what is a caddie in golf

Walking Caddie

• Caddies. The PGA Golf Glossary defines a caddie as “a person hired to carry clubs and provide other assistance.”
• Forecaddie: Tournament Level. Under the standard Rules of Golf, a forecaddie is an employee of the tournament committee and doesn’t work for any one player.
• Forecaddie: Casual Level. ...
• Physical Demands. ...

Full Answer

What makes a good golf caddie?

Jan 09, 2022 · 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.

Are caddies normally good golfers?

Mar 03, 2022 · The golf term caddie or caddy derives from the French word cadet, historically meaning boy or youngest of the family. It began to be used in English in the 1600s and adapted to a point where Cady, Caddy, Cadie or Caddie became used for a general-purpose porter or errand boy in Scottish towns in the 18th Century.

Why do you need a golf caddy?

Jun 14, 2019 · As a caddie it is your job to rake the sand trap once your golfer is done with their shot. You want it to look like no one was ever in that sand trap. You need to rake the spot in which the ball was, the footprints of the golfer, and, as you rake and back out of the sand trap, your footsteps as well.

How to be a good golf caddy?

Oct 02, 2020 · Serve as a caddy and also work as a waiter in the restaurant. Communicate between golfer and caddy master in order to place the golfer in correct time/tee slots. Assist in professional pga tours, shell Houston open assist caddies and there professional golf players. Facilitate and instruct beginner and advance golf classes.

What does a caddie do in golf?

The biggest duty as a caddie is to carry the golf bag for the golfer. This involves not just carrying the clubs but handing the golfer the requested club when they're ready to use it. You will need to put the clubs back in the bag once the golfer is finished with their shot.Jun 14, 2019

How much do golf caddies make?

How much do pro caddies make? A caddie on the PGA Tour receives a base salary — usually around $1,000 to $2,000 — to cover travel expenses. He will earn 5% of the winnings if his golfer finishes outside of the top 10 and 7% of the winnings for a top-10 finish.Oct 20, 2019

Why do golfers need caddies?

A few pro golfers want their caddies to conform to the three old-time rules of the trade: show up, keep up, and shut up. These days, however, most players expect their caddies (also known as loopers in golf circles) to master the course geometry in the days before the tournament.Aug 8, 2011

What is a golf cart girl called?

Beverage cart attendants are typically girls and the beverage of choice for golfers is often beer – thus the job title beer cart.

Who is the richest caddy in golf?

Why Do They Earn So Much?Search Search in Rank Caddy Name Player Name Yearly Payout for 2020RankCaddy NamePlayer Name1Jimmy JohnsonJustin Thomas2Jonathan JakovacCollin Morikawa3Austin JohnsonDustin Johnson12 more rows

What does Tiger Woods caddy make?

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.Oct 22, 2019

What does a caddy girl do?

The caddy is expected to keep the golf clubs, balls, and other equipment clean throughout the game. They should carry different types of towels with them and appropriate cleaning products.

Are caddies good at golf?

Not surprisingly, there are plenty of caddies on the PGA Tour who are also excellent golfers. Some of them have even enjoyed stints on the PGA Tour. Loads of them played college golf.Feb 8, 2021

Does a caddy drive the golf cart?

The fore-caddie will give a hole description and then walk ahead to spot the players' tee shots. The caddie then gets the player's yardage (either with a GPS watch, laser, course knowledge, or sprinkler heads) while the players drive their carts from the tee to their shots.

Do golf cart attendants get tips?

Well, of course, how much to tip a caddie is up to you and the level of service that you get, but you should generally tip a caddie anywhere from $20-$50 per player after the round.Dec 18, 2016

How old do you have to be to drive a golf cart?

16General Safety and Golf Carts As a general guideline, it is advised that children under the age of 16 not be permitted to drive golf carts and children 6 years or younger should not be permitted in golf carts at all.

How can a girl be a caddy?

