How to Play Top Golf Courses With a Caddy

April 15, 2025

The Ultimate Caddy Guide: Etiquette and Tips for Playing the World's Top Golf Courses

Expert advice on working with caddies at bucket-list destinations like St. Andrews, Pebble Beach, Cypress Point and Ballybunion

Introduction: Why a Good Caddy Makes All the Difference

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:

How to prep your bag so your caddy doesn't silently curse your name by the third hole
When to handle course maintenance yourself (yes, sometimes you still rake your own bunkers)
The proper way to handle green reading advice when you're convinced the putt breaks the other way
How to handle the money conversation without making everyone uncomfortable

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 the First Tee: Setting Yourself Up for Success

Understanding Different Caddy Arrangements at Top Golf Courses

Before you arrive at prestigious courses like Pine Valley or Royal County Down, it helps to understand what type of caddy service to expect:

Single Bag Caddy: One caddy dedicated solely to you – the premium experience but less common at busy courses
Double Bag Caddy: One caddy carrying two bags – the standard arrangement at most top 100 golf courses worldwide
Four Caddy Service: One caddy assists a foursome in carts, typically handling putters, bunker raking, and course management

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.

How to Prepare Your Golf Bag for a Caddy

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:

Remove excessive golf balls (12 max for most players)
Clean your clubs thoroughly before arrival
Consider using a lightweight carry bag rather than a tour or cart bag
Remove unnecessary items (excessive rain gear, etc.)

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."

What Caddies Notice During Your Warm-Up

Caddies are often observing you on the range before your round, making mental notes about:

Your typical shot shape and distance with various clubs
Your pre-shot routine and tempo
Whether your equipment suggests your true skill level

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.

On the Course: Building a Successful Caddy Partnership

Tee-to-Green: Making the Most of Caddy Advice

When playing unfamiliar championship courses like Carnoustie or Pine Valley, local knowledge is invaluable:

Trust your caddy's line suggestions, especially on blind shots
Be clear about your typical shot shape and distance
Ask specific questions about hazards and landing areas

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."

Understanding Green Reading Language at Elite Courses

Greens at top-ranked courses like Augusta National or Royal Melbourne can be particularly challenging to read. Caddies use specific terminology:

"Cups outside" refers to aiming points measured in cup-widths from the hole on either side
"Percentage reads" indicate how much break to play (e.g., "50% less" means less break)
Visual pointing uses the flagstick to indicate the ideal line

Key Insight: Different caddies at different destinations use different systems. Ask for clarification early in the round if you're unclear about their terminology.

Halfway House and Refreshment Protocol with Caddies

Customs around food and drink vary between prestigious golf clubs around the world:

At the turn, it's often good form to ask if your caddy wants something
Caddies are not responsible for fetching drinks during play but they may offer to do so

Navigating Challenges: When Your Round Gets Complicated

When Caddy Advice Doesn't Work Out

Even at the world's best golf courses like Cypress Point or Trump Turnberry, misreads happen:

Professional caddies often feel worse than you do about misreads
Cultural differences matter - Irish caddies might playfully tease you after a poor shot
American caddies typically maintain professional courtesy regardless of the outcome
Building trust throughout the round matters more than individual shots

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.

Managing Golf Frustrations with a Caddy Present

Even at bucket-list courses, bad days happen. Here's how to handle them:

Experienced caddies have already seen every form of golf frustration imaginable
Professional caddies maintain a "straight face, mouth shut" demeanour during player outbursts
Focus frustration on yourself, never your caddy
Remember that how you handle adversity reveals character

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."

The Financial Side: Properly Compensating Your Caddy

Understanding Caddy Payment at World-Class Golf Destinations

Payment structures vary between top golf courses internationally:

At most prestigious courses, approximately $150 (£150 or €150) per bag is fairly standard as a ballpark figure
Scottish and Irish courses often have a set fee plus expected gratuity
Payment methods vary - sometimes fees are prepaid, sometimes paid directly
Cash is nearly always preferred

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."

When and How to Tip Your Caddy Appropriately

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:

Consider the caddy effort and experiential improvement
Exceptional service merits additional consideration
Present payment discreetly at the end of the round if appropriate
Remember that caddies depend on proper compensation for their livelihood

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.

Conclusion: The True Value of the Caddy Experience

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:

Local knowledge that can "easily save you 10 strokes" at unfamiliar venues
Insights into strategic nuances that make top-ranked courses special
Freedom to focus entirely on your game, not logistics
A cultural connection to the history and traditions of the course

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.

Quick Reference: Caddy Etiquette at World-Class Golf Courses

In a nutshell, the following bullet points will get you started:

DO:

Consider a lightweight carry bag when possible
Fix your own ball marks
Be honest about your skill level

DON'T:

Pack unnecessary items or excessive golf balls
Ignore their advice, especially on unfamiliar courses
Take frustration out on your caddy

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.