Inspiring Golf

Caddies do more than just carry a bag of clubs for a golfer. Caddies offer playing tips, yardages and course knowledge that help a golfer play at a higher level. Caddies must know their home course like the back of their hand. Here are a few tips that will make you the best caddy in the clubhouse. 

 

Know the Rules

To be a good golf caddy, you must know the rules of the game. You can find the PGA rule book online or in golf pro shops. Buy or download a copy for reference and keep it with you at all times. When a situation arises on the course, you will be able to cite the rule book and make a ruling. Make sure you know common rulings such as that number of penalty strokes when a ball goes out of bounds or in a water hazard and how to play/drop a ball that lands on a cart path or in natural hazards (gopher holes, sprinklers, against a tree). 

Know the Course

Once you know the rules of the game, you need to get to know your course. Most golf courses allow caddies time to walk or play the course. It is recommended playing the course at least once to get to know how it plays and then playing again to pace out and map the holes. Bring a small notebook and write down distances to hazards (sand traps, water, out of bounds) and to the front, middle and rear of the green. Every course should have markers in the fairway at 200 yards, 150 yards and 100 yards from the green. By pacing out each hole and using the the fairway markers, you will be able to map the course accurately. Then, play each hole again, taking note of the layout and possible strategies. For example, if the hole is a 300-yard dog-leg right with water on the left and bunkers dead ahead 220 yards from the tee box, the ideal ball placement would be along the middle/right side of the fairway, far enough down to sight the green, but short enough to avoid the bunkers. Do this for each hole to learn the nuances of the course. 

Know the Golfer

Learn the strengths and weaknesses of your golfer. Each golfer plays the course differently, so you will need to adjust how your caddy depending on the player. Some players can drive the ball well, but have a weak short game. Others might have have trouble driving the ball, but play well with their irons. As a caddy, you want to offer tips that play to a golfer's strengths and minimize their weaknesses.