How to Become a CaddieRead about golf and watch golf on television. ... Find the nearest golf course that employs caddies. ... Go to the course as often as possible and get there as early as possible. ... Work hard during every round you caddie. ... Develop a rapport with some golfers for whom you have caddied.More items...

What is the role of a caddie in golf?

The quintessential role of the caddie is to bring added value to the game for the golfer. There’s the obvious duty of carrying the golf clubs, but the caddie does much more than that. From making sure the bag is stocked with balls and tees to repairing divots and raking sand traps. We’ve compiled a list of some of the key tasks of a caddie.

What is the job of a caddie?

As a caddie it is your job to rake the sand trap once your golfer is done with their shot. You want it to look like no one was ever in that sand trap. You need to rake the spot in which the ball was, the footprints of the golfer, and, as you rake and back out of the sand trap, your footsteps as well.

What happens when a golfer hits a divot?

When your golfer strikes the ball in a manner that leaves a divot it is your responsibility to replace that divot. Once the divot is created, leaving a chunk of grass missing, the caddie retrieves the chunk and places it back into the spot from which it came, patting it down with their foot.

What do you need to know before you caddie?

Golf Course Knowledge. Before you caddie at a certain course it is best to have some knowledge of the course. It is important to know where any hazards are like bodies of water and bunkers. You also want to be aware of where the out-of-bound markers are.

How to determine distance from golf ball to green?

If you don’t have a range finder then you must find the nearest distance marker. Locate the distance marker then pace off the distance from the marker to the golf ball, then add or subtract to the distance respectively. Then once you’ve determined the distance, relay that information to your golfer.

What do you wear to a golf tournament?

Standard golf attire should be worn, typically a collared shirt and nice dress pants. You may also want to wear a hat. A nice pair of shoes should be worn as well. For tournament play, caddies may be provided with a uniform or a caddie bib to wear .

How to stay out of line of sight in golf?

It’s important for you to remain out of the way and stay as still and quiet as possible . Once on the green you must stay clear of a players putt line, the line between the ball and the hole. Beware of your shadow on the green as well; you don’t want your shadow on a players putt line either.

What is caddying in golf?

Traditional caddying involves both the golfer and the caddie walking the course. The caddie is in charge of carrying the player's bag, keeping the clubs clean, and washing the ball when on the green, and walks ahead of the golfer to locate their ball and calculate the yardage to the pin and/or hazards. Sometimes, a caddy is asked for opinions on matters such as club selection, what/where to hit and/or where to aim a putt. This is the most common method used in golf clubs and is the only method allowed in the PGA (Professional Golf Association) and LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association). The three usual "ups" of caddying are: show up, shut up, and keep up.

What is a good caddie?

A good caddie is aware of the challenges and obstacles of the golf course being played, along with the best strategy in playing it. This includes knowing overall yardage, pin placements and club selection. A caddie is not usually an employee of a private club or resort. They are classified as an "independent contractor", meaning that they are basically self-employed and do not receive any benefits or perks from their association with the club. Some clubs and resorts do have caddie programs, although benefits are rarely offered. Particularly in Europe, the vast majority of clubs do not offer caddies, and amateur players will commonly carry or pull their own bags.

What does "caddie" mean in Scots?

The Scots word caddie or cawdy was derived in the 17th century from the French word cadet and originally meant a student military officer. It later came to refer to someone who did odd jobs. By the 19th century, it had come to mean someone who carried clubs for a golfer, or in its shortened form, cad, a man of disreputable behaviour.

How do caddies get paid?

At most clubs, caddies are paid at the end of the round by cash, or receive a payment ticket for which they can redeem their wages in the clubhouse. Generally, the player will tip the caddie based on their performance during the round, with extra money given for exemplary work or for working special event such as a tournament. Most American club caddies earn between $80 and $120 per bag, though newer caddies will often earn less than more experienced caddies. Caddies working during a tournament, high-stakes match, or 4-Day member-guest will often earn significantly more, upwards of $150 per round, per bag, at times. It is common for experienced caddies to carry two bags (a "Double") at a time. It is considered acceptable to ask a professional at the course what the average pay for a caddie is, as courses differ.

