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what does it take to be a golf caddy

by Bertrand Dach Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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How to Become a PGA Tour Caddy

  • Start Training. Much like the golfers they assist, caddies who wish to make it at the professional level must train in...
  • Master Your Golf Skills. Obtaining certification is a great start and certainly a step worth taking. But those with true...
  • Compete in Tournaments. Theoretical knowledge is all well and good, but nothing can beat the...

Qualifications for a golf caddy job do not include formal education, but they instead focus on experience and knowledge of golf. Many job candidates get both through work as a groundskeeper at a golf course. This gives you opportunities to network and find temporary employment at scrambles or tournaments.

Full Answer

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”

  1. 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 ...
  2. 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 ...
  3. 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.

What makes a good golf caddy?

Who are the best caddies in golf, and what makes them great?

  1. Steve Williams: This man is on pretty much everyone's list of best caddies, even from guys who don't like him. ...
  2. Jim "Bones" Mackay: The epitome of "going to the tee with a great player" holds true in the case of Phil Mickelson 's longtime sidekick. ...
  3. Mike "Fluff" Cowan: He has been caddying for more than 40 years! ...

More items...

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How do you become a golf caddy?

14:1023:34CGSMA Caddie Training Video - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipProvide yardage present bag to golfer for club selection. Be in position to watch the shot. If theMoreProvide yardage present bag to golfer for club selection. Be in position to watch the shot. If the ball comes to rest on the green. Hand the golfer his putter. Make sure to replace divots.

How much does a golf caddy make?

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.

What skills do you need to be a golf caddy?

The eight most common skills based on Caddie resumes in 2022.Golf Clubs, 13.0%Professional Relationships, 11.3%Course Knowledge, 11.3%Effective Communication, 10.2%Caddy, 8.9%Scholarship, 5.6%Customer Service, 4.3%Other Skills, 35.4%

How much does a golf caddy make a day?

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. Most caddies say they earn an average of about $120 for carrying two bags 18 holes.

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.

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.

Is it hard to get a caddy job?

Difficulty: Moderately Easy Get started by signing up to be a caddie at a local golf course. Most of them have caddie masters who match caddies with players, and will tell you the requirements for carrying a bag there.

Is a golf caddy a good job?

Caddying is a great job for high school students because: Caddying is a part time job on weekends and fits within a busy high school student schedule. Caddies often earn free golf at the course they caddy. As a caddie you build relationships with your teammates, course staff, and business leaders.

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 much do 14 year old caddies make?

A teenager can start working as a golf caddie right from 14 years of age. Teenage caddies make between $100 to $120. They will be required to carry 2 bags and help the golfer play 18 holes. Playing a 'loop' consumes approximately 4 hours, which means a teenage caddie can make $20 to $30 an hour.

What age can you be a golf caddy?

At most places, caddies start at around age 14. However, some people may rather have more experienced or older caddies.

How much does Tiger Woods caddy make?

Just ask Joe LaCava, Woods' caddie. Woods earned $5.4 million on the tour in 2018, so estimating LaCava's take based on the going rate is fairly straightforward. The caddie likely earned somewhere between $272,192 and $544,384 for the year, on top of the money he earned from weekly salaries.

How much does Tiger Woods pay his caddie?

According to Golf Week, a caddie earns five to 10 percent of a professional golfer's winnings on top of his base salary. A caddie makes between $1,500 and $2,500 in base pay per week during golf tournaments, Forbes reports.

How much did Tiger Woods pay his caddy?

During his time caddying for Tiger Woods, Steve earned at least $12 million in bonuses and salary alone. Tiger also reportedly gave Steve 10 vehicles that were won at tournaments.

How much does Tiger Woods caddie make a year?

Woods earned $5.4 million on the tour in 2018, so estimating LaCava's take based on the going rate is fairly straightforward. The caddie likely earned somewhere between $272,192 and $544,384 for the year, on top of the money he earned from weekly salaries.

