What Does a Golf Caddie Do? Strategy, Distances and the Rules

A golf caddie is someone who assists a player during a round, including handling clubs and giving permitted advice. Carrying a bag is only the most visible part of the job. A useful caddie helps answer the questions that decide a shot: how far must the ball carry, where is the sensible target, and what happens if the shot is slightly mishit?

That makes the relationship a conversation. The golfer supplies their normal distances, preferred shots and comfort level. The caddie contributes observations and, where they have it, knowledge of the course. The final decision and the swing remain with the player.

The practical work between shots

A caddie can organise and clean clubs, look for the ball, attend the flagstick and help care for the course. Under Rule 10.3, they may also give advice. Being a caddie does not require physically carrying the bag: the R&A clarification specifically recognises a caddie performing other duties while the player transports their own clubs in a buggy.

For a first round together, explain whether you prefer a brief distance and target or a fuller discussion. Agree on metres or yards before the opening tee shot. A perfectly accurate number is unhelpful when two people are silently using different units.

How caddies think about distance and club selection

Start with a simple hypothetical approach: the flag is 145 metres away, the front of the green is 132, and a bunker guards the entrance. A shot that travels 145 metres including roll may still finish in the sand if its airborne carry is too short. A sensible discussion therefore separates carry distance, landing area and likely run after landing.

The next questions concern the lie, wind, elevation and the player's normal shot. An uphill target or a headwind may call for a different choice from a level shot in calm conditions. There is no universal rule that every gust or metre of elevation adds a fixed number of metres. Strength of strike, trajectory and conditions interact.

Strategy also includes choosing a useful miss. With trouble beside a tucked flag, the centre of the green may offer a more comfortable next shot. A caddie's recommendation is most valuable when it fits the golfer's reliable shot, rather than a distance achieved once on the practice range.

Are they using binoculars or a rangefinder?

The small device you see held to one eye is often a laser rangefinder, used to obtain a distance to a target. Binoculars mainly make distant objects easier to see. The R&A even gives an example of using binoculars or a distance device to identify a ball by its markings.

Rule 4.3 generally permits distance information, but prohibits using equipment to measure elevation changes or generate a recommended club or line from the ball's location. A device's slope or coaching features must therefore stay unused when prohibited. Measuring wind speed at the course with equipment is also prohibited; obtaining a weather forecast is allowed. Human judgement of wind and elevation remains part of the game.

A competition can prohibit electronic distance measurement through Model Local Rule G-5. Check the event's Local Rules rather than assuming a device seen on television will be allowed in your tournament.

Reading greens and knowing the limits

On the green, the discussion shifts to slope, pace and the intended starting direction of the putt. Think of line and speed together: a firmer putt and a gentler putt will not necessarily follow the same curve. The player still has to choose and deliver the stroke.

Only one caddie at a time is allowed. Caddies cannot drop a ball for the player when taking relief, and restrictions apply to standing behind the ball to help aim. The player is responsible for their caddie's rules breaches. These boundaries matter even during a friendly competition.

Caddie versus forecaddie

A forecaddie typically works ahead to watch where shots finish and help locate balls, sometimes supporting a whole group. A player's caddie has the broader role of assisting that player. Club job titles can overlap, so ask what a service actually includes and whether the person will act as your caddie for rules purposes.

Ball spotting can save time, but a caddie's search also matters under Rule 18.2: the three-minute search period starts when the player or their caddie begins searching. Sending your caddie ahead does not create an unlimited search window. When a ball may be lost outside a penalty area or out of bounds, a correctly announced provisional ball can avoid a return journey.

Before arranging a caddie on a golf holiday

Ask the course whether a caddie service exists for your date, whether it is individual or shared, what duties are included, and how the fee and any gratuity are handled. Do not infer that a green fee, buggy reservation or hotel golf package includes a caddie. Availability in Belek needs to be confirmed with the particular club.

When comparing courses, look beyond the headline length. A layout's sight lines, landing areas and green surrounds may shape the advice you need just as much as its total yardage.

• Explore golf courses in Belek ↗
• Understand the golf terms used on the course ↗