Common Rules and Responsibilities Every Caddie Should Know

[sarena1594]

Hello All,

I'm fairly new to the game of golf (I've only been playing about 2 years), but I recently scored an interview at a nice private club in South Boston (Brae Burn CC) to be a caddie.  Do you have any advice for how I can prepare?  I've played about once a week over the last couple of years, but I have absolutely no experience with being a caddie.  I know the basic rules and etiquette of the game, but I'm not sure how much expertise a caddie should have.  What are some of the common rules every caddie should know?  What are some of the responsibilities every caddie is expected to adhere to?

Any help on this would be greatly appreciated, as I have no idea what to expect.

Thanks!

Stephen

[dkolo]

Hello All,

I'm fairly new to the game of golf (I've only been playing about 2 years), but I recently scored an interview at a nice private club in South Boston (Brae Burn CC) to be a caddie.  Do you have any advice for how I can prepare?  I've played about once a week over the last couple of years, but I have absolutely no experience with being a caddie.  I know the basic rules and etiquette of the game, but I'm not sure how much expertise a caddie should have.  What are some of the common rules every caddie should know?  What are some of the responsibilities every caddie is expected to adhere to?

Any help on this would be greatly appreciated, as I have no idea what to expect.

Thanks!

Stephen

Hey, welcome. Here's a pretty similar thread from a few months ago:

http://thesandtrap.com/t/80448/rules-for-a-new-caddie-to-learn

[Asheville]

Get one of these from the USGA Shop. Become familiar with its contents and layout. Carry it in your pocket.

http://www.usgashop.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p;=3828

[Asheville]

Here's another product:

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NTIwWDUyMA==/z/v4kAAOSwrklU9Mql/$_12.JPG

[sarena1594]

Thanks for the suggestions and the links!  I have the interview on Friday, so it's time for me to study up!

[DaveP043]

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