How much do 14 year old caddies make?

A teenager can start working as a golf caddie right from 14 years of age. Teenage caddies make between $100 to $120. They will be required to carry 2 bags and help the golfer play 18 holes. Playing a 'loop' consumes approximately 4 hours, which means a teenage caddie can make $20 to $30 an hour.

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.

What do professional golf caddies do?

Professional golf caddies work for golfers who earn money by winning or placing highly in tournaments. These caddies have many responsibilities, which may include:

How to become a professional golf caddy

If you're interested in a career as a professional golf caddy, here are six steps you can take to pursue this career path:

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.

Essential skills for golf caddies

It's helpful for professional golf caddies to possess a range of skills, including:

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.

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 to do when a golfer hits over par?

When a golfer is hitting over par, they may become frustrated. In order to ease their tension and keep them focused on their game, offer them words of encouragement and motivation. Learn how to communicate with your golfer in the most effective way; each golfer responds differently to advice.

How to improve golf game?

2. Remain positive. Golf is a game that requires intense concentration and a positive attitude on the part of the player. If your golfer is experiencing a few bad holes, it's your job to boost morale, help the golfer stay focused, and offer words of encouragement when they are most needed. If a golfer blames you for a poor game, you must remain ...

What does promptness mean in golf?

Promptness indicates to the golfer that you are professional and prepared.

How much do caddys make on the PGA Tour?

Caddies on the PGA tour earn a base salary between $1000 and $2000 each week. In addition, they receive a bonus between five and 10 percent of their player’s winnings. If the golfer places first, the caddy gets 10 percent.

Where do golf caddies work?

For some caddies who work with a golfer who plays internationally, this may mean the caddy must know a wide variety of geographical locations, from the heat of the desert in Dubai to the cold and rain of the great links courses sprinkled throughout Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales.

What are the disadvantages of being a caddy?

One of the disadvantages of being a caddy is the possibility of getting fired. In the summer of 2015, Robert Allenby and his caddy, Mick Middlemo, had a contentious disagreement in the first round of the Canadian Open. That led to a separation of the two on a permanent basis midway through the round because Middlemo was fired.

Why is a caddy important?

Most professional golfers playing today would have to admit that their caddy is as important to their playing ability as their custom golf clubs, relentless preparation and intensive physical conditioning.

Why do golfers read greens?

They read greens, suggest the proper club depending on the distance and lie, help control the crowd from getting unruly and more. It helps to have a surplus of mental strength, because caddies may get blamed for the golfer’s poor performance, even if they are not at fault.

When did David Toms win the PGA Championship?

His victories with David Toms included the PGA championship in 2001 when it was held at the Atlanta Athletic Club. Gneisser said he lives and dies with every shot, just like average golfers, and that he would continue to caddy as long as it was fun and provided a good living.

Is the caddy okay with this unorthodox method?

Presumably, the caddy was okay with this unorthodox method. This story highlights the importance of the mental side of caddying. It is much more than carrying a bag and reading off yardages. Caddies need to know when to assert themselves, and when to back off.

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.

Step 3

Work on your own golf game (but don't think you need to break 80) and learn the rules of golf as well as you can.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

Keep your eyes and ears open for country club caddy jobs. Once you've gotten some experience there, start looking for pros on the developmental tours who need a hand with their bags.

Step 6

Consider all options, such as the LPGA, the Champions (Seniors) Tour, and even the international circuit. The PGA Tour might get the most attention and attract the most money, but there are plenty of golfers who could use a responsible caddy's help.

Step 7

Network like crazy. Let everyone you work for and everyone you work with know that you're looking to move up as a caddy. Stay in touch with anyone who might have a connection. Most of these jobs are filled based on referrals and relationships forged through the years, so be patient but persistent.

What Does a Golf Caddy Do?

