Caddies have been part of golf for centuries. From local lads carrying clubs under their arms on Scottish links to today's professional caddies who read greens and calculate yardages for tour players, the role has evolved with the game. Here's a short history.
Origins of the word
The word "caddie" is commonly traced to the French "cadet", a term used in Scotland for young men who ran errands. Over time, it came to mean someone who carried a golfer's clubs.
Early caddies
- Carrying clubs under the arm: golf bags didn't become common until the late 19th century.
- Local knowledge: caddies knew the links and advised players.
- Making balls and clubs: some caddies also worked as clubmakers and ballmakers.
Read the history of golf and the evolution of golf clubs.
Forecaddies
Forecaddies went ahead of players to watch where balls landed, useful on blind holes and in rough. Read how to play blind shots.
The 20th century
- Golf bags made carrying easier.
- Caddie programmes and caddie sheds at clubs.
- Trolleys and carts reduced demand for caddies at many courses. Read the history of the golf cart.
- Scholarship programmes helped young caddies attend university in some countries.
Professional tour caddies
On professional tours, caddies became full-time professionals: calculating yardages, reading greens, managing equipment and supporting players mentally. Read golf prize money.
Caddies today
- Club and resort caddies at many traditional and destination courses.
- Caddie culture in Asia and Africa. Read golf cultures around the world.
- Rules: your caddie can help with advice and reading greens, with restrictions. Read advice and caddie rules.
Read our golf caddie guide and how to become a caddie.
A timeline
| Era | Development |
|---|---|
| 17th–18th centuries | Golfers in Scotland employ boys and men to carry clubs, often under the arm |
| 19th century | Caddying becomes a recognised job at Scottish links; caddies also make and repair clubs |
| Late 19th century | Golf spreads overseas and caddie systems spread with it |
| Early 20th century | Golf bags become common; caddie numbers grow at clubs |
| Mid 20th century | Carts and trolleys reduce demand for caddies at many clubs |
| Late 20th century | Professional tour caddying becomes a career |
| Today | Caddie programmes, scholarships and resort caddie services |
The origin of the word
"Caddie" is widely thought to come from the French "cadet", a young man or junior son, which became "cadie" or "caddie" in Scots. The word was used for porters and errand-runners before it became attached to golf.
Caddies and golf's early development
In the early days, caddies were among the best players and most knowledgeable people at a course. Many were also club and ball makers, greenkeepers or teachers, and some became the first golf professionals. Their knowledge of the links, the wind and the rules made them essential to the game.
Caddie programmes and scholarships
In several countries, clubs run caddie programmes that train young people to caddie, and some offer scholarships to help caddies attend university. These programmes have given many young people a route into higher education and golf careers. Read college golf scholarships.
Caddie culture around the world
- Scotland and Ireland: traditional caddies at famous links, often full of stories and local knowledge.
- USA: caddie programmes at private clubs; forecaddies at some resorts.
- Asia: caddies are standard at most courses, often one per player. Read golf in Thailand and Southeast Asia.
- Africa and India: caddies are common at many clubs. Read golf in India and Sri Lanka.
The modern tour caddie
Today's tour caddies are skilled professionals who handle yardages, strategy, green reading and psychology, travel the world and are often paid a percentage of their player's prize money. Read how to become a caddie and advice and caddie rules.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the word caddie come from?
It's commonly traced to the French "cadet".
What did early caddies do?
Carried clubs, often under their arms, and advised players with local knowledge.
What is a forecaddie?
Someone who goes ahead to spot where balls land.
Do caddies still exist at most courses?
At many traditional and resort courses, yes, and on professional tours.
Did caddies invent anything in golf?
Many early caddies were club and ball makers, and their craftsmanship shaped early equipment.
Why did caddie numbers fall?
Golf bags, trolleys and carts made carrying easier, and costs rose, so fewer golfers hired caddies.
The bottom line
Caddies have evolved from club carriers to trusted advisers and tour professionals, and remain a cherished part of golf's culture. For more history, read golf traditions and customs.