Being a golf caddy is easily the best job for a teenager, boy or girl. I applied at Old Elm Club in Highland Park the spring of my eighth grade year. Old Elm wasn’t the right fit for me and I chose not to caddy there. Quickly after that failed attempt, I applied at Knollwood Club, which was a great decision.
I landed an interview and secured the job. I underwent training the following week, nothing tricky. I began working paid loops the week after that.
January and February are the best times to apply at courses in the North Shore. Anytime after, it is pretty unlikely that the Caddymaster will respond because positions will have been filled by then.
Before applying, do some research. You will want to know the “vibe” of where you could possibly be spending your summers. The pay from club to club also varies drastically, don’t be shy to ask.
In recent years, there is another thing to look for when applying for jobs. Some clubs have adopted an app that schedules and organizes caddy’s loops for them. The alternative is arriving at the club at 6 a.m., sitting, waiting, and wishing to get out soon.
It doesn’t always work out. There are days you don’t get out, which sucks because that means hours killed without pay. In my opinion, the pay is totally worth these days because the money you make in one day is probably a weeks’ worth of your friend’s that are lifeguards.
The work is much harder, but it is also more fun and rewarding. You get to meet lots of interesting people and it is a great way to begin building career connections.
Even if you are not a morning person, it is worth it to wake up and get those early loops. Often times the really good golfers play early in the morning before the course gets busy.
This is also a good way to increase your rank. I can speak about Knollwood; you begin as a B caddy, then can be promoted to A, then Honor Caddy. It usually takes a few years to reach honor caddy, as you become more skilled.
Some skills a honor caddy should have are reading greens, efficient club handling, club suggestion and strategic input.
The number one misconception about this job is that you have to play and understand golf to be a caddy. Do not shy away from the job if you are unfamiliar with the game. I knew nothing about it, but you learn as you go. The lingo is simple and comes with time on the course.
You can easily make a few hundred dollars in one day caddying, especially if you are lucky enough to get two loops in one day. The pay is a huge draw to the job.
I would venture to say that this is the highest paying job for a teen in our area. There is nothing that even comes close. Even a middle school student can become a caddy, so don’t be afraid to try.
