Expert advice on working with caddies at bucket-list destinations like St. Andrews, Pebble Beach, Cypress Point and Ballybunion
Picture this: You've finally scored that tee time at Pebble Beach, St. Andrews, or Ballybunion. You've dropped more cash on the greens fee than your monthly car payment. You're jittery with excitement on the first tee, and suddenly it hits you – you've never played with a caddy before. What's the proper tip? Should you rake your own bunker? Can you really trust this stranger when they say "aim three cups right" on a putt that looks dead straight?
I've been there. Most of us have. The caddy-player relationship can be awkward if you're not used to someone carrying your bag and giving you advice. But get it right, and a good looper can transform your bucket list round from merely memorable to absolutely magical.
According to Morgan Mahalack, who's carried bags at Baltimore Country Club, Olympic Club, and several exclusive Los Angeles private clubs, the caddy-player relationship is pretty simple: "It's built on mutual respect and clear expectations."
So let's cut through the mystery and get to the good stuff:
Whether you're heading to Bandon Dunes next month or saving up for that once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage to the Home of Golf, these insider tips will help you navigate the experience like you belong there. And as Morgan puts it, a good caddy "can easily save you 10 strokes" on an unfamiliar course – making that caddy fee the best investment of your golfing trip.
Before you arrive at prestigious courses like Pine Valley or Royal County Down, it helps to understand what type of caddy service to expect:
Pro Tip: Double bagging is typically preferred by caddies for financial reasons, but means you'll share attention with another player. Your expectations should adjust based on which arrangement you'll have.
Nothing makes a worse first impression than showing up with an unnecessarily heavy bag at courses like Muirfield or Shinnecock Hills. Here's how to prep like a pro:
Insider Knowledge: "I once caddied for a guy who had 36 Pro V1s in his bag," shares Morgan. "Halfway through the round, I secretly stashed them in a maintenance cart because the bag was so heavy."
Caddies are often observing you on the range before your round, making mental notes about:
Caddy Secret: Most top caddies can determine your yardages just by watching your range session. Being honest about your handicap saves embarrassment - they'll know your game within three holes anyway.
When playing unfamiliar championship courses like Carnoustie or Pine Valley, local knowledge is invaluable:
Expert Advice: "Surrender to the caddy," Morgan recommends. "At iconic courses, local knowledge trumps your instincts 99% of the time. The caddy who's seen thousands of shots from your exact position knows better than you do."
Greens at top-ranked courses like Augusta National or Royal Melbourne can be particularly challenging to read. Caddies use specific terminology:
Key Insight: Different caddies at different destinations use different systems. Ask for clarification early in the round if you're unclear about their terminology.
Customs around food and drink vary between prestigious golf clubs around the world:
Even at the world's best golf courses like Cypress Point or Trump Turnberry, misreads happen:
Real Example: "At Ballybunion, our caddies would (joke) after bad shots, which took all the pressure off. That approach would never work at most American private clubs," shares Morgan.
Even at bucket-list courses, bad days happen. Here's how to handle them:
Caddy Perspective: Morgan recalls a player smashing a tin of beer with his driver after a poor shot. "I just picked up the club, put it back in the bag, and kept walking like nothing happened. That's what professionals do."
Payment structures vary between top golf courses internationally:
Direct Advice: "If you're unsure about compensation, simply ask your caddy directly what the standard is at that course," suggests Morgan. "They'll appreciate the straightforward approach."
Compensating caddies appropriately is part of proper golf etiquette. You can ask in the pro shop discreetly about expectations if not clearly stated elsewhere. The following may also help:
Practical Tip: For once-in-a-lifetime rounds, err on the side of generosity. If being hosted by a member, some consider it good form to offer to cover caddie costs.
The relationship between player and caddy represents one of golf's most distinctive traditions—a partnership that enhances playing the world's greatest courses. As Morgan puts it, "It's a circular deal...you're helping that caddy out, allowing them to have a career, and you're going to maximize your experience."
Consider what you gain with a caddy at bucket-list courses:
When Morgan played Ballybunion with his friend, their caddy John Stacky—both a looper and course member—delivered not just club selections but authentic Irish golf culture. That experience simply can't be replicated with a yardage book and rangefinder.
Whether you're planning your dream round at Pinehurst No. 2, Royal Dornoch, or Tara Iti, understanding these unwritten caddy codes transforms you from an awkward visitor into a seasoned local.
Golf at its best isn't just about the score—it's about the connections and memories created. A great caddy doesn't just carry your bag; they carry a piece of the course's soul, sharing it with you one hole at a time.
In a nutshell, the following bullet points will get you started:
DO:
DON'T:
Remember: A great caddy can save you "10 strokes easily" on an unfamiliar course - perhaps making that $150 the best investment of your bucket-list golf experience.
Looking for more tips on planning your next golf trip? Check out our guides to Playing Golf in Scotland, America's Most Exclusive Golf Clubs, and How to Access the World's Top 100 Golf Courses.
