How to Become a Professional Caddy

If you are a golf fan but don't have the desire or the skills to become a professional player, you can still have access to the top courses around the world by becoming a caddy. A caddy is a valuable sidekick to the professional golfer, and can make or break the game by helping a player focus on his swing.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Become A Professional Caddy

1. Start locally. If you frequent a course and know people there, offer to caddy for them. Aim to work with the best player in the field, but settle for less if you have no experience and no background on the sport. This will allow you to network and work your way up through recommendations and connections.
2. Join forums and online communities to interact with other caddies and golf professionals. This will help you a gain a better understanding of the game and let you know in advance of opportunities opening up. Other forum members can also be a valuable resource when you are trying to learn how to make the most of your career as a professional caddy.
3. Visit the website of the Professional Caddies Association (PCA) to learn about Caddy School, membership options and clubhouse (see Resources below). The Professional Caddies Association offers a Caddy Apprenticeship School where you can learn all there is to know about course management and maintenance, teamwork, rules of the game and responsibilities on the course.
4. Consider getting a job at a golf resort. This will allow you to get paid practice caddying and to learn how to deal with players. Keep in mind, though, that most golf resorts deal with either beginner or amateur players, so you will eventually have to move on if you want to become a professional caddy.
5. Visit tournaments and championships to see whether there are any last-minute openings. Players sometime need a caddy to replace their usual partner or to help out during practice. While the chances are not optimal, it is possible to land a starting position this way.

Tips & Warnings

• Most caddies are golf players themselves. Many are instructors or coaches who actually help the players as they work alongside them in the golf course.
• Work on your own game and on learning as much as you can about the sport. This will allow you to provide feedback if requested.