Golf caddies have been around a long time. They are believed to have started at the birth of golf at St. Andrews several centuries ago.
They now play an integral part on the PGA Tour, at many private Country Clubs and even in junior level tournaments across the world.
What does a golf caddy do?
The golf caddy has the main responsibility of carrying the golf bag around the course and ensuring the golfer can find his or her golf ball. However, the role has increased over the years and can now include finding yardages, recommending clubs, reading greens, and providing swing advice.
Top Responsibilities of the Caddies
- Carry the bag
- Find the golf ball
- Provide the front, middle and back yardage
- Help read the wind
- Provide advice on club selection
- Read the green when asked
- Rake the bunker when needed
- Clean the golf clubs
- Replace the divot
- Tend the pin
- Have conversations with the golfer to keep their mind off of golf between shots
How important is a golf caddy?
This has ranged over the years. Many of the all time greats of the past used whatever caddy was at the course. Eventually, it evolved to a caddy being a permanent position with a golfer as they travel from tournament to tournament. It wasn’t until 1982 that the Masters allowed the players to use their own caddies.
Jack Nicklaus did not rely on caddies for much.
“I never relied on a caddie for anything,” Jack says. “I liked the three ups—show up, keep up and shut up. There’s still only two guys I ever ask anything about on a green, Jackie and (son) Steve. They’re both good putters.”
However, this has changed drastically with caddies like Steve WIlliam for Tiger Woods and the role of caddies for a player like Bryson DeChambeau who has really taken a deep dive into the information gathered pre tournament on areas like air density.
How much does a golf caddy make?
The professional caddy will make around $1,000-$2,000 to cover travel expenses and another 5-10% depending on where the golf finishes in the tournament. 10% is usually the payout when a player wins the tournament. If you are caddying at your local country club you can expect to make $100-$120 per round if you are of high quality and can earn a quality tip. Tips can range from $10 to $100 if a caddy is very helpful.
Many caddies that work at country clubs can earn some quality money if they are willing to hustle and carry doubles (two bags in one round) and build quality connections with the players at that country club. As the club membership nears, if you are a quality caddy, you will be in high demand.
Some caddies will travel to the southern part of the United States to continue to caddy during the winter months. Others might make enough money to take 2-3 months off during the winter.
How to become a caddy?
If you are looking to caddy at your local country club, contact the caddie master or head professional to see if caddies are needed. Oftentimes, especially at the beginning, you will show up and wait for a “loop.”
The key is to remain patient and then do a really good job as a caddy.
If you want to caddy on the PGA Tour your best option is to be a really good golfer and network with the professional golfers during their college or amateur careers. Many of the people who start to caddy on the tour have been highly successful golfers themselves or have a connection with a golfer that makes it onto the professional tours.
Oftentimes, a caddy has to start off with a player on the Korn Ferry Tour or even lower and work his or her way up. They have to make the sacrifice of living in cheap hotels and scraping by each week in hopes of making it big time on the PGA Tour.
Once a caddy gets on the PGA Tour and establishes a solid reputation, they can bounce from player to player and stay on tour. Many times when a player is struggling, they look to change some things up which can often begin with the caddy.
The life of a caddy can be difficult, traveling from tournament to tournament and really having no real job security. However, the payouts are great if you can get with a top 10 player in the world and win a major or multiple PGA Tour Events.
Plus, who wouldn’t love the opportunity to caddy at the Masters, the US Open or the Open? Could you imagine caddying at the Ryder Cup. These are the reasons caddies are willing to take the chance on a player early in their career and lieve the Korn Ferry Tour life.
The days are long as players not only play their 4-6 hour round, but you can expect to be at the course 8-10 hours for warm ups and post round work.
Final Thoughts
The life of a caddy can be tough, but if you love golf, it is an option to make some money in a game that many of us love. The travel from location to location can be exciting for many.