The future of caddies?

[Tom_Doak]

Caddies are now permitted by Executive Order in Michigan.

[Steve Lang]

Caddies are now permitted by Executive Order in Michigan.

 Don't know whether to laugh or cry... Le Dictator knows best

[Ian Mackenzie]

Wanted to circle back on this thread now that "Phase 4" is here in Illinois and caddies are back.


Yes, the pandemic has taken its toll on caddy programs.
Yes, the members have now become accustomed to at least having the CHOICE to carry or have a looper.


The latest trend that golfers LOVE that may now get greater traction:


- foursome takes one caddy.
- all 4 bags are tied onto a cart/buggy
- golfers walk, caddy follows with clubs and gets yardage. looks for balls.


Since no rakes and no pin removal, it works.


And its $30 per bag instead of $75+.


Members also bought trollies and use them.


One less person to interact with from outside your safety bubble.


Does not bode well longterm.

[Tim Martin]

I don’t know what thread I read it on but that some UK clubs rent the electric trolleys. Maybe that option is available in the U.S. but I have not encountered it. Although there is a bigger expense up front to purchase them the rental fee should eclipse anything that you pay to push. You have a wide range of pricing and options starting with some Bat Caddy models that can be had for less than $500. I would gladly pay as much or more as I would for a cart.

[corey miller]

Sorry but one caddie with four bags on a cart is terribly slow for the subset of golfers that actually play fast. 


Why would the fourth golfer wait for the caddie or wait for the caddie before figuring out the  yardage?


It would seem if the goal is to maintain the opportunity for caddies and that experience for a member it should at least be two caddies and two carts which at least approximates the pace that one has with a double bag caddie. 


Don't want to get to the other aspects of "their role" but I am of the opinion that "we" (the caddie and I) have no set responsibilities other than m mandate we move as fast as reasonable. 

[Ian Mackenzie]

Sorry but one caddie with four bags on a cart is terribly slow for the subset of golfers that actually play fast. 


Why would the fourth golfer wait for the caddie or wait for the caddie before figuring out the  yardage?


It would seem if the goal is to maintain the opportunity for caddies and that experience for a member it should at least be two caddies and two carts which at least approximates the pace that one has with a double bag caddie. 


Don't want to get to the other aspects of "their role" but I am of the opinion that "we" (the caddie and I) have no set responsibilities other than m mandate we move as fast as reasonable.

Not here to discuss pace of play, just share info about caddies.


For a 4-some seeking to play in 3:30 - 4:00, this works. Period.


"for the subset of golfers that actually play fast" - and I would say that means a 4-some in 3 hours or less, then I agree with you.
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[/size]It does not, however, change the new reality and the basis of the thread.[/color]

[PCCraig]

Still no caddies at our place, and it's probably not looking good since we usually use high schoolers and they are only around Memorial Day to Labor Day.


Notable was that last week they put rakes and accessories back out on the course per the MGA. Plus no more pool noodles in the cups. Have to say, all those accessories really look like shit out there. Got used to looking at a clean golf course and I don't think anyone really cared about the unraked bunkers...so surprising they were all put back (even if they are "optional").

[Sean_A]

I don’t know what thread I read it on but that some UK clubs rent the electric trolleys. Maybe that option is available in the U.S. but I have not encountered it. Although there is a bigger expense up front to purchase them the rental fee should eclipse anything that you pay to push. You have a wide range of pricing and options starting with some Bat Caddy models that can be had for less than $500. I would gladly pay as much or more as I would for a cart.

A large percentage of well known clubs have a small fleet electric trolleys to compliment the horrible pull trolleys.  I am still surprised I don't see more non-battery 3 wheel push trolleys. 

Gulp, I played a course last week, one of the very few I have seen in GB&I in 30 years of playing here, where I saw more riders than walkers. 

Ciao

[John Kavanaugh]

Two Years ago at Pinehurst #2 one of the caddies in our group took a cart. Why not four caddies and four carts?

[David_Tepper]

 I am still surprised I don't see more non-battery 3 wheel push trolleys.
 

Sean -

A good number of the well known private clubs in the SF Bay area and elsewhere in Northern California now have fleets of 3-wheel push trolleys available for use. It is a big and positive change over the last 5-10 years.

DT

[Tim Martin]

Two Years ago at Pinehurst #2 one of the caddies in our group took a cart. Why not four caddies and four carts?

You get a happier and more attentive caddy if there is nothing to carry. That’s just human nature no?
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[Tom_Doak]

The latest trend that golfers LOVE that may now get greater traction:

- foursome takes one caddy.
- all 4 bags are tied onto a cart/buggy
- golfers walk, caddy follows with clubs and gets yardage. looks for balls.


Since no rakes and no pin removal, it works.


And its $30 per bag instead of $75+.

That's been the model in Japan since golf started there.


I just had a note from our friends at CommonGround that their youth caddie program is thriving with trolleys and young caddies who can now serve two players each.


Not good for those who want to make a living caddying, though.

[John Kavanaugh]

Has any club tried having virtual caddies who can offer advice over an app? Or even better on those 11” GPS screens found in most carts.

[jeffwarne]

The latest trend that golfers LOVE that may now get greater traction:

- foursome takes one caddy.
- all 4 bags are tied onto a cart/buggy
- golfers walk, caddy follows with clubs and gets yardage. looks for balls.


Since no rakes and no pin removal, it works.


And its $30 per bag instead of $75+.

That's been the model in Japan since golf started there.


I just had a note from our friends at CommonGround that their youth caddie program is thriving with trolleys and young caddies who can now serve two players each.

This(caddies pulling 2 trollies) is what we're doing, along with plenty of members carrying their own or pulling/pushing their own, or a combination all three.
Caddies not mandatory, but caddies working more than ever due to surge in member weekday rounds.


Many clubs have resorted to 2 carts and two forecaddies
Not real imaginative, and not ideal for turf

[SL_Solow]

Ian,  at least in our town, give it some time and let' see what happens with the virus.  Don't underestimate the WGA and the Evans Scholar Foundation.

[Ian Mackenzie]

Ian,  at least in our town, give it some time and let' see what happens with the virus.  Don't underestimate the WGA and the Evans Scholar Foundation.

Shel, I hear you.


But ultimately it's up to the club policies that give members now, and for the foreseeable future, the choice.
Lots of folks bought trollies due the (really, really stupid) rules for playing in May.


Now they have them, they will use them and elect to do so when asked.


Will send you an EM to get our game scheduled...;-)