So Brad, I’m curious to know how the round actually went with the semi-retired caddie in his 30’s.

I get that it’s not useful information for him to pass along on the first hole, but that in itself doesn’t preclude him from being a solid looper.

The best caddie I ever had was at Bay Hill

I am very disappointed to hear about Matt Kuchar and the rumour of him low-balling his caddie. I hope that it is a false one, but the odds of the story being told here on this site makes me feel that it is probably true. As a total amateur, I will never have the problem of needing a caddie , nor ever winning a money tournament - but I do believe in people being treated with respect and paid properly for the work they do. I hope that the PGA addresses this issue of cheap golfers - otherwise it undermines their profession and the game.

Did you ever think, there are people with regular jobs that play golf? I’m a firefighter, make decent money but definitely can’t afford to pay someone $100 to carry my bag plus a greens fee of $100+! I know I can’t play every course but to hear you guys talk about being cheap etc is absurd. Yes there are people that are cheap, but can’t we play some of these courses, carry our own bag, and not have to tip out $100? It’s getting absurd. Have to tip the guy loading my bag, cleaning my clubs, etc. not everyone that plays this great game is rich!

I played The New Course at St. Andrews one year. The group in front had 4 laddies. That’s 8 people one one hole. To me that’s a cluster. I enjoy the a more solitude game.

I enjoyed your article very much. I've been playing golf over 60 years from the golf pastures to the deluxe country clubs and your information was right on. But, I was shocked when you opened the article about a "rumor" that Kuchar stiffed his caddy. To me that is unforgivable that you would bring down such a good name over a rumor. And, even if it was true, does anybody know the whole story or circumstances. Either way, please leave the rumors to politics. I believe golf still is a gentleman's game.

I played 7 rounds in Scotland last year with a group of 4. They used caddies all the time, I alternated 3 times with a caddie and 4 without. I used my GolfLogix app on all. My best round was at Castle Stuart without a caddie (78 on a windy day). I had never used a caddie before. My impression was that their very first priority was speed of play and not helpful performance - and we are a foursome that currently walks Saturday mornings under 4 hrs, sometimes under 3.5. I played the Old Course without a caddie and Jubilee with and there was no difference. I over tipped on all, but was only happy with my high school aged caddie at Tain - not for golf quality, but for enjoyable attitude.

Also understand if you are in a foursome and are in a cart. Do NOT be asking the caddy any questions if you are not going to tip . And the tip should be $20.00 not $5.00. you can afford it so don't he right thing.

My god... ask what is customary. Then go above or below based on your experience. Communicate what you want from your caddie - they are humans not mind readers. I am sure you all have amazing relationships with your spouses. :). If they do something you don’t like - tell them they will learn that as a data point.

I look at Caddies same as I do a waitress in an expensive restaurant.
I chose their world, pay the rate!
You choose to play at expensive courses same as you choose expensive restaurants.
You should Tip according to their rates not your feelings.
Public courses offer the same results as eating at McDonald’s,
Cheap with little advice, It is your choice!!