Caddie vs. cart at resort?

[SiberianDVM]

For my trip to Kiawah in April, I understand the $$$$ price of a round includes your choice of a cart or a caddie. I've never had a real, live caddie carry my bag, and I think I'd like to try it once before I shed this mortal coil.

I assume, in addition to the cut they get from the round, they expect a gratuity? How much? The rounds go for $180-245, I think.

[Farquod]

Believe it or not, they generally get no cut, doc. They work solely for tips.

Depending on the course, I have found the range to vary from $40-$100 per bag. If he's your caddy alone (not a double) and good, go to the upper range. If he's caddying for two, and adequate, $50 each is good. If he's a forecaddy only for the foursome, and you take carts, $20 per man.

JMO.

[SiberianDVM]

I guess everything is overpriced at a resort, even caddies. I can't imagine anyone these days sitting waiting for a loop, without getting paid something by the hour.

I prefer to walk, so I guess I'll spring for a caddie, at least for 1 day.

[obagain]

Once you use a real caddie you will alway want one.
They know things about the course the head pro doesn't.
Plus, at some courses you might not finish without one.
I was playing congressional the first time when we get to the first green. The caddie says, 4 inch break right, I ask, are you sure it looks left to me. He rolls his eyes.
I proceed to hit my putt 8 foot past the hole because it broke right.
I apologise and tell him I will listen to him no matter what.
On 3 I hit into the rough, he is standing there pointing to the grass ans says, it's in there. What club do you hit the best, I say a 7 iron, he says give it all you got. I do and the ball dribbles back to the fairway.
Without him, I may still be trying to finish that round.

[SiberianDVM]

LOL!

I'm just hoping the caddie doesn't laugh at my so-called game. I guess they try to control the giggles in hopes of getting a decent tip.

[Eracer]

I've played with caddies twice. The last time was at Whistling Straights in 2001. The round was $225.00. I gave him a $75.00 tip, since he did a bang-up job controlling his laughter as the course ate me alive.

The only other time I used a caddie, it was a horrendous experience. 1992 at Spyglass. This A-HOLE kept chattering away to his buddy, who was on another bag. He did find the time to point out my bad shots, saying thing like, "are you gonna' start playing golf, here?" I finally had to forcefully tell him to shut the hell up, or drop the bag and walk his ass back to the house. I was PISSED. It really ruined my day.

I'm sure he felt that there was no reason to take this loop seriously, since a player of my "skill" didn't belong on HIS course. Which is, of course, nonsense.

I know he was an abberation, but he certainly soured me on caddies. The only reason I used one eight years later was that I had no choice. The Straights course requires caddies. Thank God the caddy there was great.

Hope you have a great time in Kiawah. It's a beautiful place. I didn't play the Ocean course, but played Turtle Point, which was great. Have fun.

[Bravo]

Siberian:

I agree with Obagain. Once you play with them (assuming they are good at what they do) you will always want one...

I have played with a caddie about 20 times and I can tell you that my scores have been consistently lower with caddies. Their course knowledge is so much better - especially on the greens...

One of my biggest weaknesses is green reading. I play the same course all the time and still cannot consistently read the greens.

Get the caddy and if he does a good job - give him a good tip and feel good about your experience...I think you will really like it.

[SiberianDVM]

I'll try it. The guy cn't possibly read greens any worse than I do. If he's any good, I may let him putt for me too.