When most golfers think about caddies, they picture tour professionals walking fairways with a trusted adviser by their side. In reality, caddies are far more common in amateur golf than many club players realize. Among the competitive women I play with in club and county events, using a caddie is often the norm whenever the rules allow it.
Their value becomes especially clear during major competitions such as club championships. Many of these events involve 36 holes of stroke play in a single day, turning what is already a demanding test into an endurance challenge. In those situations, an extra pair of hands can make a significant difference. A caddie can rake bunkers, repair pitch marks, keep clubs clean, hold an umbrella during bad weather, and make sure a player stays properly fed and hydrated throughout a long day on the course.
For single-figure handicappers like me, that level of assistance is usually enough. Sometimes the greatest benefit is simply having someone there. A friendly face, a bit of conversation between shots, and a distraction from the pressure of the scorecard can be invaluable. At my club, we often jokingly refer to these caddies as “trolley pullers” because they are there to help rather than offer strategic advice.
More Than Just a Trolley Puller
For other players, however, the role is much more involved. Under the Rules of Golf, amateur players may receive advice from their caddie, provided the caddie is not acting as a professional adviser in violation of the regulations. Growing up in junior golf, I frequently saw fathers carrying the bag for their daughters and effectively guiding them around the course. They would read putts, suggest clubs, discuss targets, and help with shot selection.
At the time, part of me found it slightly ridiculous. Some of these players appeared completely lost without their “daddy caddie” and struggled badly whenever a parent was not allowed on the bag. Looking back now, though, I understand it differently. At the highest levels of amateur golf, learning to work with a caddie is often a natural step in a player’s development, particularly for those with aspirations to compete at the college level or eventually turn professional.
Finding the right caddie is not always straightforward. Professional golf is full of examples of successful partnerships that suddenly unravel. Players and caddies often spend countless hours together under pressure, and when results disappoint, blame can follow. One of the most famous examples remains the 2001 Open Championship, when Ian Woosnam received a two-shot penalty after an extra driver was mistakenly left in his bag by caddie Myles Byrne. The error proved costly and may have cost him a chance at the Claret Jug.
When the Golf Relationship Goes Wrong
At the club level, the problems are usually less dramatic but often more entertaining. Husbands and wives frequently discover that sharing a scorecard and a caddie-player relationship is not always a recipe for harmony. Every club seems to have a couple known for constant bickering and second-guessing each other’s decisions. Instead of lowering scores, the arrangement often creates more tension than support.
In many ways, finding a good caddie resembles finding a good partner. Compatibility matters. You need to understand each other’s personalities, communication styles, and boundaries. A caddie should make the experience easier, not more complicated.
That is one reason some golfers prefer not to use a caddie at all. I know several women who decline caddies during interclub matches because they feel an extra set of eyes increases pressure. Others become frustrated when a well-meaning helper starts offering opinions on every shot, reading putts uninvited, or questioning decisions. Golf is already a game full of doubt; additional voices can sometimes make that worse.
Sometimes Less Game Advice Is Better
I have experienced this myself while playing in countries such as Morocco and Thailand, where caddies are compulsory. I am happy to support local caddies and appreciate the service they provide, but they often know very little about my game. Despite that, many are eager to recommend clubs, lines, and strategies with complete confidence.
The same has happened at famous venues, including the Old Course at St Andrews. On more than one occasion, a caddie seemed disappointed when I politely explained that I preferred to read my own putts and choose my own clubs. They wanted to be involved in every decision, while I simply wanted to experience the course on my own terms.
There is no question that the right caddie can provide a genuine competitive advantage. Equally, the wrong caddie can send a round in the opposite direction through over-analysis, conflicting opinions, and unnecessary pressure. The key is understanding what works for you. If you decide to use a caddie, establish expectations before the first tee, communicate clearly, and remember that their role is to help your game, not take it over.
