Golf Caddy's

[Debbied]

Hi we are staying at the Ritz Carlton for a couple of days in September and D.H would like to play golf. On their website it states that Caddy's are compulsory. How does that work, do you get a caddy individually (I thought you had carts, why would you need a caddy as well) or one for the group, as D.H is the only one that plays last year he was put in a 4 ball. Also how much should you tip the caddy?

 

[UKDEB]

The caddy gives you yardages and advice on playing the course, cleans your clubs, etc. Dh played with my brother, and s-i-l and I went along as riders. The caddy stood on the back of one of the carts. As it was just the two of them, they ended up giving him $50 each on the basis that it was the only money he was likely to earn that day. On top of the green fees ($173 each) that was one expensive round of golf! In hindsight, the tip was probably excessive.

I seem to remember that you don't get the caddy if you tee off after a certain time. We felt we'd have rather him not be there - it would have been more fun and cheaper to boot. Dh reckons they could have declined to have him along despite the official policy. You get just one per party.

 

[Debbied]

Thanks Deb,
So am I right in thinking....
We can decline this service if wished?
If I wanted to "tag along" to take piccies this would be acceptable?
Do you have to pay as a non golfer?
Would it impede the party they add you to?
Is this the only money they earn? We were thinking in relation to a Bell Boy, on average $1 per bag x 5-6 bags for 10 mins
work = $6. we expected to tip $100+
D.h played once last year, I think the tee time was 10 am, in hindsight although cheaper the heat and humidity was not worth the £ saved
thanks again
Deb

 

[UKDEB]

I'm really not sure whether or not you can decline the caddie concierge. Whereabouts on their website does it state that it's compulsory?

I've never come across a course where it wasn't possible to tag along as a rider (and as I said, I've done it at the R-C). Some courses might charge if it meant an additional cart. As long as you didn't hold up play, you wouldn't be impeding your party. Even before I started playing, though, I found it helped for me to be aware of the rules and etiquette. Golf takes both to another level! If you're going to drive the cart, for example, you need to know the course policy. I've a feeling the R-C operates the 90 degree rule (i.e. you can't drive up the fairways - you have to keep to the path until you reach the ball to be played and then you can drive onto the fairway).

I would imagine that the caddie concierge relies heavily on tips. Presumably that's why you're not able to opt out. I doubt it's all they earn, though. Why not email the resort to enquire about the recommended gratuity?

 

[Debbied]

I have just looked on their web site and I can't see where I found compulsory, maybe I've read it elsewhere, definitely seen it somewhere. Whether to have it was not really an issue, more concerned of not leaving the correct tip. I will email the hotel as you suggested.
Also I would not have of thought it was allowed to just go as a rider until you said you had done it.
Thanks for the help,
Debbie.

 

[UKDEB]

Can you post back with their reply?

 

[Debbied]

Ok will do

 

[Debbied]

Hi
Just got the reply from the R.C and its as follows:

In regards to your tee-time request, tee-times are only made thirty days in advance. The golf rates for September 30are as follows: $165.00 before 2:00, $115.00 after 2:00, and a $75.00 nine hole rate. Caddies are required before 2:00, however after 2:00 they are upon request. We recommend a $20.00 to $25.00 caddie gratuity for each golfer; the other caddie fees are included in your golf fees. Also, we do allow a non-golfer to ride along with one golfer with no charge.

As you said an expensive round of golf...D.H had better get saving

 

[UKDEB]

Thanks for posting, Deb. It's useful to have the official line, particularly on the expected gratuity levels.