Caddying is one of golf's oldest jobs. Today, caddies work at private clubs, resorts and links courses around the world, and on professional tours. It's an outdoor job that offers exercise, golf knowledge and, at the top level, a career travelling with professional players. Here's how to get started.
What caddies do
- Carry the bag and look after equipment.
- Give yardages and course information. Read yardage books explained.
- Read greens and advise on lines. Read how to read greens.
- Rake bunkers, repair pitch marks and keep pace. Read pace of play.
- Support the player mentally.
Read our golf caddie guide and the history of caddies.
Where caddies work
- Private clubs with caddie programmes.
- Resorts and links courses. Read golf in Scotland and golf in Ireland.
- Professional tours.
Skills
- Fitness for walking and carrying.
- Golf knowledge and the rules. Read advice and caddie rules.
- Reliability and punctuality.
- Communication and discretion.
Getting started
- Contact clubs with caddie programmes.
- Attend training and shadow experienced caddies.
- Learn the course thoroughly.
- Build a reputation for reliability.
Earnings
Usually a caddie fee plus tips, which vary by club and country. Read tipping in golf.
Tour caddying
Professional tour caddies are paid by their players, often a weekly fee plus a percentage of winnings. It's competitive and usually requires experience and connections. Read golf prize money.
A day on the bag
| When | What a caddie does |
|---|---|
| Before the round | Arrives early, meets the golfer, checks the bag, balls, towels and yardages |
| On the first tee | Confirms the ball, the plan for the hole and any course quirks |
| During the round | Carries the bag, gives yardages, rakes bunkers, repairs pitch marks, reads greens |
| Between shots | Keeps up with play, cleans clubs and balls, keeps the golfer positive |
| After the round | Cleans the clubs, checks the bag and settles fees and tips |
The caddie's skills in detail
- Yardages: measuring distances accurately with a yardage book, rangefinder or GPS. Read yardage books explained.
- Club selection: suggesting clubs based on distance, wind, lie and elevation. Read how to choose the right club for every shot.
- Green reading: knowing slopes and speeds. Read how to read greens.
- Course knowledge: where to miss, which hazards to avoid, and local quirks.
- Rules knowledge: helping golfers avoid penalties. Read advice and caddie rules.
- Psychology: reading the golfer's mood and helping them stay calm.
Caddie etiquette
- Stand still and quiet while your golfer and others play.
- Don't stand behind your golfer on their line of play as they make the stroke; it's against the rules.
- Keep up with your golfer, never holding up play.
- Be honest: don't exaggerate or flatter.
- Leave the course better than you found it.
Fitness and health
Caddies walk long distances carrying heavy bags in all weathers. Build fitness gradually, use a double-strap bag, wear comfortable shoes, stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun. Read golf and lower back pain and sun protection for golfers.
Earning potential
Caddie earnings vary widely: a set fee plus tips at private and resort clubs, and a percentage of prize money for tour caddies. Many caddies work seasonally, combining caddying with other jobs or study.
Where caddying can lead
Caddying can open doors to careers in golf: greenkeeping, teaching, club management, rules officiating and tour roles. Some clubs offer scholarships to junior caddies. Read careers in the golf industry.
Frequently asked questions
How do I become a caddie?
Contact clubs with caddie programmes, train and build experience.
How much do caddies earn?
It varies widely; earnings usually combine fees and tips.
Do caddies need to be good golfers?
Golf knowledge helps, but skill at playing isn't essential.
How do people become tour caddies?
Through experience, networking and often starting on smaller tours.
Do caddies need to be good golfers?
It helps, but knowledge of the course, reliability and good communication matter more.
Can teenagers become caddies?
At many clubs, yes, often from about 14 or 15, depending on local rules and club policy.
The bottom line
Caddying offers outdoor work, golf knowledge and, for some, a path onto professional tours. Start at a club with a caddie programme, learn the course and build your reputation. For more careers, read careers in the golf industry.