When were caddies invented?

The first caddies appeared in 1817 in Edinburgh. It is believed that the first use of a caddie was by The Duke of Albany of Scotland in 1681 while playing the first international golf contest at Leith Links, which resulted in the construction of Golfers Land in Edinburgh.

Where do caddies report to the golfer?

Day of a caddy. Caddies report early each morning at the "Caddy Shack" where they wait until the caddie master assigns them to a golfer. At that time, they retrieve the golfer's bag (typically from the bag room) and wait to meet the golfer out in an open area.

What is the name of the movie that featured a caddie?

In popular culture. Caddies have been depicted in TV, films, and books, including: The Caddy, a 1953 musical comedy film starring Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. McAuslan in the Rough, a 1974 short story by George MacDonald Fraser in which a disreputable Scottish soldier caddies for his regimental sergeant major.

Caddy in Golf 101

A caddy is someone who helps a golfer (or two) out during a round of golf. They’ll usually carry a bag (or sometimes ride in a cart), and help golfers with everything during the round. Some responsibilities include raking bunkers, cleaning clubs, reading greens, providing suggestions, sharing insights about the course, and more.

Golf Caddy Job Description

Now that you know a little more about the history of caddies and when to hire them, let’s dive into the job description itself.

Hiring a Caddy

After having several caddies when playing at a nice course and on vacation, I can say it makes a huge difference! Especially when you play difficult golf courses like Pebble Beach, Bandon Dunes, and others.

How to Become a Caddy in Golf

You might be thinking… “How do you become a caddy” or “Do you need golf experience to be a caddy?”

FAQ About Golf Caddies

Do you have even more questions about hiring a caddy (or becoming one yourself)? If so, keep reading our frequently asked questions and answers below.

What does "caddy" mean in golf?

It's the spelling used by the governing bodies of golf, the USGA and R&A, and used in the rules. However, "caddy" and "forecaddy, " ending in "y," are frequently used by fans and non-golfers, and those spellings are even creeping into golf publications.

What is a forecaddie in golf?

A forecaddie, most simply, is a person positioned up ahead on a golf hole whose job is to track golfers' shots as each plays his or her golf ball. Contrary to what you might think, the forecaddie is not a caddie.

What is the job of a forecaddie?

The forecaddie's job is to keep golfers moving on the course by keeping track of all golf balls in play and letting each player in the group know where his or her ball is located. For example, one player in the group hits his ball into high rough.

Does a forecaddie carry clubs?

The forecaddie does not carry anyone's clubs, does not assist golfers in decision-making on things such as club selection, and so on. And while forecaddies can be assigned to work with a specific group of golfers throughout a round, they are often assigned to a specific hole on a golf course rather than to specific golfers.

Do golfers encounter forecaddies?

So, as you can see, golfers who play in organized tournaments are far more likely to encounter a forecaddie that those who don't. Golfers who only play recrea tionally rarely encounter forecaddies. (Although a passing course marshal might temporarily act as one.)

Is a forecaddie an outside agency?

He is an outside agency.". Because a forecaddie is defined as an outside agency in the rules, if a golf ball at rest is moved by a forecaddie there is no penalty to the golfer and the ball should be replaced ( Rule 18-1 ). If a forecaddie deflects or stops a ball in motion, it is a rub of the green and the ball is played as it lies - ...

Can you hire a forecaddie for a golf course?

Some upscale and resort golf courses do offer the option of a forecaddie that a group of golfers can hire . The R&A, in its guidance to tournament organizers, says that : "The Committee may position forecaddies in areas where there is a possibility of balls being lost, or course marshals/ball spotters may be asked to fulfill this role.

What is the job of a golf caddy?

