Jump to content
2024 Houston Open WITB Photos ×

How much does having a caddy at USKG tournaments affect scores?


Recommended Posts

I caddy for my son (11). Basically, I am his "mule". Push the cart, clean the clubs, make sure he drinks enough water etc. He plays the course himself, makes club choices and reads the greens.

 

We both have become increasingly frustrated with the over caddying, putting clinics, and "teaching" present in any given round.

 

How much do you think this type of caddying affects the player's scores? Most times he places over these kids but I just wish it was kids playing against kids not my kid playing against another kid's dad.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 13
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Top Posters In This Topic

I caddy for my son (11). Basically, I am his "mule". Push the cart, clean the clubs, make sure he drinks enough water etc. He plays the course himself, makes club choices and reads the greens.

 

We both have become increasingly frustrated with the over caddying, putting clinics, and "teaching" present in any given round.

 

How much do you think this type of caddying affects the player's scores? Most times he places over these kids but I just wish it was kids playing against kids not my kid playing against another kid's dad.

 

It depends how good the dad is. In some cases it makes them worse in some cases it helps. Don't worry about it the faster you wean them off the caddy wagon the better. My daughter never broker 80 until she learned to caddy herself. It also makes a much more pleasant round for me as well. We now only play tournaments where caddies are not allowed. Don't worry about the other dads and just enjoy the round and afterwards you both can laugh at crazy dads who over caddy. Junior golf with Caddies is social golf.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We tried our section's PGA Junior tour this year. They have a no caddy policy. He has played 9 tournaments and placed first 5 times and 2nd 4 times.

 

Sounds like your son is well established and knows how to do things on his own.

 

There are other kids that rely heavily on their caddie to line them up, tell them how far to bring the club back, mark their ball. etc.. etc... These kids will be at a steep learning curve once their caddy is gone.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'll admit to over-coaching my kid in the beginning during the 6&U tours. Having said that, the sooner you can ween yourself from caddying (not weening your kid from you the caddy) the better they will be in the long run. Now that we have finished our 7YO summer tour, I would still call myself a "coach" (I've dropped the "over" part). I'm not much of a coach on the full swings other than a couple reminder swing thoughts for him such as "keep your balance" (which has been a small issue lately). However, I still help too much on putting.

 

I let him know yesterday that all putting will be on his own going forward. I'm not making any promises, but we'll see how I do. :-)

It's no fun when the rabbit's got the gun.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We tried our section's PGA Junior tour this year. They have a no caddy policy. He has played 9 tournaments and placed first 5 times and 2nd 4 times.

 

Sounds like your son is well established and knows how to do things on his own.

 

There are other kids that rely heavily on their caddie to line them up, tell them how far to bring the club back, mark their ball. etc.. etc... These kids will be at a steep learning curve once their caddy is gone.

 

We have a "lay the club down for alignment" daddy caddy on tour (no, not me!!). Every single shot except greens because I believe that is illegal although I hear it was an issue early on. It's so much fun. In addition, he does this thing where he is in front of the player when he putts holding a finger out to how far back he should swing. It's cringe worthy.

It's no fun when the rabbit's got the gun.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Where we are there's a kid that's really good and his dad is a teaching pro that also played on a D1 NCAA Championship team. He grew up playing every course near us and caddies for his son in most events. I can't say for sure but it has to be an advantage to the kid to have a dad that knows how every putt breaks, has a Trackman you can use any time and access to play for pennies on the dollar.

There's definitely something more important that I should be doing.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Where we are there's a kid that's really good and his dad is a teaching pro that also played on a D1 NCAA Championship team. He grew up playing every course near us and caddies for his son in most events. I can't say for sure but it has to be an advantage to the kid to have a dad that knows how every putt breaks, has a Trackman you can use any time and access to play for pennies on the dollar.

 

Big advantage since the kid is already really good. Trackman etc. is worthless if the kid hits it all over the place.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm very much in the same boat. My kid is 10. I'm basically a caddie in the same sense as you, wash balls and clubs, maybe help read a putt here and there and basically keep him calm and teach rules and etiquette as we go. I'm as hands off as I can be.

