Ahhh, one step forward...with TWO bags...and two steps back , with one bag! Let me try and explain. There is NO question that in a perfect caddie world, EVERY caddie should learn the job starting as a SINGLE caddie. This should be done with both caddiemanager instruction, AND on the job shadowing under the eyes of a more veteran caddie who knows how to MENTOR. Just because you are a great caddie does NOT qualify you for this role. It takes: empathy, tact and patience, along with a solid understanding of the duties, physical and otherwise.
After the single bag role has been mastered to a competent level, and this progression will vary caddie to caddie, they could, again with "veteran" supervision, on-course, begin to carry two bags. I must respectfully say at this juncture...you can carry two bags and still do a superb job for BOTH players. The PLAYERS have to ADJUST to the process and aid the double caddy where it makes sense. This IS NOT a master and servant situation here folks! It is a TEAMWORK dynamic at play. I'm constantly baffled at how many players, particularly those that should know better, have difficulty getting that aspect of working WITH a caddie carrying double.
Come on, how hard is it to pull the rake behind you after a sand shot when you can clearly see the double caddie needs to get to the other player in short order. That guy or gal caddie isn't shirking out there in that instance, and it's no real sweat of your back. After all, YOU hit the ball in there. I almost always rake my own bunker when I'm out with a caddie, saying to them, " I got it...this is my penance!" Now a caddie who is just being lazy and WAITING for you to rake...that is something else entirely. As many who chime in here have claimed they almost don't need that much from the caddie, simply working TOGETHER can make for a very smooth, enjoyable round.
The idea that you're somehow getting cheated when being carried by a double caddie needs some reflection. MANY caddies, especially older caddies, NEED to carry double to be there! It enables them to pay their bills, put gas in their car to come to the course, help the kid(s) they have going to college, etc.etc. Of course there is an added level of attentiveness and service when the job is performed by a single caddy. That should be the realm of the youger, aspiring caddie OR the aging lion who still has the goods, they just don't have the physical stamina for the double anymore. It is a thing of beauty to see a wise vet squire a gaggle of younger singles around with a foursome. I know. I lived it and you want to talk about quickly ratcheting junior's caddying skills!
Now we turn to the forecaddie role. Make NO MISTAKE...it is an art to do a superior job as a forecaddie. Many veterans caddies have difficulty performing this role well. Think about it. Four players. All the information. Keeping the group rolling and not losing balls. Multiple reads given quickly and on point. You get the picture...it's a TOUGH job done well. It amazes me how many facilities send out the kids on this role, often green, and wonder why both the players AND the caddies are frustrated by the experience. NO inexperienced caddie should be put out on a forecaddie job. Better to have them work for just two players in the group on each nine than to subject them AND the players to a position they will be overwelmed in.
The caddiemanager IS the key character here, regardless of the scenario, THEY must convey the caddie status to the player(s) at the outset. This sets the proper, reasonable expectation of what is to follow and quickly defines a comfort level for the interaction. This CRITICAL dialogue is VITAL. It eliminates confusion, frustration and uncertainty from the start.
Turning to the new arrival, or immigrant caddie. They in general, do work hard. The language issue can be a challenge. That said, if you take the same measured approach to learning the job as was previously described, they will quickly become quite competent. I will say that hiring for personality, while high on the list of desired qualites for any caddie candidate, is at a premium for this pool of folks. New culture, environment,protocals, etc. leads to frustration. An upbeat, light-hearted spirit generally handles this better than the quiet, more sullen type from my experience. They should WANT to be there ...everyday. That really goes for EVERY caddie in your yard.
The caddie yard is really a microcosim of our world gang. The better the quality and harmony is, the better it all functions. There is room for diversity, on EVERY level. Again, the position should be one that is coveted. It needs to be appreciated and valued by those who caddie. That means the facility MUST support and respect what it represents. You want your BEST people in that role. Huh, you say? Yes, because they spend more time with your golfers than ANYONE else on the property. This goes DOUBLE if you are a destination golf facility. It amazes me that some places give this important aspect of sustained profitability such short shrift. Some even outsource that caddie program leadership to profit-driven management companies. They're nuts!
Cheers,
Kris
