WGA Caddie/Scholar Toolkit - Western Golf Association

WGA Caddie/Scholar Recruitment
– Caddies/Scholars
A Guide to Caddie Development/Scholar Recruitment at Your Club
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Your Role as a Western Golf Association Director
As a WGA Director, you are the grassroots representative at your club in the Western Golf
Association’s ongoing campaign to recruit caddies with the potential to qualify for the Chick
Evans Caddie Scholarship.
To assist you in executing your personal strategy for caddie recruitment/Evans Scholars
development at your club, the WGA Caddie Committee has compiled the following
Caddie/Scholar Toolkit. With the WGA’s stated mission to increase the number of Evans
Scholarships awarded annually, it is imperative that we, as Directors, make a concerted effort
to implement a strategy to recruit caddies who may eventually earn an Evans Scholarship.
Please accept the following “Best Practices” as a guide in developing your own, personalized
approach to caddie recruitment/Scholar development at your club.
We welcome your ideas and personal “Best Practices” for possible use in this evolving
document. In the coming year, WGA/ESF Headquarters is planning an upgrade of the
organization’s Web site that will allow us to post these items and items related to other
Director functions on the host site for your availability to review, download and utilize at your
convenience.
Thank you for the work you do on behalf of the Western Golf Association/Evans Scholars
Foundation.
Caddie Committee Chairman
Joe Schmidt
773.339.7026
jschmidt@stpatrick.ord
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Document I – Caddie Development & Evans Scholar Recruitment
Page 1 .....................................A Message from the Caddie Chairman
Page 3-4 .................................WGA Director’s Responsibilities – General Overview
Page 5 .....................................Introduction
Page 6 .....................................Benefits of a Caddie Program
Page 7 .....................................Caddie Program Guidelines
Pages 7 ...................................Recruiting
Pages 8 ................................... Training
Page 9 .....................................Classifying
Page 10 ...................................Assigning
Page 11 ...................................Evaluating
Pages 12 .................................Paying
Page 13 ...................................Incentives & Awards
Page 13 ...................................Publicizing the Evans Scholarship
Page 13-14 .............................Involvement with Caddie Manager
Other available Toolkit documents:
Document II – Promoting the Evans Scholars in Club Newsletters, Local Media and In-Club
Displays
Supporting PDF documents available for e-mail:
• WGA Par Club Application
• WGA Yellow Facts Brochure
• WGA ESF Scholarship House Brochure
• ESF Facts At-a-Glance
• Sample Newsletter Articles/Inserts
2

WGA Director Responsibilities
The following is a sample of the types of involvement a director might employ at his or her club
on behalf of the program. This list has been broken down to the three key areas of activity for
the Directors:
-Raising Funds for the Evans Scholarship
-Promoting Caddie Programs generally and at your Club
-Raising Awareness of the Evans Scholarship
This list is intended to be exemplary and not all activities will be appropriate for or used by all
Clubs. It is likely that highly developed Clubs will use many of these techniques. In addition, it
is not intended to be “all inclusive” as many Directors have and are using other very effective
techniques. Lastly, it might be wise to form a “committee” or otherwise dedicated group at the
Club to help carry out the various activities on this list.
I. Directors serve 3-year terms which are renewable after review
II. Raising Funds for the Evans Scholarship
A. Raising New and upgrading existing Par Club memberships
a. Monitoring annual appeal
b. Drafting follow-up letters:
1. New members
2. Those who declined
B. Identify donors that are capable of going “above and beyond” Par Club
C. Implementing Bag Tag programs where appropriate
III. Promoting Caddie Programs generally and at your Club
D. Monitoring the caddie program
a. Working with the pro and caddie master (invite them to selection meetings)
b. Involving the caddie committee chairman
1. Requested written report from caddie master
2. Monitor the caddie training program
3. Make sure they’re in contact with WGA Caddie Development Manager
E. If needed:
a. Prepare caddie master job description
b. Help in search for new or replacement caddie master
F. Recruitment of caddies
a. Meeting with school superintendents
b. Meeting with school counselors
G. Promoting the caddie banquet
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IV. Raising Awareness of the Evans Scholarship Program
H. Involving Club’s board is critical
a. Getting new board members to selection meetings
b. Inviting all members to Evans events
c. Saying “Thank You” to the Board annually
I. Mentoring potential scholar candidates
a. Assigning club members or Evans Scholars to each candidate
b. Meetings with caddies in caddie yard to explain the program
J. Actively involving club members who are Evans Scholars Alumni
K. Preparing articles for the club newsletter
L. Maintaining bulletin board of Evans Scholars Alumni and Active Scholars in the pro shop
M. Introduce/Re-Introduce the Scholarship at season opening events for both men and
women
N. Considering ways to thank membership for support
a. Circulate letters from club caddies currently in school that highlight their
accomplishments
b. Run/organize club event (Example: 7 Club tournament)
O. Organize Evans Alumni outing events (getting board approval)
V. Other Opportunities for Involvement
P. Make periodic visits to the Scholarship House
Q. Maintaining contact with staff at WGA to make sure you’re up to date with their and the
directors initiatives.
