Golf Caddie Certification
Professional caddie training programs and certification pathways
Professional Caddie Certification Programs
PGA Tour Caddie Program
- • Background check and credentials
- • Tour caddie orientation session
- • Rules and regulations certification
- • Player-caddie relationship guidelines
- • Annual recertification required
Resort Caddie Certification
- • Customer service training
- • Course knowledge assessment
- • Safety and liability training
- • Equipment handling certification
- • Guest experience protocols
Core Caddie Competencies
Rules Knowledge
Complete understanding of USGA Rules of Golf, local rules, and competition procedures. Must pass rules examination.
Course Management
Yardage calculation, green reading, club selection advice, and strategic course navigation expertise.
Equipment Management
Club cleaning, bag organization, equipment maintenance, and proper handling procedures.
Player Psychology
Reading player emotions, providing appropriate support, maintaining focus, and pressure management.
Professional Training Modules
Technical Skills
Yardage and Distance
GPS usage, laser rangefinding, course mapping, elevation adjustments
Green Reading
AimPoint methodology, slope analysis, grain reading, speed assessment
Weather Factors
Wind assessment, temperature effects, humidity considerations
Soft Skills
Communication
Clear yardage delivery, strategic discussions, positive reinforcement
Emotional Intelligence
Reading player moods, appropriate intervention, maintaining composure
Professionalism
Appearance standards, etiquette, client relationships
Certification Levels and Requirements
Level 1: Resort Caddie
Requirements:
- • 16+ hours basic training
- • Course knowledge test
- • Safety certification
- • Customer service module
Capabilities:
- • Resort guest assistance
- • Basic yardages
- • Equipment carrying
- • Course guidance
Level 2: Tournament Caddie
Requirements:
- • 40+ hours advanced training
- • Rules examination (85%+)
- • Green reading certification
- • Competition experience
Capabilities:
- • Competitive tournament support
- • Strategic advice
- • Advanced green reading
- • Pressure situation management
Level 3: Professional Tour Caddie
Requirements:
- • 100+ hours specialized training
- • Master's level rules knowledge
- • PGA Tour application process
- • Professional references
Capabilities:
- • Elite professional support
- • Course strategy development
- • Media and sponsor protocols
- • High-pressure performance
Caddie Career Development
Career Progression
- Local course/resort caddie
- Regional tournament experience
- National amateur events
- Mini-tour professional support
- Major tour qualification
- Elite professional partnerships
Earning Potential
- • Resort caddie: $50-150/round
- • Tournament caddie: $200-500/event
- • Mini-tour: $300-800/week
- • PGA Tour: $1,500-3,000/week base
- • Performance bonuses: 5-10% of winnings
- • Top caddies: $200,000-500,000+/year