Our August feature on local teacher Michael Greller, who is forging a second career for himself as a caddy to PGA TOUR star Jordan Spieth (“Higher Education,” CG, Aug. ’14), generated the most response of anything we published in 2014, with the most common question being … “How can I become a PGA TOUR caddy, too?”
Now, not every local grinder winds up on the bag of the biggest name in golf. But, walking around a beautiful golf course for a few hours is still a pretty sweet way to stick $150-$200 in your pocket, depending on where you loop — and of course, the quality of your work.
Here’s a few tips for pursuing your dream of becoming a caddy:
1. Know the game
Strength and endurance are all well and good, but a caddy’s first job is far more mental than physical. Know the rules of golf, to help your player avoid penalties and make the best choices when they’re in trouble. It’s also important to understand the nuances of the game, and be able to properly analyze the risk and reward inherent in any shot.
2. Know the course
If you’re planning to become a regular at a course like Chambers Bay, Bandon Dunes or any of the local private tracks that run caddy programs, become intimately familiar with the course. Know the yardages to the greens and hazards from any point on the course — and, in particular, know which shots need to be played longer or shorter than the yardage indicates. Also, spend hours learning the breaks from every point on each green. Accurate advice on shot selections and putts will give your player a chance to score well – and the better they do, the happier they’ll be when it comes time to calculate your gratuity.
3. Know your role
As reigning Super Bowl champion quarterback Russell Wilson says, “The separation’s in the preparation.” Lugging the bag, providing advice on club selections and reading greens are all key parts of the job of a golf caddy. However, you’re also responsible for keeping the player’s clubs clean, replacing ball marks and divots, raking bunkers, locating wayward balls, tending pins and — perhaps most importantly — managing your player’s emotions, whether they’re having a good day, or a bad day. Know your role and be prepared for any situation that may arise. Preparation breeds confidence, and confidence breeds success.
4. Be positive
As a caddy, your No. 1 job is to ensure that your player has a positive experience. Some players will score well; others will not. It’s your job to treat both with the same respect, and give the same quality and consistency of effort. Regardless of the skill or attitude of the player, do your job with the utmost professionalism. More than anything, that will set you apart from your fellow loopers, and increase your chances of being put on the bag should the next Jordan Spieth come walking in the door.
