If you've ever watched a professional golf tournament on television, you may have noticed that the pros never carry their own clubs. This duty is delegated to their caddies, who are responsible for carrying the bag and maintaining the condition of the clubs. While this is the most recognizable function of a caddy, it represents only a small part of what caddies do. Golf caddies also provide valuable advice for golfers of all skill levels.
History
Caddies have been present in the game of golf since approximately the 1800s. According to Scottish Golf History, the term "caddy" originated with the French term "le cadet," which typically referred to the youngest son of the family. The term was adapted in Scotland to refer to an errand boy, and by the mid-1800s, the term "caddy" began to be associated with individuals who were hired to carry the golf clubs of members of the royal family.
Training and Education
The basic education required to be a caddy is a thorough knowledge of the game of golf, including the rules of play and the rules of etiquette. This knowledge and experience may be acquired by caddying at a local golf course, playing regularly or attending a professional caddy school. The Caddy Association provides extensive education and training for professional caddies, including the rules of golf, history of the game, fore-caddying duties and responsibilities, course management and maintenance, golf terms and health and nutrition.
Function
Caddies perform many functions on the golf course. According to Golf-Information, the primary functions of a golf caddy include carrying the player's clubs, washing the player's clubs and balls, replacing divots, repairing ball marks on the green, tending the flag stick, keeping sight of the golfer's ball and offering advice on club selection. Many professional golfers also turn to their caddies for help with determining a particular shot--for example, reading the lie of a ball or helping to gauge distance or wind speed.
Earning Potential
A career as a professional caddy can be lucrative, depending on the level at which you're caddying and the quality of the player. According to Forbes Magazine, the pay scale for PGA Tour caddies typically includes a base salary of $1,000 per week, plus 5 percent of the tournament purse, 7 percent for a top-10 finish and 10 percent for a win. How much caddies earn is tied directly to how the players perform. Low-level caddies typically make around $50,000 annually, but Steve Williams, the caddy for Tiger Woods, earns well over $1 million annually.
Considerations
While some caddies have the potential to earn incomes well into the six figures, the majority of caddies earn less than $100,000 per year, according to Forbes. While caddies enjoy the opportunity to travel all over the world, they often have to pay for their own travel accommodations, which can be a disadvantage for caddies on the lower end of the pay scale. Being a caddy can also be physically and emotionally demanding.
Member Comments