Caddie Information

Caddie Checklist

Upon Arrival to the Club
-Enter from the Bag Drop and check in at the first tee office
-Arrive a minimum of 30 minutes before your tee time
-Check-in with the Caddie Master/Bag Room Manager
-Collect necessary items: bib, towel, scorecard, pencils, tees, yardage book, rangefinder, etc.
-Learn your golfer’s name and how to pronounce it properly
-Go to the driving range with golfer, if needed, or wait until the golfer goes to the 1st tee box

On the 1st Tee Box
-Introduce yourself to your golfer and the rest of the group
-Take note of your golfer’s ball, as well as the clubs in the golf bag
-Adjust the strap on the golf bag, if needed, and secure all items inside the bag
-Always stand on the cart-path side of the tee box with the golf bag

Pace of Play
-Walk ahead or alongside of the golfer; do not fall behind the group
-Always be one step ahead when possible (get to the ball first, have putter ready near green)
-Help other golfers and caddies when needed – work as a team

Where to Stand with Bag at Specific Time
-Tee Box – On the edge of the cart-path side of the tee box
-Fairway and Rough – Behind the golfer, off to the side
-Putting Green – Next to the green with bag.  Be aware of other balls on or near the green. Never place golf bag on the green. 

Through the Fairway
-Locate the golfer’s ball and assess the upcoming shot
-Determine a yardage to the pin or other distances necessary
-After the shot, replace the divot or fill with sand and clean the golf club while walking to the next shot
-Have the golfer’s putter ready to give them if the shot landed on the putting green

At the Putting Green
-If you golfer is first on the putting green, you are required to tend or pull the flagstick
-When attending the flagstick
-Farther player from the hole putts their ball first
-Be careful not to step in anyone’s line of putt while walking to the flag
-Cautiously remove the flagstick to putt and replace it after the last putt
-Have wet towel ready to clean golf ball once the ball is marked on the green

End of the Round
-Thank your golfer and the rest of the group after the round is complete
-Clean ALL golf clubs and put golfer’s bag away appropriately (on the rack or club drop)
-Make sure you do not have any of your golfers belongings (Range finders)
-Caddie is responsible for member filling out a chit to be paid
-Take care of all your utensils and clean up after yourself before leaving the caddie room

Caddie Checklist Document Link

Caddie Study Sheet

Common Golf Etiquette Rules    
-Learn the game of golf and how each of the maximum of 14 golf clubs in the bag are used
-Stay ahead or even with your player, but never fall behind
-Know where your player’s golf ball is located at all times; mark its position for reference
-Stand still and be quiet while any golfer is hitting their shot
-Replace all divots and rake all bunkers after golf shots
-Be extremely careful around the putting green and DO NOT walk in anyone’s line of putt
-Learn the yardage plates in fairway: red is 100 yards, white 150 yards, and blue 200 yards
-Be very cautious and considerate with golfer’s clubs, bag, and other accessories
-Never touch, move, or pick up a golf ball while it is in play, unless directed by your golfer
-Always be aware of your surroundings for your own safety and well being on the golf course  

What does a caddy do at WGCC?
A caddie is someone who assists golfers during their rounds of play.  Their responsibilities include, but are not limited to: carrying the golfer’s bag, providing yardages (hole distances), replacing divots, raking bunkers, attending the flagstick, maintaining awareness of where golfer’s balls are located, and upholding a positive, helpful attitude with all golfers and caddies in the group.  

What does a forecaddie do at WGCC?
A forecaddie is a caddy that does not carry clubs but rather run the course while the golfer(s) drive their cart(s).  A forecaddie will accompany a group of players, working on behalf of all or most players in the group. Forecaddies will run ahead of the group on the tee box and to the green from the fairway/rough.  A forecaddie’s job is to keep the group pace of play by tracking and locating all balls in play as well as the duties and responsibilities of a regular caddy with lots of hustle and experience.  

Helpful caddie terms and definitions
-Loop – A term used to describe a round of golf caddied (either 9 or 18 holes).
-Honors – The right to play first on the tee (lowest score on previous hole).
-Away – Ball that is farthest away from the hole.
-Tee – A little peg used to hold the ball above the ground for tee shots at the start of the hole.
-Par – The number of strokes that is expected for an expert golfer to complete each hole.
-Birdie – One stroke under par for the hole.
-Eagle – Two strokes under par for the hole.
-Bogey – One stroke over par for the hole.
-Handicap – Strokes given to a player to equalize player ability.  Lower is considered more skilled.
-Divot -  A piece of grass dug from a fairway in a shot.
-Replace the Divot – Retrieving the divot after the shot and replacing it where it came from.
-Out of Bounds – Defined by white stakes; you hitting are not permitted to play your shot if it is OB.
-Penalty – If a rule is broken, the player can be penalized with additional strokes.  Please see the rule book.
-Provisional Ball – If a ball is hit out of bounds (or is lost), another ball is required to be hit.
-Fore! – A germ that is yelled out when a ball is hit in the general direction of someone.  This is the warning call on the course.  Protect yourself when yelled in your direction.

