What Is the Person Who Carries a Golfer's Clubs Called?

The person who carries a golfer's clubs is called a caddie, but their role extends far beyond simply shouldering the bag. A great caddie is a navigator, strategist, part-time psychologist, and a trusted partner on the course. This article will cover the history of the caddie, the many jobs they perform during a round, and how you can get the most out of working with one.

The Caddie: More Than Just a Name

First things first, let's clear up the terminology. The term is caddie, pronounced just like "caddy." While you might see it spelled both ways, "caddie" is the traditional and historically correct term used in the game of golf. It’s a title with a rich history and a role that has been romanticized and respected for centuries. Thinking of a caddie as just "the person who carries the clubs" is like thinking of a driver as just "the person who holds the steering wheel." The job is much deeper and more involved than the name initially suggests.

A Walk Through History: The Origins of the Caddie

The story of the caddie begins centuries ago in a place you might expect: Scotland. Golf's traditions are deeply woven into Scottish culture, and the caddie role is no exception. While the exact origin is debated, a popular and charming story links the term to Mary, Queen of Scots. During her time in France in the 1550s, she loved to play a form of golf. She was assisted by French military cadets, or ‘le cadet’ in French. When she returned to Scotland, the term supposedly stuck and evolved into "caddie."

Whether or not that tale is perfectly accurate, we know that by the 18th century, caddying was an established profession in Scotland. Early caddies at famous clubs like St Andrews and Leith were known for their deep knowledge of the windy, unpredictable links courses. They weren't just strong lads paid to haul a bag, they were local experts who understood how the weather, the turf, and the subtle slopes would affect a golf shot. Their guidance was invaluable.

As golf exploded in popularity, the role of the caddie solidified. On the professional tours of the 20th century, caddie-player relationships became legendary partnerships. Think of Arnold Palmer and his caddie, Tip Anderson, a friendship forged over decades. Or more recently, the dominant pairing of Tiger Woods and Steve Williams, who together won dozens of tournaments and 13 major championships. These partnerships showed the world that a caddie wasn't just working for the player, they were working with the player, forming a two-person team to tackle the course.

The Caddie's Role: Unpacking the Job Description

So, what does a caddie actually do for four or five hours on the course? It’s a lot more than just handing over a 7-iron and saying "good luck." A professional caddie wears many hats during a round.

The Bag Carrier & Equipment Manager

Let's start with the most visible part of the job. A modern Tour bag can weigh over 50 pounds, filled with clubs, balls, rain gear, towels, drinks, and snacks. A caddie carries that bag for five-plus miles, often up and down hills and in all sorts of weather conditions. But it's not just about brute strength. They are also meticulous equipment managers. They are responsible for:

• Keeping every club face clean and dry before and after each shot. A clean groove is essential for proper spin and control.
• Organizing the clubs in the bag so they are easy to find and don't get damaged.
• Making sure the player has everything they need, like having a dry towel ready on a rainy day or enough golf balls for the round.

The Course Navigator and Strategist

This is where a great caddie truly earns their keep. Caddies at a particular club have likely walked that course hundreds, if not thousands, of times. They know things a player seeing it for the first time could never guess. This knowledge turns into actionable advice:

• Yardages: Before laser rangefinders, caddies were the only source of accurate yardages. They would step off distances from fixed points like sprinkler heads. Even with today's technology, they provide more than just a number. A laser might tell you it's 155 yards to the pin, but a caddie will tell you, "It's 155, but it's playing 162 uphill into a little bit of a helping wind. The smart miss is short and left."
• Strategy: Their job is to help the player make smart decisions. On a tricky par 4 with a narrow fairway, a caddie might suggest hitting an iron or hybrid off the tee instead of the driver to avoid trouble. They see the big picture and help the player avoid the "hero shot" that too often leads to a bogey or worse. They are the voice of reason when a player's ego might be urging them to try an impossible shot.

