Professional Caddie Certification Program
Professional Caddie Certification Program
Unlock Your Career in Professional Caddying
Are you passionate about golf and eager to take your love for the sport to a professional level? Our intensive 7-day Professional Caddie Certification Program is designed to equip you with the fundamental knowledge and skills for your potential as a professional caddie at both club and tour levels.
Course Details
- Dates: Dec. 1–7, 2024
- Location: Lonnie Poole Golf Course and Club House Classrooms
- Cost: $4,000
- Prerequisites: 21 years of age or older, played regularly for a minimum of three years, and possess sound knowledge of golf and course etiquette.
- Format: Seven consecutive days and one evening of instruction, designed to be accessible and manageable for individuals with busy schedules. Participants will need to allocate one week away from work to complete the course.
This program is limited to cohorts of the first 18 approved applicants. Applicants beyond that will be considered for the next scheduled cohort.
Learn More
Why Choose NC State’s Professional Golf Caddie Program?
University accredited — Our program is the only caddie certification course accredited by the prestigious North Carolina State University, ensuring you receive a top-tier education that is recognized and respected in the industry.
Expert instruction — Learn from the best in the field. Our course is designed and delivered by top tour caddies who bring real-world experience and insider knowledge to the classroom.
Comprehensive curriculum — Gain a deep understanding of the fundamentals of professional caddying, delivered by the beautiful game’s leading experts.
Personalized instruction — Class size is capped at 18 with a maximum of six participants per instructor on the golf course.
Standardization of skills — The certification program ensures that caddies possess a standardized set of skills and knowledge relevant to the professional golf industry.
Enhanced professionalism — By completing a certification program, participants demonstrate their commitment to professionalism and excellence in their role.
Improved quality of service — Certified caddies are likely to provide a higher quality of service, enhancing their play and the overall experience for golfers.
Career advancement — Certification can open opportunities for career advancement within the caddying profession.
Meet Your Caddie Program Developers and Instructors
The program has been meticulously crafted by seasoned tour caddies to deliver unparalleled instruction — boasting extensive experience across various prestigious circuits, including the PGA, DP World, USGA, and LIV tours.
With a collective background encompassing decades of involvement in major tournaments, Ryder Cups, and Presidents Cups, these elite professionals embody the pinnacle of the caddying world.
Grant Berry
Berry has been a caddie for notable golfers including Henrik Stenson, Thomas Bjorn, Carl Pettersson, Francisco Molinari, Luke Donald, and Daniel Berger. Berry caddied the winning putt in the Presidents Cup with Berger and the Ryder Cup with Stenson.
Mike Hicks
Hicks has been a caddie for notable golfers including Curtis Strange, Jonathan Byrd, Greg Norman, Steve Stricker, Grayson Murray, and Payne Stewart. Hicks caddied for Stewart during his iconic 1999 U.S. Open win.
Heath Holt
Holt has been a caddie for notable golfers including Corey Pavin, John Rollins, Jonathan Byrd, K.J. Choi, Brendan Todd, Greg Chalmers, and Charl Schwartzel. Holt caddied for Schwartzel during his inaugural LIV Golf individual competition win.
Program Schedule and Outcomes
Morning: Classroom Session
- Meet the instructors
- Introduction to the program
- Overview of professional caddying fundamentals
- Understanding a week on the PGA Tour
- Fundamentals of yardage book usage
Afternoon: On-Course Session
- Walking the course with yardage book instruction
Learning outcomes:
- Understand the background and expertise of the instructors.
- Get an overview of what the course entails and what participants can expect to learn.
- Learn the basic principles and skills required for professional caddying.
- Gain practical experience in using a yardage book to navigate a golf course.
- Enable the development of sound strategies using the yardage book.
Morning: On-Course Session
- Enhanced yardage book usage with a player (18 holes)
Afternoon: On-Course Session
- Aim point and green reading techniques
Learning Outcomes:
- Learn advanced techniques used by professional caddies for green reading.
- Apply yardage book skills in a real-world scenario with a player.
- Develop your understanding of green reading.
Morning: Classroom Session
- Understanding golf rules
- PGA Tour course setup insights
- Grass types and geographical playing conditions
- Environmental impact on course and ball distances
Afternoon: On-Course Session
- Application of morning learnings
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand how course conditions impact caddying decisions.
- Gain knowledge of the rules of golf and how they apply to professional play.
- Understand how courses are set up for professional tournaments and the implications for caddies.
- Gain insights into a tournament’s control of firmness, speed of greens and pin placements.
- Understand the practical implications and use of rules in different scenarios on the course.
- Learn about different types of course grasses and how they affect play.
- Gain knowledge of how environmental factors such as wind, altitude, and temperature affect playing conditions.
Morning: Classroom Session
- Analytics and data in caddying
Afternoon: On-Course Session
- Usage of Trackman and GCQuad technology
Evening:
- CPR training
Learning Outcomes:
- Explore how analytics can be used to inform caddying decisions and strategies.
- Gain hands-on experience with advanced technology used in professional golf.
- Understand how percentage playing can eliminate tactical errors.
- Practical training on on-course emergency and lifesaving medical interventions.
Morning: Classroom Session
- Discussion on professional opportunities
- Observing player teaching methods
- Effective communication within the team
- Crowd management strategies
Afternoon: On-Course Session
- Practical application of morning learnings, caddying 18 holes with a player.
Learning Outcomes:
- Learn approaches, avenues and opportunities within country clubs and professional tours for employment.
- Understanding the makeup of the team supporting a professional golfer.
- Understanding the use of practice drills to enhance players’ performance.
- How to effectively communicate and collaborate with your player and other team members.
- Develop skills for clear and efficient communication within a caddie group.
- Understand how to navigate and control crowds and distractions on the course.
Morning: Classroom Session
- Hole-by-hole overview of TPC Sawgrass at Ponte Vedra
Afternoon: On-Course Session
- Practical implementation of morning learnings from TPC Sawgrass at Ponte Vedra
Learning Outcomes:
- Put your theoretical understanding into practice by testing your knowledge in hypothetical scenarios.
- Gain in-depth knowledge of a top-level course.
- Recognize the significance of considering a player’s style and the relevant environmental conditions when analyzing each hole at TPC Sawgrass.
Morning: Classroom Session
- Managing pressure and personal wellness
- Physical training and stretching techniques
- Program summary and certificate presentation
Learning Outcomes:
- Learn the importance of physical and mental well-being for both caddies and players.
- Develop strategies for coping with pressure and maintaining personal wellness.
- Learn exercises and stretches to improve physical condition and prevent injury.
- Review key takeaways from the program and receive your certification of completion.
2 p.m. — Program Conclusion
- Certificate presentation and group photograph
Instructors and program content are subject to change.
Course Partners
Endorsed by the Association of Professional Tour Caddies
Questions? Reach out to us at continuingeducation@ncsu.edu or call 919.515.2261.