What is a golf caddy?
The caddie Accompanies a player on the course: he carries or transports the player’s bag, takes care of the clubs, and helps the player make decisions. Among professionals, it is a profession in its own right, and the player-caddie pairing often lasts for several seasons. Among amateurs, the caddie is often a family member, a friend, or a young player from the club.
Be careful not to get confused: in French, the term “caddie” is also used to refer to the cart that carries the bag. In the Rules, a caddie is always a person.
What does Rule 10 say about caddies?
The Rules of Golf define a caddie as a person who assists a player during a round, particularly by carrying, transporting, or handling the player’s clubs. A person who simply walks with the player, or who carries something other than the player’s clubs, is not the player’s caddie, unless the player designates that person as such.
- Only one shopping cart at a time: The player may change it during their turn, but not in order to temporarily seek advice from someone else.
- The only authorized advisor: During the round, a player may only ask his or her caddie for advice. The caddie, however, may not give advice to any other player in the competition.
- The player is responsible: If a player's caddie violates a Rule, the player receives the penalty.
What can a shopping cart do, and what is it not allowed to do?
| Still allowed | Prohibited |
|---|---|
| Carry and handle the clubs, retrieve the ball, and provide information and advice before the shot | Decide on the player's behalf whether to clear the ball: the coach can offer advice, but the player makes the decision |
| Remove trash, repair damage to the green, pick up the ball on the green | To concede a stroke, a hole, or a match to the opponent |
| Help the player read the green and hold the flag | Stand behind the player, in line with the line of play, while he takes his stance |
Certain actions require the player's consent each time, such as picking up the ball anywhere other than on the green. And if the caddie is accidentally behind the player when the player is taking his stance, the player avoids a penalty by stepping back to resume his stance once the caddie has moved out of the way.
What is the role of a caddie in professional golf?
- Distances: He plans the course in advance and calculates the distances to the green and to the hazards.
- Choosing a Club: He discusses the club and the shot's trajectory with the player, taking into account the wind and the slope.
- Reading the Greens: It provides a second opinion on the slope and speed of putts.
- The Mind: It helps the player stay calm and focused, especially after a bad shot.
- Logistics: bag, balls, towel, water, rain gear, and course maintenance (divots, bunkers).
Can an amateur hire a caddie?
Yes, unless a competition’s rules prohibit or restrict it, which sometimes happens in junior or team events. Some golf courses, especially abroad, offer caddies for a fee; in France, this is rare, and players most often use a golf cart. Always check with the golf course or the tournament rules.
A video lesson from a former Tour caddie
Related sections
Related terms
Frequently Asked Questions: Golf Caddies
Can a player have two caddies?
No. Rule 10.3 allows only one caddie at a time. A player may change caddies during the round, but not in order to temporarily seek advice from another person.
Can you ask your shopping cart for advice?
Yes, in fact, that's the only person the player can ask for advice during a turn, aside from their partner in team events.
Who is penalized if the caddie breaks a rule?
The player. The Rules hold the player responsible for the actions of his caddie during the round.
Can the caddie stand behind the player to help him line up?
No: The caddie must step aside as soon as the player begins to take his stance. If the caddie does not do so, the player avoids the penalty by stepping back and resuming his stance once the caddie has stepped aside.