About Skip Ward Expertise Former PGA PROFESSIONAL: Golf related questions regarding Rules, Etiquette,
PGA TOUR, PGA Players, Game History, Club History, Golf Trivia, and US
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Question Skip, I have been a local (southern New Jersey) club caddie for the past 5 years. I have been around the game since the mid 70's. 12 handicapper, married, 46 years old. I am also a certified caddie and caddie trainer through Caddie Services, Inc., from Pinehurst, NC.
How would I go about trying to pick up a pro bag (short term)? Is there a contact person through the PGA or LPGA tours?
Answer Dear Jim, thanks for the question. Your experience stands for itself! Incidentally there really is no contact person within the PGA or LPGA. The only reason I can think of for that is that the caddies have lobbied those powers that be for years to help further tighten the ropes to outsiders breaking in. As I'm certain you've noticed, somewhere in the late 70's, early 80's golf began to explode. (and even more now of course) When that happened caddies created their union/association of sorts to give them the strength in numbers that they need for things like benefits, insurances etc. In so doing, they have made it tougher and tougher for a new guy to catch a bag. An acquaintance at the USGA tells me that it really comes down to being in the right place at the right time. He suggested volunteering at professional tournaments, getting there early, and staying late. (once you get the volunteer "shirt" you can pretty-much hang around anywhere on site) He even mentioned that working for the tv companies that cover the events can lead to meeting the right player. In the old days you could show up at an event and likely get a bag...and while that doesn't really exist anymore on the PGA, it does still happen from time to time on the LPGA and Nationwide tours. They are usually in much smaller towns with a much more down-home feel. Getting one of those bags could lead to bigger better things. Its a lot like playing well...PATIENCE AND PERSISTENCE! Lastly I'll leave you with a website that you may alreay know but perhaps not, and the phone for the USGA and PGA. Good luck and remember...