R. Volunteer at the WGA-run golf tournaments.
S. Participate in State and/or National Committees
Attend the Summer Outing
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Introduction
The Western Golf Association provides affiliated clubs with extensive resources for the development
and operation of caddie programs at the club level.
Materials available include
Caddie training video
Caddie training manual
Caddie exam
Caddie operations manual
Brochures and posters promoting the benefits of caddie programs
The 41-minute caddie training video, titled “Caddie Orientation,” outlines caddie duties before, during,
and after the loop. The video is ideal for the training of first-year caddies and is an excellent refresher
for experienced caddies.
The Western Golf Association recognizes the fact that many golf courses and clubs take alternative
approaches to running a caddie program. The following Best Practices Manual should be used as
guideline if a program is interested in exploring different options. We also understand that many
variables effect caddie programs such as geographical location, number of golfers, number of caddies,
etc. Therefore, we recommend these practices as general recommendations rather than a formula for
success for all caddie programs.
Some of the elements found in successful caddie programs are a dedicated caddie manager (caddie
master), involved Professional Staff, and interested Golfers. The caddie manager is responsible for
recruiting, training, selecting, paying, promoting, encouraging and reprimanding the caddies
appropriately. Another important role that the caddie manager plays is to make sure that the supply of
caddies correlates with the demand. This means not taking on too many caddies as well as making sure
to have an ample supply.
The Professional Staff which includes the Head Golf Professional as well as his/her assistants need to be
supportive of the program as well.
The WGA employs a caddie services manager who assists club officials in creating and maintaining
caddie programs through on-site reviews and consultations. Also, the caddie services manager
promotes the use of caddies through various educational and informational programs and seminars.
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Benefits of a Caddie Program
Caddying is as a much part of the game of golf as the ball or club. Andrew Dickson carried clubs for the
Duke of York in a match play in 1682. Since then, many golfers, clubs, communities, and young people
have experienced the great benefits of a caddie program.
Golfer Benefits
Improves the quality of your game – letting a caddie handle the details of clubs, flagstick, divots,
and bunkers allows the golfer to focus and improve your game.
Increases the health benefits – walking is an appetite suppressant, muscle relaxant, stress
reliever, cardiovascular toner, weight reducer, and more.
Increases personal satisfaction – by utilizing a caddie, you immediately put yourself in a position
to strongly impact the life of a young person by taking on a mentoring role.
Amplifies the golfing experience – having a caddie will enlighten your golfing experience
especially when you are bringing guests.
Club Benefits
Speeds up pace of play – the fastest way to play is with a caddie. Always someone to clean up
after you on the tees, fairways, bunkers, and greens frees the golfer to move along and play
quicker.
Enhances the status and image of the club – by offering a caddie to the patrons of a club you
immediately increase the prestige of that club.
Improves course conditions – there will be an increase in the overall maintenance of the course
due to caddies fixing divots, ball marks, and bunkers.
Caddie Benefits
Opportunity to earn good money during flexible hours – many young people today have
numerous extracurricular activities. Caddying gives many young people a chance to continue
those activities while making money.
Exposure to positive role models – young people will have the chance to learn from mature and
successful individuals.
Opportunity to have a great work environment – caddies have the ability to work outside and to
interact with their peers, giving them a means to make friends while working.
Ability to work and exercise – the same health benefits for golfers apply for young people.
Opportunity to be awarded a Chick Evans Caddie Scholarship – currently, more than 840 caddies
are attending one of 19 universities on a Chick Evans Caddie Scholarship. The scholarship covers
full tuition and housing costs for up to four years of college.
