Caddie thoughts Scotland

[Bbo569]

I am headed to Scotland in a month. I am playing 8 rounds over a little over a week time frame. I plan to take a caddie for at least 2-3 rounds as I actually enjoy carrying my bag and don't want a caddie for every round, but factoring in potential fatigue and courses where caddies will significantly enhance my round I was hoping to get some feedback on those who have been on which rounds I should take a caddie. All things being equal I would assume just take them on one of the rounds where I am playing 36 and maybe TOC for the potential to have a caddie that has interesting knowledge and perspective on the course.  What 2-3 courses would you recommend taking a caddie? Which courses have the most blind shots or difficulty navigating the course? Which courses have more significant elevation changes that might make a caddie more useful from a fatigue standpoint. Thoughts?

Day 1 - Kingsbarns and Castle Course

Day 2 - TOC

Day 3 Carnoustie

Day 4 - Travel

Day 5 - Turnberry Ailsa and King Robert the Bruce

Day 6 - Prestwick

[Back9]

Kingsbarns has lots of elevation changes. I would recommend a caddie from a fatigue standpoint. It is a pretty American style course and the lines off the tee are pretty easy to figure out. The caddies we had were all college golfers.

TOC- several holes would be hard to figure out off the tee without a caddie. It is an easy walk though.

Carnoustie is also an easy walk. Tough course, our caddies were really good at finding golf balls in the crap.

Turnberry has some elevation changes. Caddies were fun but not essential.

Prestwick is very quirky. Blind shots , crossover fairways, etc. Tough to play first time without a caddy. Easy walk though.

We took caddies for every round. They were very enjoyable for the most part. There was a wide variety from an old man looking for his next pint to very good college players. Most of the time they were secretly betting on us. Sometimes for the round, sometimes on individual holes or shots. Took a while for us to figure that out. Made them pretty invested in our games.

 

Hope this helps some.

 

 

 

 

 

[tiderider]

you honestly do not need a caddie at any of them, from a "i want the best score possible" standpoint ... they're not going to make your game suddenly better, and you can figure out where to hit it without one ... but it might help from a fatigue standpoint ... you really just need a yardage book & a push cart ...

[davep043]

Interesting, two responses before mine, and completely opposite advice. Mine will be somewhere in between them. From a fatigue standpoint, you can hire a trolley (push cart in the US) at almost every course for about 5 pounds or less, and take the weight off your shoulders. I'd recommend that, especially on 36-hole days. The exception is the Old Course, where at last check trolleys weren't allowed before noon. Based on lines off the tee, blind shots, hidden bunkers, I'd recommend caddies at the Old Course and at Prestwick. We took a forecaddie for our group at Prestwick and had all the advice we really needed.

Push carts sometimes get labelled with a kind of "low class" image in the States, it seems, but I remember them being used by nearly every Scot I saw on a golf course.

[duffer987]

I'm a take 'em or leave 'em guy when it comes to caddies. I'm a walker and walking fit as it were, so with a trolley 36 hole days are fine for me. When caddies are taken it's usually because that's how things roll at that course as it's on the tourist trail or if my whole group is taking one I will as well, but I'm more apt to pass and usually do. So with that...

Kingsbarns & TOC: the former cause that's how that place rolls largely and the latter because first time there it's genuinely helpful with lines off the tee. At TOC my caddie was excellent and definitely saved me strokes on the greens. We played it again the following day and I didn't bother, as I had the lines down after the first go around.

For me personally, a caddie would feel out of place at Prestwick and the Castle Course, but that's just my own idiosyncrasies

[Chanceman]

Caddies certainly help with the Fatigue Factor. Not carrying a bag is much easier on the old body.

But when I played the Old Course I was lucky enough to get paired with some local St Andrews University team members, big strong lads who acted as my caddie as in: "We are going in that direction but you should go that way". (Ha ha I showed em, birdie on 8). The Old course is so flat you cant always see too far ahead so some guidance is worth it to avoid the traps.

