So, you're playing at a golf club that requires a caddie? Good for you! You've made it to the big leagues of amateur golfers. Playing with a caddie can seem intimidating to some, but it shouldn't' be. A few things to keep in mind: They are human, just like you, unlike me (Sandalorian). They are working, just like you, unless you're that fortunate. And they love the game, just like you, no matter how good or bad you play.
My first time using a caddie was 2 years ago at the "The Marquis de Sod" (Pete Dye) designed Ocean Course on Kiawah Island in South Carolina. My wife works in the medical field and every year she must have continuing education for her job. Lucky for me, they always have these conferences at excellent vacation spots. Each year they hold one at Kiawah, which is where we usually go for our family of 4's (us and our 2 babes) beach trip. I've played most of the courses down there except for the River Course (*If you're reading this and have connections to this course, please invite me out for a round). Two years ago, after playing a few of the other brilliant courses down there I decided to spend the extra cash and play the Ocean Course, which is where the 2021 PGA Championship will be held. What you are about to read is not about my experience with a caddie (although I'll hit a few points of my round), but more about detailed ways to help you be prepared for a round out with a caddie, whether it's your first time or fiftieth.
TIP # 1: Don't Be Afraid/Nervous
Like I stated before, the caddies are human just like you. They just happen to have the awesome job (in my opinion) of being on a prestigious golf club, walking the course while carrying your golf bags, raking your away your trap strokes, and giving you some tips on the course and greens. Don't get nervous because they are watching you swing a club. Trust me, they've seen worse. They are there to help, not hurt - keep that thought going through your mind.
TIP # 2: Help the Caddie
While there are some things you shouldn't do for the caddie (see below DON'T), there is something you can do to help your caddie. That is to empty your bag of unused clubs, balls, etc. Imagine walking around on a hot day, carrying someone's bag, only to have it filled to the gills with a bunch of unused balls & unnecessary equipment. That would burn me up more than the Carolina sun. Help the caddie out. Get rid of the things you won't be needing and make the bag lighter to carry.
TIP # 3: Don't Do the Caddie's Job
When I said help the caddie, that meant get rid of a few unused items. That doesn't mean go the extra mile in doing their job. If you stroke it from the bunker, let the caddie rake it for you. Don't repair your divots. I'm the world's worst at scalping the earth, but it's their job to replace the toupee. Lastly, don't even think about pulling the pin. That's their job, and most of the time, you'll be getting in the way when you think you're helping. Also, if their boss sees it, they will take some heat for it.
Side Note: If you have a double (a caddie carrying yours & another bag) then you are helping the caddie if you fix your divots/bunkers. This is allowable and helpful for doubles.
TIP # 4: Listen to the Caddie
The caddie will give you advice on where to hit your shots, especially if you don't know the course well. Listen to him/her the first time, so they don't have to repeat themselves over and over. I know from personal experience being a former Middle School teacher that there is nothing worse (okay, maybe a few things) than having to repeat yourself because someone wasn't listening. I can only imagine how frustrating it would be to have adults act like children and must have directions repeated more than once. Don't be "That Guy".
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TIP # 5: Trust the Caddie
Along with listening to the caddie the first time, trust that he/she knows what they are talking about with the distance and sight line. If they tell you the distance, they've either shot it through a laser or they know the course that good. Trust them and choose the stick accordingly. If they tell you which club they think you should hit, trust their judgement. If they're a good caddie (and you'll know quickly) then they will know your swing and distance by the 5th or 6th hole. If they offer which club they think you should choose, follow Nike's motto and "just do it". My caddie at the Ocean Course, Bennie, was awesome in knowing my swing and distance within a few holes. When it was time to stroke it, he'd pull out the club and I'd rip it. Sometimes I didn't agree with his choice, but I trusted him, and it worked out better than if I had picked the club. Most likely they will be right, and you will be wrong.
Most of the time they will let you do your own playing and reading of the course unless there's something that needs to be said. If you are unsure about a putt or the slope of the green, ask the caddie for help. Again, that is a part of their job. They'll be more than happy to give you advice on the speed and slope. Trust in what they say and putt away.
TIP # 6: Don't Treat the Caddie Like a Servant
They're a caddie - not your butler, Mr. Wayne. Treat them well. Be respectful. Don't talk down to them and don't berate the caddie. It's not their fault you're hitting duck hooks & worm burners. Don't get frustrated and believe that the caddie is now your venomous target practice. If they give you bad advice, chances are it was a simple mistake. It happens, just like your last shank. If you belittle them, I doubt they'll be in the mood to give you some helpful tips on what to look out for. They're probably thinking you're going to tip them poorly anyways, so why go the extra mile for a prick who's only going to stiff them? Remember, they're there to help, not to rag on, Judge Smails. Odds are they're a good player and can probably help you save some strokes. They won't if you're a jerk.
Also, of note: Don't make the caddie read every. single. putt. Yes, you can use them for putts that you can't get a beat on, but that doesn't mean every time you see a putt you ask for the read. Surely this isn't your first time playing the game, so go off your own knowledge of reading lines (if you can). If not, ask for some guidance, but help the caddie, too.
TIP # 7: Let the Caddie Arrange the Clubs and Straps for Themselves
Since the caddie is doing all the hard labor, let them arrange the clubs as to how they want them. The same goes with adjusting the straps. It makes their job a lot easier when they don't have to go digging through the bag to find the club needed. You can arrange the clubs back when you get to your car. The same goes with the straps. You can easily adjust them to settings you like when you are finished playing. Let the caddie adjust them to their liking so that they aren't struggling with shoulder and back pains after your round. Help your helper.