The job of a golf caddy is to carry the bag of clubs of a golfer as they complete a round at a golf course. In this career, you often advise the golfer about hazards or challenges of a hole. You may offer advice about club selection as well. As a golf caddy, you may work at one course or tour with a pro golfer.

How to Become a Golf Caddy

Qualifications for a golf caddy job do not include formal education, but they instead focus on experience and knowledge of golf. Many job candidates get both through work as a groundskeeper at a golf course. This gives you opportunities to network and find temporary employment at scrambles or tournaments.

What Is the Difference Between a Golf Caddy and a Forecaddie?

A golf caddy’s duties focus on the golfers and assisting them throughout the round. In this career, you follow them from hole-to-hole, carrying their bag of clubs and offering advice. A forecaddie, on the other hand, doesn’t have this relationship with the golfers. Their role is to ensure the smooth flow of the play.

How much does a golf caddy make?

As a golf caddy, you can expect to earn somewhere between $10-$15 per hour. The biggest issue with this type of work though is that your day to day schedule can be unpredictable. Instead of working one type of task like other jobs, you’ll help out with various jobs.

How to become a caddy for teens?

How Can I Get Started as a Teenage Golf Caddy? Make sure that you speak to your parent (s) before trying to become a teen golf caddy. Doing so we’ll ensure your safety and they’ll likely be able to help you in your efforts. Before you begin, you’ll need to learn about golfing.

What does a caddy do for a teenager?

What Does a Teenage Golf Caddy do? As a golf caddy, you’ll be responsible for day to day operations at the golf course. You will be supervised by senior staff such as the manager or owner of the golf course.

What is the day to day operation of a golf course?

The day to day operations will most likely be , but not limited to these , greeting guests, cleaning, operating the golf cart fleet, rentals, and generally making sure the golf course runs smoothly. You will basically be someone who helps out occasionally with the managers on running the golf course and you will also help ...

Do you have a second chance to make a first impression as a golf caddy?

They might interview you, and during the interview you should remain calm and nice. As the saying says, you don’t have a second chance to make a first impression. Congrats, you’re officially a golf caddy. It might be hard at first, being in the sun and running different jobs the entire day, but it will be worth it in the end.

Do you have to polish your golf skills before becoming a caddy?

You’ll want to polish your own golf skills before you become a golf caddy. You don’t want to look like you’re bad at golf, especially if you’re working at a golf course. Also, golfers might want your help to become a better golfer, and it’s good to be able to provide them with help. Your own golf skills can also help you land a job more easily, ...

Caddie Etiquette Rules to Know

Golf is a game full of history and tradition. Being a caddie is a great honor in the game, a fantastic way to network, an excellent form exercise, and a way to make money. Here are some things to remember to respect the game and position of being a caddie.

What are the Game Rules to Know for a Caddie?

Whether for professional golf or an amateur setting, being a good caddie should know their expectation for the game. Below are some of the most common things a caddie should handle during a round of golf.

How Much Do Caddies Make?

Professional caddies in the PGA will have a separate agreement with their golfer, but they tend to make a base salary of a few thousand dollars a week. However, a caddy can make even more money when the golfer wins prize money during the match.

Do Caddies Pay for their Own Expenses?

Caddies are independent contractors in the PGA, covering their expenses. That means things like hotels, food, flights, and more come out of the caddie’s expense. Since this is all done for work, these independent contractors can write that off on their taxes.

Is there a Caddie Hall of Fame?

The Western Golf Association runs the Caddie Hall of Fame. The three eligibility levels are junior caddies, caddie advocates, and professional caddies. As of January 2022, there are 123 members of the Caddie Hall of Fame. You can visit the official website to learn more about the hall of fame!

Conclusion: What is a Caddie in Golf?

In summary, a golf caddie is more than a person who carries a golf bag. They are integral in helping the golfer know about the course, ensuring they have the best equipment, holding the flagstick to help with puts, and more.

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