[Raz1374]

You mentioned 8 rounds but I only saw 7 on your itinerary. If you want to take a caddy, I’d recommend the following: Kingsbarns for the “mule factor” and Prestwick for the “blind shot” factor on 2-3 of the holes. Honestly, buy a yardage book and rent a trolley. The first time I played TOC, the caddies were all done for the day. I played the course with a yardage book and had an absolute blast grinding my way around (hint- when in doubt, aim a little left).

PS: if you are traveling from Carnoustie to Ayrshire and are wanting to squeeze in a late afternoon round at a reasonable cost, try Glasgow Gailes or Dundonald. Both should be reasonably priced and fairly wide open in the afternoon. Both an easy walk.

[tiderider]

i'll say a forecaddie is a pretty good deal if you're looking to get the most out of your score ... but it's fun to get a scorecard and simply try to plot your way around the course by actually thinking about what to do based on a 'map' ...

[El Gringo]

It only seems to be overseas tourists who use caddies in GB&I. Caddies are not necessary at all except at a few places which require their use. If folks are that nervous about it, get one caddie per group with all listening to the advice and tip the caddie well. In my experience, caddies slow the game down because of all the talking and asking questions. Kingsbarns is loaded with caddies and has a bad rep for slow play, which was true on my visit.

[scott_Donald]

I have never played Prestwick before but in all honesty I would only get a caddie at TOC if I was paying for the caddie. I am Scottish so that could be a factor.

I had a caddie gifted to me at Turnberry and it was fun for a change but I didn't really need him once I got over the first 6 holes of duck hooks! 1 over from there after being 12 over through 6.

The Old Course certainly if you are not playing with someone who has played there before might be tricky and its not just hit it left like some people say it is, some times right gives you better lines in plus like any links course the wind makes a huge difference. When I played it last year off the medal tees, I hit a 3 wood onto the second fringe and on 18 I smashed my drive and still had 100 I think left - from TV that's one short drive.

If you were to get a caddie at Royal Aberdeen, I would know the course better than most of them as I actually play the course and not just a young caddie there. Been tempted to caddie some times myself on nice days. Full time, experienced caddies(25 years) like I got at Turnberry and around the Old Course are a different story though.

If I was a visitor for a life time trip then I would do whatever would make me enjoy it more - simple.

[davep043]

I agree completely, and that has been my procedure for most of my rounds in both Scotland and Ireland. I'm pretty good at understanding a yardage book's information as I look at the visuals of a golf hole. I suggested the Old Course and Prestwick for caddies, since on each one there are places where a first-timer doesn't have much in the way of visual references for aiming. The other thing a caddie can provide for a first-timer is some guidance as to where to try to land a shot, considering the bounce and roll common to links golf. Coming from the states, we usually can land the ball on the middle of the green, and that just doesn't work the same way in Scotland. @scott_Donald has a very good point, its worth paying extra for an experienced "senior" caddie, both in terms of knowledge of the golf course, and playing the course, as well as in the potential for the stories they might tell. I wouldn't hire just a "bag-carrier".

[Bbo569]

thanks everyone for the info. I think I am going to take one at TOC and Prestwick. My legs will be fresh at Kingsbarns and honestly am more concerned with how to play holes more than anything and having a caddie that is seniored that could enhance the experience. Any suggestions on who to ask for at these courses?

[ousuxndallas]

"The other thing a caddie can provide for a first-timer is some guidance as to where to try to land a shot..."

 

That's my thinking. Headed over there this summer for my inaugural trip, and I'd like some guidance on where to land it. "135 to the pin, but only carry it 110 and expect a good hop." That sort of thing.

Also, in the past (at least in the U.S.) caddies seem to earn their keep in 2 other ways: finding your ball, and reading greens. I expect Scotland will be full of those times where you "swear" the ball should be right here, but took a hop sideways or funneled to an unexpected place. A caddie would be helpful there.

[scott_Donald]

 

If you are playing Cruden Bay then the 15th on the card I think is about 210 Par 3 but it only plays about 170 as you land it short and it keeps going, well assuming it is not into a big wind and been too wet.

