Streamsong: Do You Tip Someone Else's Caddie?

housefamous · December 3, 2018

Hi everyone, has any of you played at Streamsong where you didn't take a caddie but were paired with someone who did? Two friends and I are playing at Streamsong this month and plan to walk and carry our own bags without a group caddie. If our threesome is paired with a single who takes a caddie, are we supposed to tip the caddie even though we didn't request one? If yes, does anybody have a suggestion as to what amount would be reasonable? Trying to strike the balance between being kind to the caddie and not wanting to pay for something that we didn't ask for or want in the first place. Any advice would be much appreciated.

dcmidnight · December 3, 2018

If he keeps to his player and does absolutely nothing for you - then no.

If he helps you out at all, I might throw the guy $20. Like if he volunteers to rake a bunker once or twice, helps you out with line off the tee, finds a ball that you lost - stuff like that. My experience with all the caddies at SS was very positive.

Argonne69 · December 3, 2018

I agree with dcmidnight. You're under no obligation to tip the other player's caddie, but if he/she provides you a level of service, a $20 tip would be appreciated. Many caddies will provide forecaddie-like services, e.g. located balls off the tee, raking bunkers, suggesting lines off the tee.

OutBackHack · December 3, 2018

If he keeps to his player and does absolutely nothing for you - then no.

If he helps you out at all, I might throw the guy $20. Like if he volunteers to rake a bunker once or twice, helps you out with line off the tee, finds a ball that you lost - stuff like that. My experience with all the caddies at SS was very positive.

Yeah, I agree with all this.

A lot of guys who don't have the caddie that day tend to ask the caddie info about certain things, especially at a course like Streamsong. The worst thing you can do is "use" the caddie in this way and not throw him $20 a piece at the end of the day.

The alternative is pay full boat for your own caddie... Otherwise he's really off limits unless he offers.

housefamous · December 4, 2018

Thank you for the responses. Your advice sounds perfect.

warrio17 · December 4, 2018

I agree with above. I wouldn't consider it unless the caddie went out of his way to help or provide services to me.

wkuo3 · December 4, 2018

Make it clear to the Caddie that you guys won't be needing his service before you tee off.

If he raked the bunker you were in or cleaned your golf ball or pointing out the break on the green........ I'd assume you should give a little tip if he had helped your game.

But hey, if the caddie is a struggling student, or a drunk seeking his bottle fee.... why not tip a little by allowing him to assist you in some way like reading the green ? How much will be totally up to you, which level you'll feel comfortable.

chuonglhuynh · December 4, 2018

Yo! I had the best caddie!

chuonglhuynh · December 4, 2018

Literally the best! I had my best rounds and experience with Mark. He got me to shoot a 77 with just not knowing anything about the course and that course is super hard!

hangontight · December 6, 2018

Caddie will inevitably offer some service (if he is smart) without being asked and and “making it clear” front that you won’t be needing his service will be awkward for the whole group. You will All be standing on the tee box together and he’ll be announcing tee shot lines, etc. Just plan to have an extra $20 on hand if it happens and you feel it’s appropriate - you are already paying $$$ to pay Streamsong. Just consider it part of the deal.

markheardjr · December 7, 2018

If replace a single pin in the whole day I'd be surprised. You'll get a benefit whether its obvious or not. If you want to make an opportunity you can ask his advice, or perhaps ask him to take a quick photo for you. Then you can slip him a little bit and you know going in you'll get something for your money. As a former caddie, we appreciate other things like offer to buy him a Gatorade or snack at the turn. Even $5 isn't too little if its unexpected.

krtgolfing · December 7, 2018

I played Spanish bay with my dad and a random single. The forecaddie pretty much kept to his guy and didn’t offer us much help. If he did though I would have no issue in tipping him something.