If being a competitive golfer is not in the cards for you right now, perhaps becoming a caddy is. Caddies fill a valuable role for golfers. They not only carry the clubs from hole to hole, but they provide motivation, advice, and inspiration to help golfers perform at their best. If you’ve ever wondered what a golf caddy does and what some of the essential characteristics of successful ones are, here’s a quick look at some of the most important.
Maintain the clubs. Of course, a caddy’s most apparent responsibility is carrying the golf clubs from spot to spot. Once the golfer has evaluated the hole, the caddy will hand him the clubs they request. It’s also up to the caddy to clean the clubs and return them to the bag.- Keeping up appearances. A caddy should look as professional as the golfer they support. Adhering to the golf club’s dress code with collared shirts and dress pants is important. Sometimes caddies are provided with special bibs to wear during tournaments.
- Know the game. Often golfers rely on their caddies to discuss their plays and keep score. Understanding basic terminology like birdie, par, and bogey is foundational for this type of role. Knowing how to measure distances, check for wind speed, and evaluate slopes is also important. Caddies should also familiarize themselves with the specific course to advise the golfer on the holes coming up in play.
- Be prepared. Good caddies keep a checklist of all the items they need to bring to the greens. For example, carrying a blank scorecard, pencil, towel, extra tees, and a few balls is a good idea. Having an extra bottle of water or two on a hot day may make a golfer’s day.
- Watch your step. Once a club is handed to a golfer, the caddy must get out of the way. It’s important to avoid casting shadows in the golfer’s line of play. Also, absolute silence is critical. Once the shot is complete, the caddy should quickly return to get the club and prepare to move to the next position.
- Pay attention to the game. The caddy should be watching the shot and watch where the ball goes. There are many times when the caddy needs to help the golfer figure out where the ball has landed. It’s also their job to help fix any divots in play or rake the bunker after a shot.
- Be positive. Sometimes it only takes one missed shot for a golfer to get discouraged about their game. The caddy needs to be upbeat and positive to help keep the golfer motivated. A few encouraging words can perk up a golfer’s day.
Maintain the clubs. The first step to becoming a golf caddy is enjoying the game of golf yourself.
Start with becoming a member of the Eagle Point Golf Club. While our course is open to the public, becoming a member of our men’s or women’s golf clubs provides you with more benefits to enhance your game, including:
- Oregon Golf Association (OGA) membership,
- Qualification for a USGA/GHIN handicap,
- Complimentary round of golf at the OGA Woodburn golf course, and
- Qualification to participate in our tournaments and individual contests.
Visit our website to learn more about our world-renowned Eagle Point Golf Club here in the heart of Southern Oregon. Designed by Trent Jones, Jr., the course features six tees at every hole to make golfing an incredible experience for every player, from the beginner to the professional.
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