If you are playing Royal Aberdeen then the 7th is a Par 5 on paper again unless into a strong wind you want to hit a club about 280 short of the bunkers and then from there its 220 ish to the green but again you land it 20 yards short for the ball to finish in the middle of the green.

[davep043]

On the 6th at the Old Course my caddie suggested a putter from 60 yards. I hit it to about 12 feet, and earned a handshake from him. I'd never have even thought of trying that without him, and I'd never have hit the green with any shot I'd normally have tried. His name is Willie Stewart. He wasn't a young man in 2012, but if he's still working, he's worth having on your bag.

[Hawkeye77]

I've only played two of the courses on the list - The Old Course and Prestwick. Of all the courses we were lucky to play the past two summers, we used caddies at Royal Dornoch, The New and The Old, Prestwick, Royal Troon and North Berwick (but only the first of two rounds at North Berwick). Didn't at many courses. Brora, for example, we played two days in a row and we figured it out pretty well and definitely benefitted from the first day on the second on that course. Could have gotten by pretty easily at Royal Troon without, but enjoyed it and saved me at least two shots. Having played Royal Dornoch twice, I'd feel fine going out without one, but wife and daughters played the first round there and it was Father's Day and it was worth it (and as a result of having a great time, my caddie invited my oldest daughter and I as his guests a few days later and had another great time and saved us a ton of money on green fees - I snuck in ahead of time and paid for the two of us, even though his rate was next to nothing, and he was very appreciative and won the battle of who was buying the first round of scotches after). We played without more than with, but I enjoyed it when I had a caddie - just different and kind of fun.

If you are only playing one round and trip of a lifetime sort of thing I personally would not pass on having a caddie at The Old Course. There was so much gained with the same caddie over two days - first The New, next morning The Old - lots of history and info, and on and on. And I learned so much about how to play those two courses in terms of approaches and landing areas and lines off the tee and when to putt, etc. Invaluable. Plus my wife and both my daughters were playing (the New - one daughter couldn't play The Old) so they were very appreciative. Lucky to have good natured and helpful caddies - I imagine a surly person, etc. would be a disaster, but that didn't happen for us.

For me, no way I'm pushing a cart around during that experience - thoroughly enjoyed just having a brisk stroll, head up and looking around and taking it in, and my caddie absolutely saved me strokes particularly on The Old. Had the weather been crappy, would have enjoyed a caddie all the more, lol.

Prestwick -- there are a some quirky holes, caddies will keep you moving along for sure, but if I played again I wouldn't use one. Didn't play well that day, but the club suggestions and lines suggested by my caddie allowed me to par the toughest holes on the course, was pretty proud of that. But of the courses we used them, I'd put North Berwick and Prestwick down for not all that necessary, but the Caddie Master at Prestwick was a treat and at Prestwick and at Royal Troon in particular, interacting with the staff and particularly the Caddie Masters got us some extra special treatment, IMO, particularly at Royal Troon when we came back later in the day after a shower and other activities to explore the clubhouse - and ran into a member who remembered us from the dining room at lunch and took the time to show us around and explain a lot of things - that was really fun! Don't be checking off boxes so fast you don't have time to engage the folks at the courses - so much to learn and 99.9% of the time so friendly and accommodating.

 

[Schley]

Came across this thread and it is funny how those in the UK are very much averse to taking caddies (many members caddie themselves actually).  The push carts are a staple with electric trollies now becoming very popular. Obviously buggies (or carts) are also held in disdain.😃 

 

In the USA the caddie is embraced at high end resorts and many exclusive private clubs.  Carts are the norm otherwise.  Push carts are not common outside of mini warriors.

 

Different cultures for sure.

 

I almost always take a caddie for my first round in the UK.  To me it adds to my experience, I also do quite a bit of single golf so I have enjoy getting to know a local as well.

 

They aren't needed per se but if you aren't used to walking I'd say they help a great deal combat fatigue.

