Playing games can be fun and relaxing, but sometimes people need help. If you play any team sports, you know how important it is to work together with the others to get a goal or a touchdown. Golf is not normally a team game, but the players can often use help. Golf caddies used to be essential to the game. Even though fewer people work in this field than in the past, it can still be an interesting job to have for people who enjoy golf and spending time outdoors.

Before the invention of golf carts, caddies were essential to every golf course. Golf clubs and other equipment can be very heavy, and caddies would carry everything so that the players could concentrate on the game. They would estimate distances between wherever the ball landed and advise the players on the best club to use and smooth out any part of the course that got disturbed so that it would be good for the next player. They would look at the weather, ground conditions, and other factors and try to help make the game more enjoyable for everyone involved.

With motorized carts, most players no longer need caddies to carry their heavy bags around, and many of them prefer to make their own decisions about how to play the game. However, caddies are still necessary in some contexts. Elderly players, for example, might not have the strength to carry golf bags and might also appreciate having someone to help them decide about their next move. In addition, professional players normally have caddies who can tell them about the course and make sure that they can concentrate on the game. A good caddy can help a player win important tournaments and win large prizes.

Becoming a golf caddy takes time and experience but no particular education. Basic math skills are important for keeping score, and knowledge of weather patterns can help. However, the most important requirements are to know about the game and to know the particular golf course where the people are playing. Caddies need to know where the player has to hit the ball next and what might cause problems along the way. Caddies also need to know the rules of golf and how to use all of the different equipment.

Salaries for golf caddies can vary a lot. Some people in this field work for one or two golf courses and receive regular salaries. Others get paid according to each bag that they carry and can earn up to about $5000 in one summer. In professional tournaments, caddies often also receive a percentage of the prize money if the golfer wins. Sometimes this amount can be quite large, and caddies can earn a lot of money by doing their job well. If this idea is appealing to you, why not start practicing your golf skills?

Bibliography:

Answers.com. “How Much Do Caddies Earn.” http://www.answers.com/Q/How_much_do_caddies_earn.

Careers.org. “Career Occupational Profile for: Golf Caddy.” http://www.careers.org/occupations/16812/golf-caddy

Cameron, Patrick. “How Much Money Do Golf Caddies Make?” http://www.golflink.com/tips_5167_much-money-do-golf-caddies.html.

Herrfeldt, Bill. “How to Be a Golf Caddy.” http://www.golflink.com/how_1185_be-golf-caddy.html.

Payscale.com. “Average Salary for Industry: Golf Course.” http://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Industry=Golf_Course/Salary.

Roland, James. “How to Become a Professional Golf Caddy.” http://golftips.golfsmith.com/become-professional-golf-caddy-1888.html.

Wikihow.com. “Be a Golf Caddy.” http://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Golf-Caddy.