Community Benefits
Our young caddies develop outstanding work ethic and attitude – caddying is often the first job
for many young people. Caddying exposes them to a real life work experience.
Caddies often take on other roles at the club including bag room and bag drop attendants, valet
staff, etc…
A mentoring relationship is developed in a healthy environment.
A caddie program offers a chance for the club to give something back to the community.
In recognition to these benefits and the importance of caddie programs, the Western Golf Association
encourages golfers to use caddies whenever they are available. The WGA also encourages the use of a
forecaddie when golfers elect to ride.
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Caddie Program Guidelines
The WGA believes there is no one correct caddie program formula that is all encompassing. A common
formula for successful caddie programs include well-trained caddies, an intuitive caddie manager,
proactive head golf professional and staff, active caddie chairperson, and influential WGA Director.
Recruiting
It is important to determine a reasonable desired number of caddies that you need prior to recruiting
new caddies. By establishing the correct number of caddies on your roster, a caddie manager can
eliminate the turnover and maintain a group of quality caddies. You can eliminate many problems by
understanding the demands of your caddies and golfers. Accepting too many caddies will result in high
turnover and low standards. Turning away too many caddies will result in disappointed golfers.
Many caddie programs have no need for recruiting because their word-of-mouth promotion provides
ample new caddies every year. However, there are some techniques to recruit the right individuals.
Contact local schools in order to promote caddying at your club. Contact the guidance counselors in
order to identify qualified applicants that excel academically, come from modest financial background,
and are of outstanding character. Also, there are caddie programs that require caddie applicants to
bring in a copy of their report card to apply. This allows the caddie manager to identify the students
that qualify academically for the Evans Scholarship.
Many caddie programs have elected to work with non-profit organizations that benefit young people.
By associating with organizations such as the Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund, programs can increase
the number of qualified caddie and Evans Scholar applicants.
It is important to involve the parents of the caddies in the process. Parents should be made aware of
what is expected of both them and their child. A caddie parent meeting should be held in the beginning
of the spring in order to answer any questions the caddies or their parents might have. Also, this serves
as a great time to communicate the rules of the caddie program. This allows the parents to have a level
of buy-in to the program and will increase the chances of success.
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Training
In order for the caddie program to add value to any club/course, the caddies in the program need to be
well-trained. Each caddie applicant should be well-acquainted with the WGA issued Caddie Training
Manual, Caddie Orientation Video, and have successfully completed the WGA issued Caddie Exam. The
Caddie Training Manual should be well read prior to the first training session. The WGA promotes both
classroom style and on-the-course training.
The caddie manager should head the training with the assistance from the course professionals,
members/golfers, and experienced caddies. Some caddie programs require 2 days of caddie training,
while others require a week or more. Many caddie managers teach in a classroom style atmosphere for
the first day of training. The reason behind this is because many of the applicants may not have any
experience with golf or a golf course. Pre-training is vital in order for on-course-training to be effective.
Caddie managers may take large groups onto the course at one time, while others will assign one caddie
trainee per one caddie trainer. Once again, the caddie trainers are usually golfers who often take
caddies, professional staff of the course, or the most experienced caddies. The desired approach is to
have one trainer per trainee.
It is the belief of the WGA that training should be thorough and continuous. Immediate feedback
should be given to caddies in order to assist them serve the club and its golfers. Training continues well
after an applicant becomes a certified caddie. Most caddie programs have pay tickets that are equipped
with a caddie evaluation section. Considerable thought should be given in completing the evaluation
sheet prior to turning it into the caddie manager. Once the caddie manager has the evaluation it is
his/her job to take corrective action to remedy any issues the caddie is having.
If you are interested in participating in the training of caddies, please contact the caddie manager and
offer your assistance. The top caddie programs in the country have active member/golfer participation.
