8. Inside Look at Being a Country Club and Professional Caddie

T-Time with Tori Totlis

Tori sits down with Tara Bateman and Michael Martin to get an inside look at being a country club and professional caddie.

After a quick update on their golf game and a look back on their careers, Tara and Michael do a deep dive into the role of a caddie, how they should ideally interact with their players, what to keep (and keep out) of the bag, how they get paid, and best practices for tipping.

Key Takeaways

? (18:32) A forecaddie’s job is to go ahead of golfers to find where balls land, track shots, and discuss strategy for upcoming shots and putts. The group of four rides in a cart while the forecaddie stays one shot ahead on the tee to aid each one. Beware not to “overcaddie”, especially if your player prefers to trust their instincts. The best forecaddies focus on raising the player’s confidence, while respecting pace of play by stepping in to offer advice only when asked.

? (25:41) When you’re playing golf, play fast and have fun. Even the best players go through that frustrating period halfway through a game where their strategy has fallen apart. Don’t worry about having your golf game judged by your caddie because the reality is that golf is a humbling sport!

? (32:41) If you’re a newer golfer, “you’re not that good to get that mad”! Get clear on the fundamentals and focus your training around your gaps. Know the typical percentages so that you have perspective on the average and be able to lower your expectations. For example, if you have a putt over 15 feet, you are already in the upper percentile of players in that skill.

? (34:58) If you want to be sure about how to pay your caddy, just go to the pro shop and inquire. Ask whether you’re paying base-plus-tip or tipping only, and also what’s a good amount to tip. There is no minimum, but anywhere from $20 to $100 is typical.

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Michael Martin: Instagram

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