How to Become a Golf Caddie

Learning how to become a golf caddie is a good option for teens looking a summer or weekend job. A golf caddie job can yield good money, and can be good exercise too. You can learn a lot about the game of golf, learn tips from good players and get to meet influential people in your community. Before you sign up, though, make sure you're qualified.

Learn the Lingo
Brush up on the golf rules and terms used in the game. Know the course you want to work at, where the fairways, greens and rough are located, and the path to each hole. You should understand words such as bogey, eagle, hole-in-one, par, birdie, albatross, divot, putt, driver, putter, wedge and tee. The vocabulary of those playing the game is important, because golf caddies are expected to respond to the needs of the players. You may even be expected to contribute to the conversation. You may be asked to keep score as well, so learn how this is done.

Get Some Experience
Go out and play golf a few times to get a firsthand feel for the game. Carry a bag of clubs so you know how much it weighs. Remember that you'll be doing this for the players, so you need to be able to walk the course carrying a bag of clubs without becoming exhausted. Learn to replace divots and place a tee with a ball on top, measure distance with your eyes and know the wind direction.

If you can, get in as many rounds of golf as possible at the course where you want to work. Private clubs may not let you play until you're hired. If that's the case, practice at a public course before you begin working and take every opportunity to play the private course once you're hired. Golfers will ask you for advice about choosing clubs or the distance to the hole. The more you know the course, the better prepared you are to handle those questions.

Apply
You can apply for caddie jobs at golf courses, country clubs and online at Craigslist or Caddychicks.com. Apply for a few jobs to get the best chances of landing one. Be sure to find out the hourly rate, what hours you're expected to be there and what caddies typically make in tips.

Once you're hired, be professional. Respect the course's rules for conduct and clothing. Working as a caddy can be a great way to network with professional adults who might be able to get you a job in the future or put in a good word for you on college applications. You want to appear professional and capable at all times around these people.