From: hbpeltz@rodan.acs.syr.edu (Harry Peltz)
Subject: Re: Caddie-ing
Organization: Syracuse University
Date: Mon, 28 Sep 92 09:24:20 EDT

In article <fragante.717655478@unixg.ubc.ca> fragante@unixg.ubc.ca (Gv Fragante) writes:
>
>So my question is quite obvious - can anyone teach me some tips on how to be a
>good caddie ? I have asked my friend to brief me with his style of play, but I
>would also like to know other things that a caddie should normally be aware of.
>
>If anyone has some tips and suggestions, I would greatly appreciate it.

Sure. I spent my summer making money as a caddy at Winged Foot Golf Club in
Mamarroneck NY, #5 in the nation. I learned from other caddy', or
loopers as they are called.
Fire the questions away.


>
>I would like to know the proper etiquette on greens - like how to tend the
>flag, which side of the line of putt to stand when holding the pin, etc.
>
Genrally, if the player is off the green, leave it in, on the fringe, leave it in. For long puts, tend it. Everything else, pull it out. It doesn't hurt to ask him. You knwo furthest away has right of play. Generally, when a player asks you to pull the pin out, chances are all the other players would like the pin to be kept out as well untill all of them have holed out. Hold the pin by the flag (so that it doesn't wave and distract the players) and stand in the shadow of the pin. If the shadow is in someon







e's line, stand off immediatly to one side (I generally stand to the side the ball will break from, cause I can hover my foot above the spot I feel the ball should be aimed at. It's legal to do this, but DON'T USE THE FLAGSTICK TO TOUCH THE GREEN AND SHOW PLACE OF AIM! IT'S LOSS OF HOLE
 OR A 2 STROKE PENALTY, both of which are great ways for you to lose your job.)

>Does the caddie keep track of the player's score ? Does the caddy keep track of
>statistics ? Does the caddy keep notes of fairway conditions ?
>
Although you are not responsible for keeping track of a players score, I try to AND THEN I check back with the player after each hole about his score for that hole. If he had a bad hole however, let him be and don't say anything to him. Let him hand you the club, don't approach him (when he has a bad hole).
As for fairway conditions, it would help if you could read greens, and know if they are fast/slow...etcx, but that is generally a players responsibillity. He will have a practice round in order to do this. If you caddy for him during the practice round, it certainly wouldn't hurt to remember what club he used ESPECIALLY ON PAR 3'S. 
Finally, if you have questions about the course, ASK OTHER CADDIES! Especially
those who work there on a regular basis. Never let the bag touch the green (putting surface), compliment him occassionaly (you are a paid cheerleader too), and in general, try not to talk to him, unless it's about his game or the course. He's in a competition remember.


>I guess caddieing isn't as easy as it sounds, but heck I'd really like to learn.
>
>Thanks to all.

It's ain't hard, and I know several friends who are going to college on caddy 
scholarships. Many fine players started out by caddying, then playing on their
free time. It's a great way to learn about the game,especially if you are a teenager.

Any other questions, just fire away.
Harry