After nearly 10 years of caddying, I have been the beneficiary of some of the great perks that caddying has to offer. While there are many perks to the job, I have narrowed them down to four.
Good Money
For most caddies, money was the number one factor that pushed them towards the job. Some of my colleagues are retired, some have recently been laid off, and some are students that play college golf just like me. No matter the situation, we are all in need of money for one reason or another. While the pay differs from club to club, it is far greater than the average summer job. There are very few jobs that have as few qualifications as caddying does that offer comparable pay.
Golf Networking
“It’s Not What You Know, It’s Who You Know.” This age-old adage is no lie, and I have quickly realized this through my work of caddying. To become a member at many of the elite private clubs across the country, one must have had an elite professional career. Caddying gives young college golfers an opportunity that is incomparable with most summer jobs, a chance to build relationships with elite professionals. Whether it’s giving life advice or professional assistance, most members are more than willing to help out a caddie that works hard.
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Playing Free Golf, of Course
While some caddies have never played a round of golf in their lives, most enjoy playing the game, at least occasionally. College golfers usually have a very limited budget, which restricts them from playing even nice public courses. As most private clubs are closed on Mondays, employees of the club, caddies included, are given the chance to play at the club. While members pay a small fortune to play the course, caddies have the great opportunity to play the elite course for free.
Exercise on the Golf Course
Walking a golf course is an exercise. Walking and jogging a golf course with two bags strapped to your back is an even more intense exercise. While the total distance walked depends on many factors, a typical caddy can walk anywhere from 5-10 miles per loop. Making that hike 6 days a week for 4 months gives you a pretty hefty sum of miles for the summer.
**Cormac Kelly is the Director of Recreational Golf for the NCCGA and also a leading member of the Ohio State Club Golf Team. Hit Cormac up on twitter @RecCollegeGolf