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Classifying
Caddies are often classified by different ranked based upon their experience and abilities. Most often,
first year caddies are referred to as “B” caddies. These first-year caddies often need guidance and
patience. Ideally, the caddie manager will pair first-year caddies with a more experienced caddie in
order to assist in further training as well as keep up with the pace of play. “B” caddies should be
expected to be able to perform the following duties:
calculate yardage
maintain pace of play by staying in front of golfer
and locating ball
replace divots
rake bunkers
forecaddy on appropriate holes
stand quietly and politely during play
keep golf clubs clean
keep golf balls clean
possess a general understanding of the rules of
golf
illustrate courtesy before, during, and after
round
assist with the general upkeep of the course
follow specific instructions
show attentiveness and a good attitude
demonstrate hustle and a determined work ethic
exhibit ability to work as a team with other
caddies
More experienced caddies are often promoted from “B” to “A”. The main motivation for this often
times is the increase in base pay due to their increase in experience and ability. “A” caddies should be
expected to be able to perform more duties at a higher standard. Their duties include all of the
previously stated in addition to:
offer course and local knowledge
provide direction and effect of the wind
calculate yardage to bunkers and hazards
provide service to multiple golfers
possess a more advanced knowledge of the game of golf
encourage and train inexperienced caddies
act as role models in the caddie yard/house
exhibit confidence and leadership
Once an “A” caddie has illustrated their mastering of their duties, they should be promoted to the
“Honor” level. “Honor” caddies will be able to perform the above duties the most exceptional standard
as well as the following:
provide expert advice regarding course layout and conditions
assist caddie manager with everyday operations
offer assistance during training sessions
mentor both “A” and “B” caddies to become better
Please note that beginner caddies should be evaluated on their effort and attitude while more advanced
caddies should be evaluated on their performance. Patience is needed with beginner caddies. Please
provide caddies with immediate feedback as well as your reasoning behind your opinion regarding a
situation. Accurate evaluations of caddies via the caddie ticket/chit sheet will only improve the overall
quality of the program. Please be honest and fair during your evaluations.
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Assigning
Every caddie program assigns caddies to golfers differently. Some caddie managers take a scientific
approach to the assigning of “loops” while others view it as an art form.
Certain clubs implement a roll call system. Caddies are to arrive by a certain time, prior to the roll call.
Caddies’ are categorized by rank (i.e. Honor, “A”, & “B”). The order in which your name or number are
drawn is the order in which each caddie will be assigned. It is important to separate the classes of
caddies in order to avoid 4 “B” caddies in the same group.
The scientific option is a hierarchal approach. Once a golfer has determined they are going to golf, the
caddie manager will offer it to the Honor Caddies. The highest Honor Caddie has his/her choice to
accept that golfer or pass it to the second ranking Honor Caddie. This process continues down to the
“A” and “B” Caddies.
One alternative requires more consideration from the caddie manager. To assign a caddie the caddie
manager takes several variables into consideration in order to determine the best caddie for the golfer.
Elements to factor into the decision are personality of both the golfer and caddie, quality of caddie and
the typical payment from the golfer, and the desired level of caddie from the golfer. Sometimes a golfer
who usually takes an experienced caddie will ask for a new caddie to assist in the training and
development of the new caddie. Several country clubs utilize this method. In all circumstances, fairness
is the caddie manager’s underlying goal. Every effort is made to place at least two “A” and/or Honor
caddies in each group.
Lastly, some caddie programs have their caddies email/call the caddie manager to inform him/her of
their availability for the week. Once a golfer calls to make a tee time the caddie manager can cross
reference the available caddies in order to assign that loop. This process is only applicable to courses
that require tee times. This is a useful method for caddies programs that lack a place for caddies to
congregate prior to their loops. If a caddie is scheduled to tee off at 8:00am, they have the ability to
arrive shortly before their tee time without waiting several hours.
If a caddie comes to the course and does not caddie on a given day, the individual’s name should be
placed on the top of the list for the following day regardless of which method is employed.
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Evaluating
Serious thought and consideration should be placed on the evaluation of a caddie throughout the round.
Feedback should be given in order to better the individual. It is vital that the caddie evaluation card is
completed at the conclusion of the round. Honest and fair grading of the individual caddie will better
both the individual and the caddie program as a whole. It is the responsibility of the caddie manager to
reprimand caddies for their actions once they arrive at the course. Therefore, if a situation arises please
make it known to the caddie manager and he/she will take necessary action.
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Paying
Standard caddie rates should be made public to all members/golfers. Many programs will offer several
rates. Some of the variables to consider when paying a caddie include the rank of the caddie as well as
the service provided. The higher the ranking of the caddie means a higher pay scale. Also, the per-bagrate
for walking caddies is higher than a per-bag-rate for forecaddies. Rates vary from program to
program. Please review a grid that assist in the payment of caddies.
