How a Golf Degree Can Make You a Better Caddie

Having a golf degree is important to many golf careers, but it is imperative as a caddie. Most people, when they think of golf caddies, think of someone who follows a golfer throughout the course, toting his golf clubs, and maybe driving the golf cart. But if you know the sport well enough, you know that a caddie is far more than just someone to carry the clubs: The caddie supports the golfer throughout the game, and therefore needs to be able to anticipate every move he makes. In other words, the caddie needs to know the sport just as well as the golfer, if not better.

Because a caddie needs to know the sport so well, getting a golf degree is the best way to become a successful caddie. That's not all there is to it; of course you also need to do your job well enough to develop a name for yourself within certain circles. As with many other careers, it's not just what you know, but who you know that matters.

A Caddie's Responsibilities
A caddie is as essential to a golfer as a supporting actor or actress is to the lead role. For a golfer to play well, it is essential that he have a caddie with whom he can establish a good relationship. Although the caddie's role is usually not acknowledged by the media, it is his or her job to support the golfer in every way. In other words, "behind every successful golfer is a good caddie," to borrow from a famous cliche.

It is the caddie's responsibility to know everything about the golfer's game. A good caddie familiarizes him or herself with the course before the game, and always knows where the golfer needs to go next. The caddie might drive the golf cart from place to place, since he or she already knows the way.

The caddie also needs to know enough about the game to anticipate the golfer's moves. The caddie needs to know what club is needed for every situation, and hand the correct club to the golfer before he or she asks for it. Essentially, the caddie needs to be completely in tune with the golfer in order to enable the golfer to play his or her best game, without being distracted by other concerns.

Of course, a caddie who succeeds in all of his or her responsibilities is likely to be well rewarded, especially if he or she becomes well known enough to be requested by professional golfers.

Why a Caddie Needs a Golf Degree
As you can see, a caddie's job is nothing to sneeze at. Being a caddy may seem like something akin to mind reading, but that is hardly the case. As long as you are well educated in the subject, you will know everything you need in order to be a caddie.

A golf degree ensures that you know the sport just as well as, if not better than, the golfer who you are supporting. With an education in golf, you will know instinctively which club to choose in each situation. If you understand the game, you will be able to keep tabs on how your golfer is doing, and know what he needs in order to play a better game.

In addition, a golf degree is like a vote of confidence to golfers. When you can tell a golfer that you have an education in golf, you are in effect telling him that you can provide him with the support necessary to help him play his best possible game.

It might seem overwhelming to you that a golfer's game depends in part on the knowledge and skill of his caddy, but a golf degree will take the mystery out of the job, and you can instead focus on reaping the lucrative benefits of the job.

It's Not Just What You Know, But Who You Know
As a caddie, it's not just what you know, it's who you know. Because a caddie can have such a big effect on the experience a golfer has, many golfers are very particular about the caddies they use. Exceptionally good caddies develop reputations within the right circles, ensuring that they will be requested again and again by successful, well-paying golfers. Bad caddies, on the other hand, develop reputations of the opposite type, and are avoided like the plague.

Of course, having a good education has a lot to do with whether you are known as a good caddie or a bad caddie. A golf degree will ensure that you always know what is expected of you. And to a golfer, a caddie that always has a handle on everything is priceless.

A Golf Degree can Make or Break Your Caddie Career
As you can see, a caddie is a highly specialized job with lots of potential for success. Caddies get paid to do what they love and to help others do what they love, too. Because caddies are usually self-employed, though, a lot is dependent on the ability to establish a good reputation. Having a golf degree can make all the difference in this highly competitive career.

About The Author-- Andy West is a writer for SDGA. San Diego Golf Academy is a premier golf school with five locations across the United States. To learn how to obtain your golf degree, please visit www.sdgagolf.com .

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