degree degrees or master's degree degrees.
How much does a golf caddie make?
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a golf caddie. For example, did you know that they make an average of $11.46 an hour? That's $23,846 a year!
How Do Golf Caddie Rate Their Jobs?
Rate how you like work as Golf Caddie. It's anonymous and will only take a minute.
What are the best states to be a golf caddie?
The best states for people in this position are Connecticut, Alaska, New York, and Massachusetts. Golf caddies make the most in Connecticut with an average salary of $38,261. Whereas in Alaska and New York, they would average $38,164 and $35,749, respectively. While golf caddies would only make an average of $35,654 in Massachusetts , you would still make more there than in the rest of the country. We determined these as the best states based on job availability and pay. By finding the median salary, cost of living, and using the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Location Quotient, we narrowed down our list of states to these four.
How much do caddies make?
Most caddies make 10% of their designated golfers winnings, which means if the golfer does not win much you will not get paid very well. It is very important to understand this before getting on the tour. Even though you may be rubbing elbows with some of the most elite golfers in the world, does not mean you will be paid as much as they are.
How to ruin your chances in golf?
Network with everyone you meet. Stay away from conflict with golfers and club staff as much as possible. Having a bad reputation in the golf world is the quickest way to ruin your chances in the professional sector.
Can you get into caddying on the first try?
Nobody gets into professional caddying on the first try. You will be rejected many times before being accepted, but it's very important you take each rejection as a step toward your ultimate goal. You never know when you will get the call and all your dreams will come true.
Is it hard to become a caddy?
Even though it is a very hard goal to attain, nothing is impossible ...
Do professional golfers hire caddy?
No professional golfer will ever hire a caddy who has no experience or does not know anything about the sport. It is important to understand not only every aspect of the game, including rules and scoring, but also how the clubhouse operates.