It should be stated that new caddies should be compensated for attitude and effort, while experienced
caddies should be based on attitude, effort and performance.
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Incentives & Awards
Many caddie programs award the hard work of their top caddies by honoring them at an end of year
banquet. The meal is donated by the members of the club. Often times the members also contribute
either money and/or gifts for the top caddies. The caddies have their choice of a selection of prizes.
Many caddie programs award the Caddie of the Year and “Rookie” Caddie of the Year.
Certain clubs have a Caddie/Member Golf tournament. The caddies are encouraged to play in the event
and members are asked to participate in various ways. Some members will assist as starters or
marshals. Certain clubs have their members caddy for the caddies. This provides a unique perspective
for both golfers and caddies to spend a day on the “other side of the bag.” In addition to golf, the pool,
tennis courts, and other facilities of the club are available to the non-golfing caddies to enjoy.
Publicizing the Evans Scholarship
A great way to publicize the Evans Scholarship Foundation is to highlight your current Evans Scholars.
Identify current Scholars with a special caddie bib, shirt, or hat, complete with their name and the
university he/she attends. This will often generate questions from younger caddies or individuals who
are unfamiliar with the program.
Many clubs have an Evans Scholars display to showcase their past and current Evans Scholars. Certain
clubs will have an 8”x10” picture of the current Scholars to enhance their display. There are a variety of
areas to place an Evans Scholars display. Some examples include in the pro shop, clubhouse, locker
rooms, and bag drop. Any area there is high traffic is ideal for such a display.
Involvement with Caddie Manager
The caddie manager plays a crucial role in the success of a caddie program. It is important to outline the
necessary activities for the caddie manager prior to the start of each caddie season. One way to
establish the goals for a caddie manager is to assist in the preparation of the job description. An
evaluation should take place before and after each caddie season to assess the goals and achievements
of the caddie manager as well as the caddie program. Below is an example of a caddie manager job
description.
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Caddie Master Job Description
The Caddie Master’s primary responsibility is the recruitment, training and supervision of
caddies who work at the club. The Caddie Master is an employee of the Club, but must have a
close working relationship with the Golf Professional and his staff. The individual in this
position will also work closely with a member of the Board of Governors who has responsibility
for the caddie program.
The Caddie Master’s job begins on April 1 and runs through October 31. The Caddie Master’s
work day begins at approximately 7:00 a.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m. unless special circumstances
(agreed to beforehand) require a modification of the hours on a given day. The Club is open
Tuesday through Sunday, but special events occasionally require work on Mondays. (Days off
are coordinated with the Golf Pro Shop and Club Manager).
Benefits include Medical Insurance, a discretionary Christmas Bonus and eligibility to
participate in I.R.A contribution plan.
Primary responsibilities include:
1. Train new caddies as to the rules of golf and the duties to be performed while on the golf
course. In doing so, on course training sessions can be supplemented with printed
materials and videotapes made available by the Western Golf Association.
2. Make sure that caddies are available to all golfers, giving equal opportunity to all caddies.
Issues that are taken into consideration are the time of arrival of a caddie on a given day,
their regularity in reporting to work, and their seniority in the caddie program.
3. Work with the Golf Professional and Club Manager to determine the number of caddies
needed for special high demand events, (i.e. Club tournaments and Monday golf outings
for outside groups)
4. Evaluate caddie performance aided by members’ comments and printed caddie
evaluations.
5. Promote caddies to a higher pay grade when appropriate.
6. Handle and issue payouts to the caddies. Balance cash box each week with the Club’s
Accountant.
7. Maintain Caddie Master’s office and see that caddie rest areas and yard are kept clean at
all times.
8. Communicate with the Club Manager if any caddie related equipment or building aria is
in need of repair.
9. Supervise the caddie bonus system, golf tournament and yearly banquet.
10. Keep all caddies informed about opportunities available to them through the Evans
Scholarship program. (Note: Language can be strengthened to include recruiting,
training, informing and nurturing Evans Scholar type caddies.)
At the beginning of the season, and also at the end, golf activity may be slow. During these
times the Caddie Master may be asked to with the Club Manager on special projects.
Conversely, when use of golf course is at its greatest and the work of the Pro Shop is intense, the
Caddie Master may be asked to assist the staff members in locating their golf clubs, issuing golf
carts or responding to other member requests.
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