I was invited to play at a friend's exclusive country club that requires caddies. We usually do 2 players per caddie. Here's my question: Is it okay if I carry my own bag to speed up play and only use the caddy for general advice off the tee and around the green? The last time I played here, someone was waiting on almost every hole because the two players our caddie was carrying for were rarely near each other. We received multiple slow-play warnings and I'm generally a fast player. Also, I'm used to carrying my clubs and I'm okay paying the caddie fee and fully tipping but wasn't sure of the etiquette. Any thoughts on this? Thanks!

Good article, one other thing. Do not feel you have to carry your bag if you hit an extremely errant shot. Take the couple clubs the caddie offers. Not only can the caddie get in trouble, where i work players are strictly prohibited from carry own bag, you do not need all 14 clubs to decide what shot to hit in 2 ft fescue or off the rocks!

Was a caddy 60 years ago at a nearby private course, and vividly still remember those members that treated me well...and those who did not.  A young kid carrying your clubs needs all the respect you can give him - he'll remember you for your kindness, trust me!  js

Our caddie at Cypress Point five years ago told me to hit a putt about two feet left of the hole.  I looked and looked but I simply could never see that left to right break.  I trusted his advice and barely missed the putt.  Left to my own devices I would have putted it completely off the green!

Some good tips here. I worked as a caddie all through school--it was a great job.

I understand players feeling nervous around caddies (and it's part of our job to put them at ease). You should remember that no matter how bad you think your game is, we've almost certainly seen worse. Don't worry about impressing us, just have a good time, keep up a nice pace, and don't take yourself too seriously. We likely have some good tips about the course, and maybe a funny story or two we can share along the way to keep the mood light.

The best players to work for are also straightforward. If you want us to read every putt, then just tell us that as we start. Otherwise, I'll make a read for myself but won't say anything unless you ask for help. One thing your caddie is not is a golf instructor, it's only awkward when you ask for swing advice (and counter-productive for your game).

One pointer I would add is that other players in the group (who are on a cart or carrying their own bag) should tip a caddie $15 or $20 at the end of the round. The caddie is going to spot tee balls, rake bunkers, and tend the pin for the whole group and deserves a little extra for this hard work. They will also to provide help and tips to other players (so long as they're not in a heated match).

This a touchy subject as my wife and I have used caddy service throughout the Caribbean.   If you are in a resort area, the caddies are lazy and only work for the extremely rich type of tourist.   The problem is that most tourist course in the Caribbean demand you take a caddy on top of the inflated price to play golf.   Some for a good reason, but mostly a cash grab.   We own a home in a central part of a Caribbean island which is not a tourist area with famed golf course and the caddies are much different.   Much like the article written.   They are not spoiled by the ignorant tourist golfer that expects servitude like service.   We have sponsored them in their tournaments and given various golf items as it is harder for them to acquire them locally.   

In saying that we have had for the most part great caddy service but if I had my choice I would not have one.   They do effect your handicap.   My wife is not a good reader of putts.  But with our caddies in Jamaica for 2 weeks she is putting like Jason Day or any other pro.  Back in N.A she is back to her 2.5 putts per hole via Garmin.   I tend to not ask for reads or only have my caddy verify what I am seeing.   

The last part of the article about bantering with the caddy is the best part.  We have our same caddies year in year out for our Caribbean vacation,  so a rivalry starts every time.   The golf rule book comes out for proper interpretations which does help to horn our golf skills.    As far as tipping which is a touchy subject.   I general take the total amount and work out a cost per hour.   You general already pay upfront $20 to $30 to course to get a caddy.   So I generally double that which brings the total up.   Generally at the end of the vacation,  I will give my caddies any spare golf balls or a particular golf item if I know that it can benefit them.   Believe it or not a large bag of golf tees goes further that a extra $10 tip as they could source those items locally.  

Richard  :  Toronto Canada

Some good tips. I worked as a caddie for a while in school--one thing golfers need to remember is we've almost certainly seen someone who is worse than you, don't worry about playing well. The best golfers to work for are ones that are having fun, keeping a good pace, and not taking themselves too seriously.

Another tip, if there's a caddie in your group--even if he's not carrying your bag--it's polite to tip him $15 or $20 after the round for his help spotting balls, raking bunkers, and tending the flag. Most caddies are happy to help out other players in the group (unless they're in a heated match against their boss).

Me and my friend went to Portugal we played golf at the Estoril golf and country club and we had two caddies that have been caddying for 18 years it was absolutely the most fun round of golf we have ever had simply because of the caddies.

Amend that -  courses

What course is pictured at the top of the article ?  Looks awesome