WHEN SHOULD I USE A CADDIE?

If a course doesn’t require a caddie, what’s the best way to decide if it’s worth it to use a caddie or not? We’ve previously talked about specific courses … but what are the hallmarks of a course that make these decisions easier? (Listen, we’ve played a lot of golf but we’re not going to be able to list EVERY course as much as we’d like to.)

Lots of decisions go into taking a caddie. Don’t get lost in the sauce.

SINGLE OR DOUBLE?

This is a logistical question but it matters a lot. If the caddies only carry one bag, then your decision is yours alone. But if they typically double-bag (that is, they each carry two bags) and nobody else in your foursome wants to take a caddie, then you are essentially taking money out of that caddies pocket. If you still want a caddie, try to convince a buddy to do likewise, and if you are unsuccessful, ask the caddiemaster if it works. Courses like these which double bag? Bandon Dunes, Streamsong, Pinehurst, Sand Valley

Decisions about singles and doubles aren’t just about hotel rooms, or espresso shots. But … mmmm, espresso.

BLIND SHOTS AHEAD … WHAT TERRORS AWAIT?

Does the course you are playing have many blind tee shots? Many older courses - especially those in the British Isles like Lahinch (below), and many in Scotland, Northern Ireland and England do - mostly because they were built before big earth movers existed. They built the courses where the land was. So, when you tee your ball up without a caddie, you’d look at the above hill and wonder … I know I need to hit it over this hill, but … what happens after that? Sometimes there is a dogleg where the hole moves to the right… or left. Maybe there’s a bunker that is designed to swallow up gentle fades. A caddie will not only help but often run to the top of the hill and stand right where he wants your ball to go over. (And then walk away to get out of harm’s way.) We have played courses with blind shots on more than half of the tee shots - including at least one par-3! It’s just the way a lot of courses were built back then, and it can be REALLY, REALLY fun. But a caddie makes it way less stressful. Classic blind shot courses? Lahinch, Royal County Down, Royal Portrush, The Old Course at St. Andrews.

Sure, any golfer knows to hit it over the hill, but … what is over the hill? Should you aim to the left, right? Do bunkers await? A caddie knows.

ARE YOU READY FOR THE HIKE?

A lot of courses may not require a caddie, but they don’t allow carts. And be honest … a lot of golfers simply choose to ride when they golf. Walking 18 holes - even on a relatively flat course - can be quite taxing, especially when the wind is up and the game is stressful, and even moreso if you’ve played a few rounds in a row. This is a GREAT time to hire someone else to carry your bag for you. Simply walking down the fairway without pushing or carrying your bag is not just a physical relief but a mental one. Add in the great tips your caddie will provide on sightlines, green readings and so much more, and it’s a great decision. Or, you can be like this guy.

Similar variables might be whether it’s a really warm day, or the weather is such that you’d prefer to focus on being bundled up, etc. What courses (weather not withstanding) fit this bill? Chambers Bay, Erin Hills, Bandon Trails, Streamsong (at least partially due to the heat), Bethpage Black

Sometimes the walk can be too much. He needed a caddie.

IS THIS A SPECIAL ROUND?

Sometimes, it’s just about the moment. A course may not be a tough walk, or have blind shots or hidden bunkers you need a caddie to warn you about … but it’s a legendary course, or you are playing on your birthday or something similarly special. Not only does having a caddie add to that moment but he can help celebrate with you - just lightening the load but also, hopefully, help you play better on such a special day. If you are crossing off a bucket list course or celebrating an anniversary, retirement or a reunion - something that deserves an extra something - getting a caddie just might be that thing.

A special day on the links can be even better with a caddie.

As noted, hiring a caddie doesn’t have to be a big deal - there’s any number of reasons to do it - but if you are on the fence and unsure about whether today is the right day to do it, we hope these are some good ways to make that choice.