 

We play with a daddy/son team where it's borderline ridiculous. Dad literally tees up the ball for him. Then lines him up over and over until it's perfect. Then the practice swings start. At least three, each one being critiqued. Short game is even worse. Dad will tell him how far to pull back the putter and make adjustments based on the endless practice swings. The tour director is not able to stop them because, incredibly, it's not against the USKG rules. Hit a bad shot, it's the kids fault and he lets him know. Hit a great shot and "We did it." Dad is setting up his son not just to hate golf, but hate him as well. The "F golf and F you too, Dad!" is coming.

 

Anyways, we don't play US Kids anymore. Found a local alternate tour and have been very happy there. Minimal caddying allowed and NONE on the putting surface. Once they turn 11, no caddying at all. Can't wait.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We tried our section's PGA Junior tour this year. They have a no caddy policy. He has played 9 tournaments and placed first 5 times and 2nd 4 times.

 

Sounds like your son is well established and knows how to do things on his own.

 

There are other kids that rely heavily on their caddie to line them up, tell them how far to bring the club back, mark their ball. etc.. etc... These kids will be at a steep learning curve once their caddy is gone.

 

We have a "lay the club down for alignment" daddy caddy on tour (no, not me!!). Every single shot except greens because I believe that is illegal although I hear it was an issue early on. It's so much fun. In addition, he does this thing where he is in front of the player when he putts holding a finger out to how far back he should swing. It's cringe worthy.

 

I think setting a club down for alignment is against the rules even on USKG. I could be wrong.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It's hard to say, but most caddies at the US Kids level are a detriment to their player.

 

If you really want to see how much a caddy helps, or doesn't help, try to find a league or association that doesn't allow caddies. For socal, its scpga tournaments.

 

We agree on something?

I am GenX.  If you really think I care about what you have to say, I don't.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We tried our section's PGA Junior tour this year. They have a no caddy policy. He has played 9 tournaments and placed first 5 times and 2nd 4 times.

 

Sounds like your son is well established and knows how to do things on his own.

 

There are other kids that rely heavily on their caddie to line them up, tell them how far to bring the club back, mark their ball. etc.. etc... These kids will be at a steep learning curve once their caddy is gone.

 

We have a "lay the club down for alignment" daddy caddy on tour (no, not me!!). Every single shot except greens because I believe that is illegal although I hear it was an issue early on. It's so much fun. In addition, he does this thing where he is in front of the player when he putts holding a finger out to how far back he should swing. It's cringe worthy.

 

I think setting a club down for alignment is against the rules even on USKG. I could be wrong.

If the club used for alignment is removed before the stroke is made there is no penalty. If not removed it's 2 under 8-2a.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We tried our section's PGA Junior tour this year. They have a no caddy policy. He has played 9 tournaments and placed first 5 times and 2nd 4 times.

 

Sounds like your son is well established and knows how to do things on his own.

 

There are other kids that rely heavily on their caddie to line them up, tell them how far to bring the club back, mark their ball. etc.. etc... These kids will be at a steep learning curve once their caddy is gone.

 

We have a "lay the club down for alignment" daddy caddy on tour (no, not me!!). Every single shot except greens because I believe that is illegal although I hear it was an issue early on. It's so much fun. In addition, he does this thing where he is in front of the player when he putts holding a finger out to how far back he should swing. It's cringe worthy.

 

I think setting a club down for alignment is against the rules even on USKG. I could be wrong.

 

Club for alignment is legal in USGA as long as it is picked up before the shot. Except for on the green. Similar to your scenario, that kid is going to hate golf. The kid already rolls his eyes during the setups.

 

8-2. Indicating Line of Play

 

a. Other Than on Putting Green

 

 

Except on the putting green, a player may have the line of play indicated to him by anyone, but no one may be positioned by the player for that purpose on or close to the line or an extension of the line beyond the hole while the stroke is being made. Any mark placed by the player or with his knowledge, for the purpose of indicating the line of play, must be removed before the stroke is made.

