Common Rules and Responsibilities Every Caddie Should Know

I've had a caddie only a handful of times, most of which have been in Scotland or Ireland.  In my opinion, I wouldn't rely on my caddie to know the rules of golf, that's my responsibility as the player.  The primary rule issues I can imagine concern touching or moving any golf ball (don't do it unless specifically asked) or giving advice (you can only give advice to your player, or your player's partner in a team situation).  What I expect from a caddie is:

1.  First and foremost, you need to take care of the player, anticipating his needs.  Simple things, take a look at his bag to locate tees, balls, where he keeps which clubs.  Make sure each club is clean before you hand it to him.  Clean the golf ball, before the tee shot, and when he marks the ball on the green.  Rake bunkers.  Tend the flag, and replace it when the group is finished.  Then be at the tee before your player, ready to pull the next club.  The old adage for a caddie is "Show up, shut up, and keep up."

2.  From your time learning to play, you've learned a lot of the etiquette of golf.  You'll want to stay aware of all the players, being careful to be still while they're hitting, stay out of the line of their play, etc.

3.  A good knowledge of the golf course.  Obviously you'll have to learn about the course, but as a player I'd like to know where the trouble is, where a good line of play is off the tee, yardages to various features (bunkers, hazards, front and back of the green, etc).  You'll want to pay attention to where distance markers are located, which way putts break, etc.  The more you learn about the course, the more you can help your player.  Of course, in a private club setting, most of the members will know more about their course than you will, but knowledge is never a bad thing.

I just took a look at the website, and it looks like a beautiful, well-established old club.  I bet they'll have a training program to let you know just exactly how they want you to do your job.  The biggest thing, then, is to be ready and willing to do the job.

Good luck!

DAve