Golf has been a trendy and widely recognized sport for decades now, centuries even. Everyone is familiar with the general premise of the sport. It is easily distinguishable due to the specific court and equipment, and the swing is one of the most popular sports moves ever.
In general, there is not much about golf that people do not know. It is an individual sport so all the attention and responsibility is on the person playing. But who is that other person who is always following the golfer? Why are they always right beside the player handling their gear? Well, that is the caddie and it is one of the best jobs in the world.
Who Are They?
A golf caddie is a person who assists a golfer in carrying their golf clubs and equipment around the golf course during a round of golf. They also offer helpful advice on shots and the layout of the course, which is an often overlooked aspect of their job. The role of a caddie has been around since the game of golf first originated in Scotland in the 15th century, and their importance to the sport continues to this day.
Back then, Mary Queen of Scots was studying in France and introduced the game of golf to the French. While she did so, she of course had helpers who carried her equipment. These helpers were from the military and were called cadets, which is where the term “caddie” comes from.
The word derives from the French word “le cadet” which means “the boy” or the youngest of the family. “Cadet” started appearing in English in the year 1610 and the word “caddie” or “cadie” shortly after, starting in 1634.
What Do They Do?
The primary function of a caddie is to carry the golfer’s clubs and provide physical support, which of course allows the golfer to focus solely on their game. The caddie walks alongside the golfer as they play, carrying a bag containing all of the golfer’s clubs, balls, tees, and equipment necessary for a good session.
Firstly, having someone by your side like this greatly reduces the physical strain and allows for better and longer golfing. Secondly, it allows the golfer to move around the course more efficiently, which is important in a competitive environment.
In addition to carrying clubs, caddies also offer advice and support to their golfer. They have often experienced golfers themselves who are no longer as active, meaning they have a deep understanding of the game
. They can provide valuable insights into the layouts of the courses, the best club to use for a particular shot, and the overall conditions of the greens. Caddies also keep track of the golfer’s score and help pace their game accordingly. This ensures that they remain focused and on track throughout their round.
The role of a caddie is very important from a psychological perspective as well. A trusted and experienced caddie can provide a golfer with confidence, comfort, and support, which can be invaluable in high-pressure situations. A caddie can also offer encouragement and help to maintain a golfer’s focus, which can be particularly important during tournament play. It is similar to tennis players and their coaches. They are there for advice and motivation, not actual physical coaching.
Caddie Salary
One of the most interesting things about caddies is the money they make, which in some cases rivals and exceeds other professional athletes. The average salary of a golf caddie can vary greatly depending on several factors, including their experience, the location of the golf course, and the type of tournament or event they are working.
- PGA Tour caddies: The PGA Tour is the highest tier of golfing and the caddies there typically earn around $1,000 to $2,000 per week. This too can vary depending on the golfer they are working with and the tournament they are a part of. Some of the top caddies can earn significantly more, particularly if they work with a top-ranked golfer who consistently performs well and is at the top of the rankings.
- Private golf clubs: Caddies at private golf clubs can earn anywhere from $25 to $100 per loop, with a loop being 18 holes. The exact amount a caddie earns will depend on the club’s policies, the caddie’s experience, and the generosity of the golfer they are working with. This can be a side job or an actual full-time role the caddie has with a golf club.
- Local courses: At local courses, caddies may earn a flat fee for their services, typically around $30 to $50 for a round of 18 holes. Some courses may also offer tips on top of the base fee, which can increase a caddie’s overall earnings. These caddies, just like the players they help, are not really professionals but amateur enthusiasts and hobby golfers.
It is worth noting that caddies at private clubs and local courses tend to earn more from tips from golfers than their fees. This significantly increases their overall earnings. The amount of tips caddies receives depends on the golfer’s satisfaction with their performance and the size of their tip, as well as their mood.
The Richest Caddies
It is difficult to determine the richest golf caddies in history because the exact salaries and earnings are not publicly disclosed. However, here are a few well-known caddies who are known to have earned substantial amounts of money during their careers. They have worked with top-tier golfers and now have millions of dollars in net worth. Their typically yearly salary comes to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Jim “Bones” Mackay
Mackay is one of the most famous and successful caddies in the history of the sport. He has had the pleasure of with Phil Mickelson for over 25 years and participated in numerous major tournaments. Mackay is known for his extensive knowledge of the game and his ability to provide valuable advice to the player.
Michael Collins
Collins has worked as a caddie for several top golfers, including Robert Gamez, Daniel Chopra, Rich Beem, and Kevin Streelman. His current net worth is estimated to be over $5 million.
Fanny Sunesson
Sunesson was one of the first female caddies to work on the European Tour. She caddied for several top golfers, including Nick Faldo. She has amassed a lot of money due to her successful career and her net worth is measured in millions.