For many years, golfers walked 18 holes and caddies carried their bags. With the advent of the electric golf cart, fewer golfers decided to walk and more started riding during their 18-hole round. However, a large number of courses give the golfers a choice of walking or taking a cart. When they walk, a caddy will carry the bag and assist the golfer with his ball spotting and provide knowledge of the course.
Watch the Ball
The most important function a caddy can perform is keep her eye on the ball. The golfer does not want to lose his golf ball. Sometimes it is impossible because the ball will go deep out of bounds or in the middle of a water hazard. However, a well-positioned caddy should be able to follow the flight of the ball and find it if it goes off course. The caddy's knowledge of the course will help, and if she has caddied for the golfer before, she will understand how the golfer hits the ball.
Learn the Course
The golfer for whom you are caddying may want to know how far she is from the hole or if there are any hidden hazards near the green. A good caddy will know the course and be aware of the trouble spots. If you are a new caddy at a golf course, make it your business to walk the course a couple of times before you go out. It may be your first time caddying, but the golfer will have questions about the course and how to play a certain shot. She doesn't want to hear you say, "This is my first time out." She wants a confident and competent response.
Study the Golfer
If you are an experienced caddy, you will get a fairly quick read on a golfer's ability. A golfer's ball-striking talent should become obvious after a few shots, and by the end of the third hole, you should have an idea of whether the golfer is strong, good, average, below average or poor. This is important because you will want to suggest clubs to the golfer based on his ability and where his ball lies on the course. Golfers who don't want your opinion will let you know, but most golfers appreciate a caddy who has been paying close enough attention to suggest the proper club.
Read the Green
Since this is the golf course at which you work, you should know how the green breaks. This is where your expertise can be vital to the golfer. Give the golfer the specifics of where you think the ball will break and how hard you think she should strike the putt. Golfers will let you know early on if they don't want this advice, or they may ask questions later on in the round. Be prepared to give an accurate answer.
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