 

Exception: Flagstick attended or held up - see Rule 17-1.

b. On the Putting Green

 

 

When the player's ball is on the putting green, the line of putt may be indicated before, but not during, the stroke by the player, his partner or either of their caddies; in doing so the putting green must not be touched. A mark must not be placed anywhere for the purpose of indicating a line of putt.

It's no fun when the rabbit's got the gun.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Our picks

    • 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Discussion and links to Photos
      Please put any questions or Comments here
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Monday #1
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Monday #2
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Tuesday #1
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Tuesday #2
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Tuesday #3
       
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Thorbjorn Olesen - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Ben Silverman - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Jesse Droemer - SoTX PGA Section POY - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      David Lipsky - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Martin Trainer - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Zac Blair - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Jacob Bridgeman - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Trace Crowe - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Jimmy Walker - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Daniel Berger - WITB(very mini) - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Chesson Hadley - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Callum McNeill - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Rhein Gibson - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Patrick Fishburn - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Peter Malnati - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Raul Pereda - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Gary Woodland WITB (New driver, iron shafts) – 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Padraig Harrington WITB – 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
       
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      Tom Hoge's custom Cameron - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Cameron putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Piretti putters - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Ping putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Kevin Dougherty's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Bettinardi putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Cameron putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Erik Barnes testing an all-black Axis1 putter – 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Tony Finau's new driver shaft – 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
       
       
       
       
       
      • 7 replies
    • 2024 Valspar Championship WITB Photos (Thanks to bvmagic)- Discussion & Links to Photos
      This weeks WITB Pics are from member bvmagic (Brian). Brian's first event for WRX was in 2008 at Bayhill while in college. Thanks so much bv.
       
      Please put your comments or question on this thread. Links to all the threads are below...
       
       
       
       
        • Like
      • 31 replies
    • 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put any questions or comments here
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Monday #1
      2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Monday #2
      2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Monday #3
       
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Matt (LFG) Every - WITB - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      Sahith Theegala - WITB - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      New Cameron putters (and new "LD" grip) - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      New Bettinardi MB & CB irons - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      Custom Bettinardi API putter cover - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      Custom Swag API covers - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      New Golf Pride Reverse Taper grips - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
        • Like
      • 15 replies
    • 2024 Cognizant Classic - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put any questions or comments here
       
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #1
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #2
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #3
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #4
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Brandt Snedeker - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Max Greyserman - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Eric Cole - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Carl Yuan - WITb - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Russell Henley - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Justin Sun - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Alex Noren - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Shane Lowry - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Taylor Montgomery - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Jake Knapp (KnappTime_ltd) - WITB - - 2024 Cognizant Classic
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      New Super Stoke Pistol Lock 1.0 & 2.0 grips - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      LA Golf new insert putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      New Garsen Quad Tour 15 grip - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      New Swag covers - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Jacob Bridgeman's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Bud Cauley's custom Cameron putters - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Ryo Hisatsune's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Chris Kirk - new black Callaway Apex CB irons and a few Odyssey putters - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Alejandro Tosti's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
        • Like
      • 2 replies
    • 2024 Genesis Invitational - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put any questions or comments here
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Monday #1
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Monday #2
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #1
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #2
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #3
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #4
       
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Rory McIlroy - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Sepp Straka - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Patrick Rodgers - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Brendon Todd - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Denny McCarthy - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Corey Conners - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Chase Johnson - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tommy Fleetwood - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Matt Fitzpatrick - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Si Woo Kim - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Viktor Hovland - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Wyndham Clark - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Cam Davis - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Nick Taylor - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Ben Baller WITB update (New putter, driver, hybrid and shafts) – 2024 Genesis Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      New Vortex Golf rangefinder - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      New Fujikura Ventus shaft - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods & TaylorMade "Sun Day Red" apparel launch event, product photos – 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods Sun Day Red golf shoes - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Aretera shafts - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      New Toulon putters - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods' new white "Sun Day Red" golf shoe prototypes – 2024 Genesis Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
      • 22 replies

×
×
  • Create New...