Caddy Study Guide Document Link

Please click HERE for the Caddie Exam document.

Please click HERE for the Caddie Fees & Pay Scale document.

What is a caddie and why is it important?   
A caddie is someone who assists golfers during their rounds and is considered a vital part of the game of golf. Their responsibilities include carrying the golfer’s bag, pacing yardages, replacing divots, raking bunkers and attending the flagstick. Caddying is a great way to learn the game of golf in addition to being an important part of golf’s heritage and part of its future. Also, caddying is an investment for the future of young men and women learning valuable life skills along the way.   

Benefits for young people from Caddying
-Opportunity to earn great money while working flexible hours– that flexibility is important because many young people are involved in various activities in addition to focusing on school.
-Caddying is often the first job for many kids– it exposes them to a real-life work experience and helps to develop outstanding work ethic and attitude.
-Great work environment– caddies can work outside, interact with peers and make new friends. 
-Ability to work and exercise – caddying is an excellent way to stay fit because it is an excellent cardiovascular activity improving muscle tone, endurance, cholesterol, etc. 
-Exposure to positive role models and community leaders– young people will have the chance to learn from successful individuals developing a mentoring relationship in a healthy environment. 
-Stepping-stone job for other opportunities - opens doors to take on other roles in and outside the golf club. 
-Opportunity for a Chick Evans Scholarship for Caddies – a full, four-year tuition and housing college scholarship for deserving caddies. The Evans Scholars Foundation has been administered by the Western Golf Association since 1930 featuring 14 Evans Scholarship Houses with 935 Evans Scholars currently enrolled at universities throughout the country. 

“Looking back over the years, the biggest break of my life has been the Evans Scholarship. From that tremendous gift, all the rest was made possible.” – Evans Scholar Alum   

“Evans Scholars are not just caddies; they are hardworking, determined achievers.” – Current Scholar   

How do I become a Caddie?   
Contact your local golf club that has a caddie program to inquire about signing up to join their caddie ranks. If you are not sure where or even who has a caddie program, you can utilize the WGA/ESF Caddie Locator on our website. Go to www.wgaesf.org, and under the Caddies section you can view our Caddie Locator featuring clubs with caddie programs near you and their contact information.  

Caddie Resources  
You may view the WGA Caddie Training Video, Caddie Manual and Caddie Exam at www.wgaesf.org. Having a good attitude and putting forth good effort are keys to becoming a successful caddie. 

Evans Scholars Information Document Link

Caddying – The Best Job for Young Men and Women and How a Golf Course Can Positively Impact the Community  

A youth caddie program is an investment in the future of young men and women. Caddies learn to work as a team on the golf course, helping one another, providing a great service that amplifies the golfing experience.

From a young age, caddies develop an outstanding work ethic and attitude from their exposure to a real life work experience. Each time young men and women caddie, they have the opportunity to spend over four hours interacting with mature, successful adults. Young caddies learn to relate to adults from varying backgrounds while developing strong communication skills. These valuable skills assist young people at school and help prepare them for life when they enter the workforce. Caddying instills a sense of accomplishment adding to self-confidence that is carried with them well beyond the golf course. Youth caddies learn to be self-sufficient through hard work while being driven to achieve. 

In addition to encouraging teamwork, applying interpersonal skills and developing a strong work ethic, caddying is the number one way youths from modest economic backgrounds can learn the game of golf. Without caddying in their youth, we may never have seen the likes of Arnold Palmer, Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson or Sam Snead. This exposure to the game of golf through caddying develops new golfers, maintaining the strong traditions of the game of golf while promoting walking and exercise.

By adopting a youth caddie program, young men and women of the surrounding communities will have the opportunity to receive the Chick Evans Caddie Scholarship – a full, four-year tuition and housing college scholarship. The Evans Scholarship changes the lives of deserving young caddies, and their families, allowing them to further their education at one of the nation’s top universities.

Caddying provides a unique opportunity for a club to give something back to the community and the next generation.  In addition to earning excellent money, the flexibility caddying provides allows young people a chance to continue numerous extracurricular activities and still maintain their focus on academics. With a declining number of job opportunities for young men and women, caddying is more important than ever to provide a healthy and positive work environment full of role models and mentors. Caddies frequently go on to take other roles at the club including bag room, pro shop, wait staff, valet and many more. Their caddie experience prepares them for success in these areas, providing the club with a strong pool of candidates while elevating the level of service at your club. Because of young caddies’ strong work ethic and perseverance, these self-motivated young men and women are better prepared to succeed in life.

WGA Benefits of a Youth Caddie Program Document Link