The Green Reader

Reading putts is one of golf's most difficult skills. A caddie provides a valuable second set of eyes. They analyze the break, the speed, and even the type of grass (the "grain") to help the player understand how the ball will roll. A player might see a putt as straight, but a caddie who has seen that same putt a hundred times knows it has a subtle, almost invisible break to the right. They won't hit the putt for you, but they will give you the most accurate read possible so you can commit to a line with confidence.

The Mental Coach and Motivator

Golf is a mentally demanding game. A round is full of highs and lows, and a caddie's job is to keep their player on an even keel. When a player hits a bad shot, a good caddie knows how to move them past it. They might crack a joke, offer a simple word of encouragement, or simply remind the player of the game plan. Likewise, when things are going well, they help the player stay focused and not get ahead of themselves. This psychological support is immense. They often know when to talk and, maybe more importantly, when to be quiet and let the player work things through.

From the Local Loop to the Big Tour: Different Kinds of Caddies

Not all caddies are the same. The type of caddie you encounter depends heavily on where you are playing.

Club Caddies

These are the caddies you find at private country clubs and high-end resort courses. They are typically experts on that specific course. Hiring a club caddie is a wonderful way to experience a special course, as they can guide you around like a personal tour guide. Payment usually involves a set fee paid to the club, plus a cash tip paid directly to the caddie after the round, based on the quality of their service.

Professional Tour Caddies

This is the elite level of the profession. Tour caddies work exclusively for one professional golfer and travel with them all year. Their relationship is a business partnership. They are typically paid a weekly salary to cover their expenses, plus a percentage of their player's winnings - often around 5% for a cut made, 7% for a top-10 finish, and 10% for a win. This incentive-based pay ensures they are fully invested in their player's success.

Forecaddies

A forecaddie doesn't carry anyone's bag. Instead, they position themselves ahead of the group, usually in the fairway. Their primary job is to track everyone's tee shots, find any errant balls, and reduce the time spent searching. They’ll then provide yardages and read greens when the group gets to their golf balls. Forecaddies are common at resorts and in tournaments or corporate outings where keeping a good pace of play is important.

Working with a Caddie: A Player's Guide

If you get the chance to play a round with a caddie, it can be a fantastic way to learn and improve. But many golfers feel a little intimidated or unsure about how to interact with them. Here are a few simple tips to make it a great experience:

• Have a Quick Chat Beforehand. Before you tee off, let your caddie know a little about your game. Tell them how far you generally hit your clubs and what your typical miss is. A simple, "I usually hit my 7-iron about 150 yards, and my miss is a fade to the right" gives them a ton of useful information.
• Trust Their Advice, But You Make the Call. A caddie's course knowledge is invaluable. You should listen to their recommendations on club selection and strategy. However, you are the one pulling the trigger. If you are not comfortable with the shot they suggest, it's okay to choose a different one. The final decision is always yours.
• Communicate and Collaborate. The best player-caddie relationships are a two-way street. Ask questions. Talk through your thought process. If you see a putt one way and they see it differently, discuss it. You are a team for the day.
• Be Respectful. Remember that your caddie is a professional. Treat them with respect, don't blame them for your bad shots, and thank them for their work. Being a friendly and appreciative playing partner will make their day better, and they'll likely work even harder for you in return.

Final Thoughts

In the end, the person who carries a golfer's clubs - the caddie - is one of the most fundamental and respected figures in the game. They are a blend of manual laborer, skilled strategist, and confidant, providing a service that makes the sport more enjoyable and understandable for players of all levels.

While hiring a human caddie is a special experience, it's not a practical option for every round you play. To bridge that gap and bring that same expert-level guidance to every golfer, we built Caddie AI. Our goal is to give you instant access to smart on-course strategy, from club recommendations to customized plans for every hole you play. You can even analyze a tough lie by taking a quick photo, helping you remove the guesswork so you can play with more confidence and make better decisions, every time you tee it up.