As you probably already know, the main job of a golf caddy is to carry the bag of a player around the course. In addition, they are supposed to the player’s clubs clean and their belongings organized. Caddies are also supposed to give professionals the distances to the hole so that the player can get accurate results.

How much does a golf caddy make?

This can add up to quite a bit of money when a player has a great week. If a golfer wins a tournament, a caddy will make ten percent of the earnings of the player. For a top ten finish, a caddy will earn 7%, and for anything else, the caddy makes 5% of the earnings. Week in and week out, this will add up quite quickly.

Who is Jon Rahm's caddy?

Jon Rahm is a player that we have all come to know quite a bit about. Rahm has certainly made a splash in the golf world, and his caddy Adam Hayes has been an integral part of his success. Hayes is a very well-respected caddy on the PGA Tour, and he has been out there caddying for more than 20 years.

Who is the golf caddy for Justin Thomas?

1. Jimmy Johnson. Jimmy Johnson is currently caddying for Justin Thomas, but he has a successful history on tour. Johnson worked for Charles Howell, Steve Stricker, Nick Price, and Adam Scott. Certainly, this is a great lineup of players. Johnson grew up in Dallas, Texas, and played golf at the University of North Texas.

Is Kessler a caddie?

Her younger brother stepped in to take over and has been there ever since. Kessler was not a caddie before he started working for Reed, and it took a bit of training, but he learned to really like it. He can play golf and knows the game well, so Reed trained him to work for his game. 8.

Is Albin Choi a good caddy?

Albin Choi is not just a caddy; he is a great player as well. He is currently caddying for I’m Sung-jae and making some great money. However, many players on the PGA tour will tell you that Albin Choi could easily be the player that should be making it on the PGA Tour.

Can a caddy make a round?

A great golf caddy can make or break a round. It is interesting to think about life on the PGA Tour and what you will need to do to make it as a professional caddie. Caddies, over time, have shown us that they can live the PGA Tour life just as well as the golfers on tour.

Why do golfers have caddies?

Every golfer in a major tournament has their caddie to help them select the right club and make crucial decisions on the course. However, the golfer’s caddie is not the only one lending a helping hand. A forecaddie is a designated personnel member assigned a specific hole on which they help keep track of the golfers shot from the green.

What is the difference between a caddie and a forecaddie?

Whereas, the Forecaddie has no affiliation with any specific golfer and helps all competitors on the field equally and without bias.

What is a forecaddie?

A Forecaddie helps locate and track golf balls on specific holes. Because the golfer and their caddie don’t always have the best vantage point to see where the ball ends up, the Forecaddie is at the other end of the shot to help keep track.

What does it mean when a Forecaddie throws a ball backwards?

Out Of Bounds: When a ball is out of play, the Forecaddie will extend both of their hands in front of them and raise them above the head together, as if throwing a large ball backwards over the body. Didn’t See The Shot: If a Forecaddie doesn’t see the ball come in, they will cover both of their eyes with their hands.

What is the signal in golf?

Safe: The official is certain that the ball is safely in play. The signal consists of crossing the hands in front of the body and extending them to either side. Similar to a “no goal” signal in hockey, or the “safe” signal in baseball.

How much does a Forecaddie cost?

At some of the more prestigious resorts, the Forecaddie fee will be around the $75 range. The cost is often built into the green fees and is not considered an extra charge. If you’re wondering why some courses are so much more expensive than others, it may be because they are providing a Forecaddie for you.

Does Forecaddie give advice?

In a formal game, a Forecaddie will generally share no advice or opinions. However, in a casual game, it is not frowned upon for the Forecaddie to lend a different perspective. Indicate to players whether the ball has gone out of bounds, is in tall grass, invokes a penalty stroke, or is unsafe to play at a particular time.

Overview

In golf, a caddie (or caddy) is the person who carries a player's bag and clubs, and gives the player advice and moral support.

Description

Etymology

History

Types of caddying

Caddie ranks

Day of a caddy

Weekly schedule