TIP # 8: Talk During the Walk
Most caddies (I've found) are pleasant to be around. They like to golf, so right off the bat you should have something in common and a conversation starter. Caddies hate the silent treatment. I feel uncomfortable not talking to my barber, so talking to someone who loves the game seems easy. Chances are you're playing with your close crew so invite them in on the fellowship and banter that goes along with it. They'll enjoy it and you will, too.
TIP # 9: Do Not Make your Caddie Risk Death for a Lost Ball
Depending on where you're playing, finding a lost ball can be a dangerous task. At Kiawah, there are gators lurking in the ponds. In Scottsdale, Arizona, there are rattlesnakes curled beside bushes and sunbathing in open areas. If you don't feel safe looking for your ball, don't make the caddie look for it either. Just because they may live around the area, doesn't mean they aren't prone to being attacked. It's just not worth it for a little ball that you paid a few bucks for.
TIP # 10: Give the Caddie a Lift
If you happen to have a cart, as we did when we played Kiawah because it can be so hot in the summertime, then give the caddie a ride on the back. Just because they are used to walking the course in that weather doesn't mean they love it. Give them a break. When I went with my buddy Shrek, we used a cart and had no problem with our caddie, Bennie, grab a ride to the next spot. Most of the time we walked and let him drive the cart to our next shot. Be kind and give back to your caddie as much as possible.
TIP# 11: Don't Ask the Caddie to hit a shot.
Most caddies love to play, but don't ask them to demonstrate their game. Just like in Roy McAvoy getting canned by David Simms in Tin Cup, this too could lead to the caddie getting in some serious trouble. I've heard of stories where the golfer thought that they would be kind and let the caddie play a few holes. Unfortunately, when that caddie returned to the clubhouse, he was charged full price for the round. Even though it seems like a nice gesture, don't do it. Most caddies truly just want to finish the round and head home, like anyone on their job. Don't slow them down, or your round for that matter, by forcing a caddie to show you how good of a golfer they are.
TIP# 12: Buy a Drink or Snack for the Caddie During the Round
Caddies are going to spend around four hours working for you. Your thirst is being quenched with cold beers, waters, or Gatorades. Be polite and offer to buy something for the caddie from the beverage cart or when you're making the turn. They are just as hot and tired, if not more than you are from swinging a club. Be kind and offer them something to wet their whistle or a hot dog to feed their hunger. Be "That Guy".
TIP # 13: Never Ask How Much You Should Tip Them
Wanna look like you've never been there before? Then ask the caddie how much you should tip them. It's a bush league move. With the internet it should be easy to find out what a good tip for a caddie would look like. Shoot, you could even look it up on your phone while you're playing the round. Many clubs even have a standard tip fee for their caddies. It looks bad to ask how much you should tip them and can be extremely awkward. You don't ask a waiter how much to tip them? It's a given. Go by the "Restaurant Rule". 20% for a job well-done. When it comes to tipping less, be cautious. Ask yourself was it the caddie's fault that you didn't play up to par. If the caddie was a jerk, then they should reap what they sow. Otherwise, be generous when tipping. And if playing at the host's private club, tip their caddie as well. For more instruction on how to tip because you're a penny-pincher, read this.
Also, of note: Tip the caddie when finishing the 18th hole. I've heard of stories where the caddie slipped off and the golfer had to try and find them. I've also heard from a caddie that a guest thought the member was paying. The guest leaves, the member left, and the caddie gets no compensation unless he finds the member/guest, which makes for an awkward conversation. Pay your dues to the one carrying your baggage.
Last tip on tipping: Take a lot of cash with you, as many clubs don't have ATMs. You'll want to tip the Bag-Drop Attendant $3-$5 per bag, $5-$10 for a Locker-Room Attendant to clean your shoes, and $5 to the valet.
TIP # 14: Recommend the Caddie to Others
Remember, this is their livelihood. They only get paid if they are walking the course. If the caddie did a great job, tip them well, but also recommend them to others. It can be a win-win because if you know the caddie was good, it helps your friends and the caddie, too. Also, recommend them on reviews. This helps them out and makes you look like a solid person, especially if you tipped well. Be "That Guy".
TIP # 15: Have Fun
Golf is a game. You're there to have fun. Appreciate the course you're at and the crew you're with, caddie included. Crack jokes, let the big dawg eat, but most of all enjoy yourself. Having a caddie is such a fun experience. Don't be nervous by how you swing the sticks. Caddies don't care what you shoot. They won't sit at the bar laughing about how poorly you played. They may laugh about a shank that was swung, but they see those type of swings all the time. Tomorrow they'll have another group that will either be better or worse. It makes no difference to them. What they'll remember and continue to talk about, beyond the clubhouse, is how much fun you and your crew were. They'll remember how much fun you all had on their course and how well you treated your caddie. That's what they'll remember and that's what they'll talk about. Be kind to them so that they'll remember you in a good light.
This year when my family and I go back down to Kiawah, I'll be exacting revenge on the late, great Pete Dye's diabolical Ocean Course. As noted earlier about not being afraid, I feared the course, not my caddie. The first six holes my knees were shaking like I lost my lunch money for the school bully. It was my first time on a true championship course, and I gave it too much credit. It's a golf course after all and I know how to play this game pretty good. This year I'm going to tear up the course, but in a good way. And my caddie from before, Bennie, is my guy. Hopefully he will be able to tote my bags for me, again. He's a fun guy to be around, has some hilarious stories to share, will take you around to all the hot spots on the course, and an all-around great caddie. Look him up if you're game for a "war by the shore". Good luck "KeepingItInTheFairway" if the ocean winds are blowing.
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