Can You Bring Your Own Caddy to a Golf Course?

Bringing your own caddie to the golf course sounds like the perfect way to get expert advice from someone you already trust, like a knowledgeable friend or a family member. It’s an appealing idea, but whether it’s possible depends almost entirely on the specific golf course and its rules. This article breaks down everything you need to know about the policies, the etiquette, and the step-by-step process for getting your personal caddie onto the course with you.

The General Answer: It Depends On The Course

While there isn't a universal "yes" or "no" from the gods of golf, the answer largely hinges on the type of course you're playing. The distinction between a local municipal track and an exclusive private club is massive, and their views on outside caddies reflect that. Generally speaking, most courses are open to the idea as long as you are respectful, follow their procedures, and your caddie adheres to their etiquette standards. Just don't ever assume it's okay, always ask beforehand.

Common Caddie Policies by Course Type

• Public and Municipal Courses: These courses are typically the most accommodating. They have fewer formal rules and are more focused on getting golfers out to play. If you call your local muni and ask to bring a friend or family member to caddie, the answer is often a simple "yes." They may treat your caddie as a "walker" or spectator.
• Resort Courses: This is a mixed bag. Many high-end resort courses have established caddie programs, often with highly trained, professional loopers. They view their caddie service as a integral part of the premium experience they're selling. Some may forbid outside caddies to protect this program and ensure a consistent standard of service. Others might allow it, but could charge a "walker fee" or "caddie fee."
• Private Clubs: This is where you'll find the strictest rules. Many private clubs have a deeply ingrained caddie culture and a dedicated roster of club-approved caddies. Bringing an outsider disrupts that system. As a guest, you will almost certainly be required to use one of the club's caddies if you want one. Members might have more flexibility, but even then, policies can be rigid.

A Step-By-Step Guide to Bringing Your Own Caddie

If you've decided you want to try bringing your own caddie, following procedure is everything. A respectful and transparent approach is the only way to make it work. An unannounced caddie showing up with you at the first tee is a quick way to create an awkward situation for you and the club staff.

Step 1: The Golden Rule - Call the Golf Course First

This is the most important step and there are no exceptions. Well before your tee time - ideally when you book it - call the pro shop. Do not wait until the day of your round. Be clear and polite when you explain your situation.

Here’s a simple script you can adapt:

"Hi, I have a tee time on Saturday at 10:00 AM under the name Smith. My son is a junior golfer who is learning about course management, and I was wondering if it would be okay for him to caddie for me during the round? He's very familiar with golf etiquette and would just be carrying the bag and keeping up. Is that something your course allows?"

This approach explains your reasoning, shows you respect their rules, and assures them that your caddie will not be a disruption.

Step 2: Understand and Clarify the Rules

If the pro shop gives you the green light, your next job is to ask clarifying questions so there are no surprises on a golf day. Don't be afraid to ask for specifics. This shows you're serious about following their protocol.

Essential questions to ask:

• Is there any fee? Some courses charge a trail fee or guest fee even if the person is just walking.
• Are there any dress code requirements? Your friend in a t-shirt and jeans might not be allowed at a club that requires collared shirts and slacks.
• Can my caddie ride in the cart? If you're taking a cart, you need to know if your caddie is permitted to ride or if they're expected to walk and stay with your bag.
• Are there specific caddie duties they are not allowed to perform? For example, some clubs may say it's fine for them to carry the bag and rake the bunker, but only course-approved caddies can tend the flagstick or touch the putting green.

Step 3: Prepare Your Caddie for Success

Just because your friend plays golf doesn't mean they know how to caddie. Good caddying is an art that blends on-course support with near-invisibility. You are the player, and they are the support crew. Talk with them beforehand about expectations to ensure a smooth, enjoyable round for your entire group.

Fundamental Caddie Responsibilities:

• Pace of Play is Priority: The best caddies are always one step ahead. They should have your bag ready, be walking to your ball as you walk, and have a club ready for you on arrival. The caddie’s job is to speed you up, not slow you down.
• The 3 Ups: Keep up, Shut up, Show up. This old caddie adage is gold. Be there when needed, be quiet when not, and always keep pace with the player.
• Stay out of the Line of Sight: Your caddie should never stand in a player's line of sight or line of putt. They should also be mindful of their shadow on the green.
• Manage the Equipment: This includes giving a yardage, handing over the putter on the green, cleaning clubs after each shot, and raking bunkers thoroughly.
• Know a Few Key Rules: A good caddie knows who is away, helps find errant shots, and understands basic etiquette principles like where to stand and how to tend a pin correctly.

The Pros and Cons of a Personal Caddie

Even if the course allows it, consider if it's the right choice for your game. It can be a fantastic experience, but it also has potential downsides.

The Advantages

• Familiarity with Your Game: Your personal caddie knows your true club distances, not just a generic average. They know you tend to miss left with your 7-iron and that you get tentative with an aggressive driver. This personalized insight can be more valuable than general course knowledge.
• Comfort and Trust: Having a friend or family member on the bag can be a huge confidence booster. You're less likely to feel judged and more likely to receive the kind of encouragement that helps you relax and play your best.
• Great Learning Experience: For a spouse, child, or friend who is newer to golf, caddying is an amazing way to learn the ropes of course management, etiquette, and strategy firsthand without the pressure of hitting shots.

The Disadvantages

• Lack of Local Knowledge: A professional course caddie knows every bounce, every subtle break on the green, and the best places to miss on every hole. Your caddie won't have this intel, which can be a significant disadvantage, especially on a new or challenging course.
• Potential for Slow Play: An inexperienced caddie can inadvertently slow down the group. If they don't know where to stand, are slow to rake a bunker, or spend too long looking for a ball, it can add unwanted pressure and frustration.
• Bringing Personal Dynamics onto the Course: Getting strategic advice from a friend or spouse can sometimes be tricky. A comment that is meant to be helpful can feel like a criticism and add tension to what should be an enjoyable day.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, bringing your own caddie to a golf course is entirely possible, but success lies in thoughtful planning and respectful communication. By understanding the different course policies and making a simple phone call ahead of time, you can turn a good idea into a great on-course experience for both you and your hand-picked caddie.

Of course, the primary goal of having a caddie is to get smarter, more confident advice on every shot. For times when you can't bring a person or you just want instant, expert-level feedback, we built Caddie AI. It's designed to be your a 24/7 on-demand golf coach and caddie right in your pocket. You can get a clear strategy for any hole, get help with club selection, or even snap a picture of a difficult lie to receive immediate guidance on how to play it. Your course will never ask you to pay a fee for using it, and it has already walked a million courses, so you can play with confidence that you're always making the smartest play.