Interested in becoming a caddie at a golf club? Caddying is a fantastic way to earn money, develop valuable life skills, and even qualify for scholarship opportunities like the J. Wood Platt Caddie Scholarship Trust. Here’s how to get started.
- Find a GAP Member Club Near You
The first step to becoming a caddie is identifying golf clubs in your area with caddie programs. For the GAP region, this means finding a GAP member club, spread throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, with a caddie program.
If there are no clubs near you with caddie programs, you may want to consider working in golf operations. In addition to caddie scholarships, the Trust offers Service to Golf Scholarships for students working in eligible golf operations roles at GAP-affiliated clubs.
- Contact the Caddie Manager, Outside Services Director, or Golf Professional
Most clubs have a designated Caddie Manager, Outside Services Director, or Golf Professional who manages the caddie program. Call or email the club to express your interest and ask about any upcoming training sessions.
- Attend a Caddie Training Session
Many clubs offer training sessions to teach new caddies the basics, including carrying a bag, reading greens, and understanding golf etiquette. These sessions help ensure you’re prepared to assist golfers and enhance their experience on the course.
- Learn the Rules & Responsibilities
As a caddie, your job is more than just carrying clubs. Responsibilities include:
- Providing general guidance on the course, including distancesKeeping track of golf balls in play by watching strokes played and helping to locate off-target shots
- Cleaning golf balls and clubs
- Raking bunkers and replacing divots
- Providing all-around service to enhance the experience of your golfers
- Be Reliable and Professional
Punctuality, a positive attitude, and a strong work ethic are essential for new caddies and can help you establish yourself in the caddie ranks. New caddies should look to improve each time out. In addition to being a great summer job with good pay, caddying can lead to networking opportunities and potential scholarship awards, including the J. Wood Platt Caddie Scholarship for those pursuing higher education.
- Apply for the J. Wood Platt Caddie Scholarship
If you are a caddie at a GAP member club and plan to attend college, you may be eligible for financial assistance through the J. Wood Platt Caddie Scholarship Trust.
J. Wood Platt Caddie Scholarship Trust
The J. Wood Platt Caddie Scholarship Trust was created in 1958 and is the charitable arm of GAP (Golf Association of Philadelphia). The J. Wood Platt Caddie Scholarship Trust’s mission is to financially aid and empower qualified caddies and those working in golf operations in the pursuit of higher education. Along with aiding caddies financially, J. Wood Platt’s EMPOWER program strengthens scholarship investment dollars by providing caddies with exceptional benefits and leadership training through access to the wide network of J. Wood Platt donors and alumni. To date, more than 4,000 young men and women have received $28 million in aid from the Trust.
