Caddies

[PrincipalsNose]

How much pull do caddies have at top US clubs? If you know one, are they able to get you out? Or is that unlikely? 

[SLP1967]

highly unlikely that they have any pull at all.... I have played quite a few of the top 50 in the U.S.  I dont think any had any pull at all.

[OnTheBag]

32 minutes ago, PrincipalsNose said:

How much pull do caddies have at top US clubs? If you know one, are they able to get you out? Or is that unlikely? 

Caddies......none.  Caddy Master......maybe a very small influence of who gets on due to a long relationship with the Pro.  Even then it would be non-peak hours and not at any of the exclusive private clubs.

 

Honestly, don't get your hopes up.  It's a 1 in 10,000 shot depending on the course, could be higher odds of getting a slot.  At most of the top courses, the caddies either aren't allowed to play or are given a very specific time slot to play in once per week/2 weeks.

Edited August 27, 2023 by OnTheBag

[PrincipalsNose]

27 minutes ago, OnTheBag said:

Caddies......none.  Caddy Master......maybe a very small influence of who gets on due to a long relationship with the Pro.  Even then it would be non-peak hours and not at any of the exclusive private clubs.

 

Honestly, don't get your hopes up.  It's a 1 in 10,000 shot depending on the course, could be higher odds of getting a slot.  At most of the top courses, the caddies either aren't allowed to play or are given a very specific time slot to play in once per week/2 weeks.

Top 30 club globally in the north east. 

[TexasTurf]

50 minutes ago, PrincipalsNose said:

Top 30 club globally in the north east. 

Director of golf or head pro is your friend here. Not that I agree with it, but it is what it is. Superintendents can't even play their courses at most high end clubs due to politics, it's a "bad look."

[PrincipalsNose]

3 hours ago, TexasTurf said:

Director of golf or head pro is your friend here. Not that I agree with it, but it is what it is. Superintendents can't even play their courses at most high end clubs due to politics, it's a "bad look."

So it solely would come down to the head pro or director of golf per se? 
 

I know there has been convo of playing with a pro.. cover your own green fee, your caddy. The pro’s green fee, their caddy. Would come out to 500-600 USD if I was even given the chance. 

Edited August 27, 2023 by PrincipalsNose

[Octopus Golfer]

As others have mentioned, caddies have no pull. But, at most top courses, they can play on Mondays when the course is closed.. There is a chance they can take you out with them. I have a friend who played Peachtree several times like that. 

[Bonneville85308]

When I was a caddie at a "top 200" club, our Monday play came with a strict "no guests" limitation. We were issued little wallet cards signed by the caddiemaster that described our Monday privileges and they had this listed along with a few other rules. Just one data point.

Edited August 27, 2023 by Bonneville85308

[Looper34]

A while back I played on 2 courses that are currently ranked on GD top 15 on Monday when they were closed to members dealing solely with the caddie master. We had to grease the caddy master and use/pay a caddie as well.  Both times we had a name to tell them to get us in but judging by how busy both places were, it was obviously a thing. Zero amenities, no cart, basically play and get. 

[DataGolfer]

Caddie at a former US Open hosting, future PGA and Ryder Cup hosting CC.

 

We can play after 5pm, every day of the week. Usually, front 9 only. Depends on the director of golf's mood. I've played 18 twice this Summer. 

 

No practice facility use, can't buy food/drink, and have to walk.

 

Odds of getting someone else on? 0%, with as many significant figures as you need. 

 

 

[OnTheBag]

11 hours ago, PrincipalsNose said:

Top 30 club globally in the north east. 

Not a chance.......  I doubt they allow their caddies to play the course at all.

[StudentGolfer4]

I’m at a course that fits this bill. Everyone saying caddies have zero pull are correct. But members can obviously have guests out, and some caddies have really good relationships with a couple of members.
 

My regular member is a great guy who I’ve gotten to know over the years. My wife had an important family member in town that wanted to play if possible. He’s at a similar level club down south and his pro was able to get him on. But as an unaccompanied guest he wouldn’t be able to play Friday-Sunday when he was in town. Brought it up in conversation with the member and next thing you know he’s teeing off at 8am Saturday morning with 3 other members and I’m on his bag. 

If the caddies have a strong relationship, in a roundabout way that caddie, or a group of caddies who loop for the influential members, sometimes can make things happen. We have had a few policy changes suggested by caddies, brought to the board by members that have passed. One year about 8 of the veteran caddies paired up with members and played an informal best ball event. The next year an official member/caddy event was held at the end of summer and it’s happened every year since. 

 

[monty09]

8 hours ago, StudentGolfer4 said:

I’m at a course that fits this bill. Everyone saying caddies have zero pull are correct. But members can obviously have guests out, and some caddies have really good relationships with a couple of members.
 

My regular member is a great guy who I’ve gotten to know over the years. My wife had an important family member in town that wanted to play if possible. He’s at a similar level club down south and his pro was able to get him on. But as an unaccompanied guest he wouldn’t be able to play Friday-Sunday when he was in town. Brought it up in conversation with the member and next thing you know he’s teeing off at 8am Saturday morning with 3 other members and I’m on his bag. 

If the caddies have a strong relationship, in a roundabout way that caddie, or a group of caddies who loop for the influential members, sometimes can make things happen. We have had a few policy changes suggested by caddies, brought to the board by members that have passed. One year about 8 of the veteran caddies paired up with members and played an informal best ball event. The next year an official member/caddy event was held at the end of summer and it’s happened every year since. 

 

 

 

I have seen this happen time and time again.   My caddie from from a top 10 club introduced me to a member at his winter club thats also in the top 10.. and member hosted round set up after 

[JimmyC59]

I used to Caddy at Connecticut's top course. Could play on Mondays, barring some kind of outing, and bring a guest. Walking only.

Edited August 28, 2023 by JimmyC59

[Creedo77]

I loop at Congressional in my off season, there’s no chance I could bring someone out. Now, like some others have said I’m pretty tight with a few members who may be willing to host someone I know. The guest fee is outrageous though, so I wouldn’t even bother asking 

[PrincipalsNose]

11 minutes ago, Creedo77 said:

I loop at Congressional in my off season, there’s no chance I could bring someone out. Now, like some others have said I’m pretty tight with a few members who may be willing to host someone I know. The guest fee is outrageous though, so I wouldn’t even bother asking 

500+?

[Creedo77]

7 hours ago, PrincipalsNose said:

500+?

Not 100% sure on it but I’ve heard $750