How to Become a Caddy in Demand

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By Josh Weber
eHow Contributing Writer

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The Homestead in Hot Springs Virginia

Many of the premier golf courses today restrict the use of golf cars or players who carry their own golf bags. These courses have returned to the old traditions of golf play, including the required use of a professional caddy. This, in the opinion of many golfers, adds a touch of class to the course and to the game. While anyone who can tote a 40 pound bag of clubs can serve as a caddy the best and most successful (and highest earning) caddies are those who in addition to carrying golf clubs contribute to the success and enjoyment of the golfer during his round of play.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Copy of USGA Rules of Golf - 2008
Copy of the golf course rules

Learn The Rules of the Game and of the Course Played

Step 1

Learn the rules of the game. To be a successful and contributing caddy learn the rules of the game. Invest the minimal purchase price to own a copy of the USGA Rules of Golf for year 2008 and become familiar with these rules and how and when these apply.
Step 2

Learn the rules of golf etiquette. The rules of golf etiquette can also be found in the USGA Rules of Golf Handbook. Study these and diplomatically advise your golfer when you see these rules apply.
Step 3

Learn the rules of the particular course on which you are caddying. Often the premier courses are being played by golfers who are visitors in the area, An informed caddy can be a valuable asset in helping the visiting golfer know and apply the rules and regulations for the course being played.

Develop a Knowledge and Familiarity of the Course Played

Step 1

Memorize the distance on each hole and the location of distance markers used on the course.
Step 2

Have a detailed, personal knowledge of the layout of each hole on the course. Advise golfer of unseen "doglegs," hidden rough, ground under repair, hidden rises and slopes in the fairway, etc.
Step 3

Memorize the location of all hazards and traps and where the shot is best played to avoid these.
Step 4

Use experience from previous rounds of play to gain a knowledge of how to 'read' greens and provide advice on ball breaks.

Assist Golfer in Play

Step 1

Be aware of the capability and striking distance of each club in the bag and when in should be used. This knowledge can come from observation during many rounds of play or from reading one of many books on this subject. Many of the best caddies will spend time on the practice range gaining a feel for the range of each club.
Step 2

Only advise the golfer on club selection if he or she requests advice.
Step 3

Be aware of your presence when the golfer is preparing to and is hitting the ball. Take a position in which you can not be seen by the golfer, but can see the entire flight of the ball as it is hit.
Step 4

Develop personal techniques ( a talent for ) for 'spotting' the ball after it is played. Use course 'landmarks' such as dead trees, odd shaped-shrubs, changes in fairway topography, etc. to locate the ball. This information is critical when the ball is hit out of bounds.
Step 5

Always towel clean every club after use regardless of its condition. Clean balls as needed.
Step 6

Depending on course rules applied, replace divots in the fairway.
Step 7

After balls are hit from a trap, rake the trap to its original condition and place rake in an non-obstructive location.
Step 8

Tend the flag on putting surfaces, being careful to not distract the golfer with noise or motion that may alter his or her concentration during the putt.
Step 9

An important consideration is that of understanding the particular golfer's need. Some golfers enjoy conversation with the caddy while others do not. Some golfers enjoy compliments and the encouragement of a caddy, while others resent this. The best caddies quickly read the golfer and his or her needs as well as they read the greens.