[Chanceman]

6 hours ago, Schley said:

Came across this thread and it is funny how those in the UK are very much averse to taking caddies (many members caddie themselves actually).  The push carts are a staple with electric trollies now becoming very popular. Obviously buggies (or carts) are also held in disdain.😃 

 

In the USA the caddie is embraced at high end resorts and many exclusive private clubs.  Carts are the norm otherwise.  Push carts are not common outside of mini warriors.

 

Different cultures for sure.

 

I almost always take a caddie for my first round in the UK.  To me it adds to my experience, I also do quite a bit of single golf so I have enjoy getting to know a local as well.

 

They aren't needed per se but if you aren't used to walking I'd say they help a great deal combat fatigue.

Aye to all that!

I occasionally take a caddie if I feel it’s a tough course both to play and to walk. No point beating yourself up on both accounts. 

More fun to walk for sure but on a longish trip fatigue sets in after a while and either a buggy/cart or a caddie helps. 

[Schley]

Actually I'm in Dornoch right now.  Played the championship yesterday and playing the struie today.  Lovely place and will take a caddie which adds to it imo.

[AltC]

1 hour ago, Schley said:

Actually I'm in Dornoch right now.  Played the championship yesterday and playing the struie today.  Lovely place and will take a caddie which adds to it imo.

Enjoy yourself!

[hammergolf]

9 hours ago, Schley said:

Actually I'm in Dornoch right now.  Played the championship yesterday and playing the struie today.  Lovely place and will take a caddie which adds to it imo.

What a great place to be!

[Schley]

Actually got onto the championship course again.  Wonderful day as weather has been 70 and sunny with maybe 15mph breeze.  Castle Stuart tomorrow.

[scott_Donald]

2 hours ago, Schley said:

Actually got onto the championship course again.  Wonderful day as weather has been 70 and sunny with maybe 15mph breeze.  Castle Stuart tomorrow.

 

 

You are getting some good rounds in, I am just in from playing 18 very badly teeing off at 1915.

 

[ALTSean]

Thoughts on a forecaddie for Carnoustie?  We'll have 4 from the U.S. and all walk a lot, but might get a forecaddie to help with lines and find balls.  

[dirthead]

4 hours ago, ALTSean said:

Thoughts on a forecaddie for Carnoustie?  We'll have 4 from the U.S. and all walk a lot, but might get a forecaddie to help with lines and find balls.  

I just returned from a golf trip in Scotland. Played 5 rounds (Royal Aberdeen, Old Course, New Course, Carnoustie, Kingsbarns) and had a caddie for every round. Absolutely worth it in my opinion, especially at Carnoustie. A forecaddie would definitely be a help, but a caddie is worth every penny in my opinion. Made my round much better and more enjoyable. 

[hammergolf]

5 hours ago, ALTSean said:

Thoughts on a forecaddie for Carnoustie?  We'll have 4 from the U.S. and all walk a lot, but might get a forecaddie to help with lines and find balls.  

Unless you need or want someone carrying your bag, a forecaddie will basically do everything a caddie would just won’t carry your bag. 

[scott_Donald]

4 hours ago, dirthead said:

I just returned from a golf trip in Scotland. Played 5 rounds (Royal Aberdeen, Old Course, New Course, Carnoustie, Kingsbarns) and had a caddie for every round. Absolutely worth it in my opinion, especially at Carnoustie. A forecaddie would definitely be a help, but a caddie is worth every penny in my opinion. Made my round much better and more enjoyable. 

What did you think of RAGC?

[dirthead]

5 hours ago, scott_Donald said:

What did you think of RAGC?

It was fantastic. Every hole on the front 9 was absolutely spectacular.  I love the way the holes snake through the dunes going out.  It will definitely be on my list to play again. 

[scott_Donald]

5 hours ago, dirthead said:

It was fantastic. Every hole on the front 9 was absolutely spectacular.  I love the way the holes snake through the dunes going out.  It will definitely be on my list to play again. 

 

Glad you enjoyed; course is in amazing condition right now.