Thinking about becoming a caddy at 14? You absolutely can, and it's one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the great game of golf. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the rules and requirements to the on-the-ground skills that will help you succeed and earn great money.
In most places, 14 years old is the perfect age to start caddying. Many of the most respected caddie programs in the country are specifically designed for teenagers, viewing it as a rite of passage and a fantastic first job. It's a tradition that builds responsibility, teaches the game from the inside out, and can even lead to incredible opportunities like college scholarships.
However, the final word always comes down to the individual golf course and local regulations. A private country club down the street might have a thriving junior caddie program starting at 14, while a high-end resort might prefer slightly older caddies with more experience. Your first step is understanding what the potential employers in your area are looking for.
Before you start calling up pro shops, it’s good to have a handle on the landscape. Landing a caddie job isn’t just about showing up, it’s about being prepared and professional.
While 14 is a solid benchmark, be aware of a few things:
It's impossible to talk about junior caddying without mentioning the Evans Scholars Foundation. This is a life-changing scholarship program for caddies. It provides a full, four-year housing and tuition scholarship to major universities for young caddies with strong records of academics, leadership, and caddie service. Many Caddie Masters run their programs with the explicit goal of helping their caddies meet the requirements for this scholarship. It’s a powerful long-term goal that makes caddying much more than just a summer job.
You’ve seen caddies on TV strolling the fairways, but the job is far more involved than simply hauling a bag. From a coach’s perspective, a great caddie isn’t just a baggage handler, they are a partner who helps a golfer play better and enjoy the day more. Here’s what you'll be doing on every "loop" (one round of golf).
Being a successful caddie is less about your own golf ability and more about your attitude and work ethic. Here’s what Caddie Masters look for:
A round of golf is a long walk, and a golf bag gets heavier on the back nine. You need to be prepared for the physical demands. Staying hydrated and being in decent shape is non-negotiable.
You do not need to be a great golfer, but you must understand the game. You should know temel principles of golf etiquette, the basic rules, and the purpose of each club. Knowing the difference between a bump-and-run chip and a higher pitch shot, for example, shows you understand the game on a deeper level.
Attitude is everything. Caddies who hustle - walking ahead of their player, having the pin ready, finding the ball quickly - are the ones who get requested again and again. A positive, can-do spirit is your most valuable asset. No complaining, no excuses. Always be ready, respectful, and upbeat.
Did your player just hit a great 7-iron into a par 3? Remember that. When they're 150 yards out later in the round, you can confidently say, "It's about the same distance as number 4, and you hit a perfect 7-iron there." That kind of attention to detail shows you are engaged in the game, and golfers truly appreciate it.
Feeling ready to take the next step? Here is a simple plan to follow.
Caddying can be a very lucrative job for a teenager. Your income generally comes from two sources.
Almost all caddie payments are made in cash at the end of the round. It’s a fantastic way to learn about customer service and see a direct connection between hard work and financial reward.
Starting as a caddie at 14 years old is an amazing way to spend your summers, putting you right in the middle of the game you love. It’s a demanding job that requires fitness, focus, and a great attitude, but it teaches invaluable life lessons and can be an incredibly rewarding experience, both financially and personally.
As you begin your journey, one of the best ways to stand out is to grow your golf aIQ. Understanding course strategy helps you give better advice and build trust with your golfer. This is an area where I’ve focused my app, Caddie AI, it’s designed to be your 24/7 golf coach you can turn to anytime. As you are learning the ropes, you can use it to ask any golf question imaginable, get smart strategies for tough holes, or even analyze a tricky lie, which helps you build the confidence and knowledge to become a standout caddie in no time.
Thinking about hosting a golf tournament fundraiser is the first swing, executing it successfully is what gets the ball in the hole. This guide will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step, from laying the initial groundwork months in advance to watching your happy golfers tee off. We’ll cover everything from securing sponsors and setting your budget to planning the on-course fun that makes an event unforgettable.
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The compression of a Pinnacle Rush golf ball is one of its most defining features, engineered specifically to help a huge swath of golfers get more distance and enjoyment from their game. We'll break down exactly what its low compression means, who it's for, and how you can use that knowledge to shoot lower scores.
Figuring out which spikes go into your new (or old) pair of Puma golf shoes can feel like a puzzle, but it’s much simpler than you think. The key isn't the brand of the shoe, but the type of receptacle system they use. This guide will walk you through exactly how to identify your Puma's spike system, choose the perfect replacements for your game, and change them out like a pro.
The Golf Genius app is one of the best tools for managing and participating in competitive golf events, but figuring it out for the first time can feel like reading a new set of greens. This guide cuts through the confusion and shows you exactly how to use the app as a player. We’ll cover everything from logging into your tournament and entering scores to checking the live leaderboard so you can enjoy the competition without any tech headaches.
Walking onto the first tee with sweaty palms, worried you’ll be a good partner to paly wtih...or even asked back again ...We’ve all been there - trust me! The real trick of feeling confortable... is about how you handle you’re ready to plsy. THIS guide explains the simple rules of the rode to show you hnow t play golf while staying calm relaxed and focused... an having much morse fun while you,',re aat it? You'll also play with confidence a dn make fiendsa while you're at i
Just ask a question or share a photo and Caddie gives personalized guidance for every shot - anytime, anywhere.
