A golf caddy is a self-employed independent contractor who can work on the PGA tour for professionals, celebrities or amateurs, or at a golf course. This person is responsible for carrying a player's golf bag and clubs as well as offering advice on club selection and strategies. Caddies work as a team with the players they caddy for. Some golf courses have caddy training programs with levels based on seniority and skills.
Attitude
Golf caddies should be positive and calm. Whether they're touring pros or weekend golfers, they may become nervous or frustrated, and they rely on their caddies for mental support. The caddy should stay close to the player and be loyal to that player's needs.
Read the Course
The caddy is responsible for knowing the course. This includes the distance from the tee to the green, the lay of the fairway and the slope of the green. A caddy should warn the golfer of any hazards, such as water or sand traps that can affect the golfer's strategy.
Know When to Speak
Before the match begins, the caddy should find out what the golfer's needs are and if there are any special requirements. During play, the caddy needs to be quiet and only speak when asked a question or the player initiates the conversation.
Course Repair
The caddy is responsible for leaving the course intact for the next player. After the golfer takes a divot, the caddy should pick up the plug of grass and tamp it back into the hole. If the ball goes into a bunker, the caddy is responsible for smoothing the sand with the rake.
Maintain Equipment
Each time the player finishes hitting with a club, the caddy should wipe the club before putting it back into the bag. Once the balls are on the green and after the hole is completed, the caddy should wipe it off before the next shot.
Be Ready
Caddies should always have tees and balls ready for the golfer. Before the round begins, the caddy may want to put some balls and tees in their pockets so there won't be any fumbling around in the bag.
Club Selection and Ball Placement
The caddy should support the golfer with club selection. Caddies may offer advice or be engaged in a discussion about the club.
A good caddy will keep an eye on the ball after it is hit. With two sets of eyes watching the ball, there is less doubt about where it landed.
On the Green
Once the golfer's ball is on the green, the caddy should be able to tell the golfer the distance from the ball to the hole after pacing it off. When the player putts, the caddy is in charge of removing the pin then replacing it after the hole is played.
Dress Appropriately
Professional caddies should follow the golf course dress code. Some golf course caddies are required to wear a uniform shirt. Touring caddies are often asked to wear a logo shirt with the name of the golf pro they work for. The typical attire for a golf caddy is a collared knit shirt, khaki pants and cleats.
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