| They may be a dying breed, particularly on public | | | | practicing good golf course etiquette, your caddie |
| golf courses, but caddies are a fantastic resource | | | | will replace the divots caused by each of your |
| for the seasoned and not-so-seasoned golfer. The | | | | shots. |
| caddie's role goes well beyond hauling your clubs; | | | | This clean-up work also includes any ball marks |
| these young men and women will help you play a | | | | made on the green. Most caddies simply flatten |
| better game. Keep reading for a better | | | | out the grass with their shoe. If the green isn't |
| understanding of the caddie's role on the course | | | | smooth when you go to make your hole shot, |
| and how best to utilize one. | | | | your caddie should also flatten it out before you |
| Carrying clubs: | | | | start. |
| First and foremost, they will carry your clubs for | | | | Game assistance: |
| you and, if you have a cart, will drive your cart | | | | Many caddies are also avid golfers and take on a |
| for the duration of your round. | | | | caddie job as a way of supporting a sometimes |
| Club care and maintenance: | | | | expensive golf habit. Their own experience |
| A caddie will wipe down and clean your clubs for | | | | combined with seasons spent watching other |
| you as you go along the course. This is an | | | | players make putts at the same 18 holes over |
| important job because a wet club or a club | | | | and over, makes them a great resource |
| smeared with dirt and grass can drastically affect | | | | especially if you don't already know the course. |
| your shot. Yours should do this after every shot. | | | | Hiring a caddie should be a positive experience, |
| In addition to the clubs, they should also wipe | | | | one that benefits both you and your game. So, |
| down your ball before each hole. | | | | think of them as your ally and if you're new to |
| Ball hunting: | | | | the game of golf, then let him or her know and |
| If your ball flies into the woods or brush and you | | | | you may just get a few insider tips and a little bit |
| want to play through the hazard, your caddy | | | | of free training. When it comes to tipping, 50% of |
| should help you find your ball as well as suggest | | | | the course caddie fee is the generally accepted |
| the best way out of your conundrum. | | | | amount, with some players offering bonuses after |
| Course etiquette: | | | | a particularly good round. |
| As a way of maintaining the fairways and | | | | |