Top 8 Caddie Questions
The caddie experience at Bandon Dunes is extremely important to us and we are constantly looking for ways to improve our program. We've listened to your thoughts and sat down with our caddie master to shine some light on frequently asked "caddie" questions from our guests.
Check out our top 8 questions below!
Golfer: “Do you think I can get to the green with a 5 iron?”
Caddy: “Eventually.”
1. Hey wait a second, I didn't get the caddie I requested?
There are a couple reasons why you may not get the caddie you requested. The caddie could be out of town or has decided to schedule themselves off during the dates of your trip. Caddies are independent contractors and determine the days they want to work. It is also possible they were scheduled on a job that overlaps with your arrival day. If your requested caddie is on another job, we will not pull them off a loop in order to fill a request. It is also possible that the caddie had multiple requests. When that happens the caddie has to choose which job to accept. Typically, they take the job that fits their schedule the best. The good news is we have many great caddies here at Bandon Dunes and this is your opportunity to try another.
2. I had a great caddie that understood my game yesterday. How do I go about securing them for tomorrow?
Your caddie is scheduled with your group for the entire trip unless you request a new one. When you're a part of a big group it's a little different as it takes some serious logistics to make sure each group has the right caddies. As soon as you have your pairings assigned please notify us at 541.347.5875 so we can plan for the following day and communicate with the caddies.
3. I'd love to secure single bag caddies for our trip. Do I have to call earlier to make sure that is possible?
We have found over the years that a double bag caddie enriches your experience with your buddies. While you are more than welcome to request single bag caddies we cannot guarantee it, even though you requested it well in advance. Our caddies are very experienced carrying double bags and our main goal is to make sure we schedule every request we have on property before granting special requests for single bags.
Golfer: "I'd move heaven and earth to break 100 on this course."
Caddie: "Try heaven. You've already moved most of the earth."
4. You know my caddie is a Ducks fan and I went to Oregon State. Can I request a different caddie?
This is hypothetical but you get the point. Sometimes personalities clash and you want to know the best way to switch out your caddie. Check in with the golf shop or caddie supervisor on site for each course and we will do our best to find a proper replacement for you. In order to make sure we are improving our customer service please explain your reasoning so we can address the issue. We hope it's not only because they are a Ducks fan.
5. Bummer, I left my wallet in the room and am not sure what to pay them? Can you help?
Yes, we can! Stop in the golf shop and ask for caddie cash. We can charge a requested amount to your room and give you the cash to give your caddie. All caddie fees are to be paid by the guest directly to the caddie. The caddie fee is $100 per bag, per round plus gratuity. If you feel that your caddie experience did not meet your expectations, please notify a caddie supervisor or one of our golf shop professionals.
6. My home course is not designed with the walking golfer in mind, hence the large cart bag. Will the caddie still carry my bag?
If you have a large cart bag, hard case, or a bag that doesn't have a strap we are going to suggest using a change out bag. Carrying golf bags is a way of life for our caddies. A tweaked back from an oversized golf bag can sideline a caddie for weeks. Check in with the caddie supervisor and they will help move anything you need over to the carry bag so our caddies can keep up. All of your extra equipment is left secured at the facility you changed it out at. Also, guest services will be there to help assist you once you have finished your round.
Golfer: “Please stop checking your watch all the time. It’s too much of a distraction.”
Caddy: “It’s not a watch – it’s a compass.”
7. I am not sure I want a caddie but if I change my mind on the arrival day can I still get one?
It is possible but we can't make any promises. It is best to reserve a caddie as soon as you know you would like one. We recommend you decide at least a week or so before your trip. If you decide to wait we will do our best to field the request but it is dependent upon the number of free agents in the caddie yard that particular day.
8. I've never taken a caddie and not sure where I need to meet them?
If you requested a caddie in advance, one of our caddie supervisors will be at the first round course to answer any of your questions and introduce the assigned caddies. This typically happens 15-20 minutes prior to your tee time. If you have any follow up questions you can find a caddie supervisor at the course you are playing by calling the caddie shack.
We hope these helped dispel some questions about our caddie program but we are here to help if you have more. Feel free to leave us a note in the comments below, visit our caddie services page or give our caddie request line a call! Don't forget to #EnjoyTheWalk!
Request a Caddie
541.347.5909
Bandon caddies help win championships. Want proof? Bandon caddie, Gerard Percy, helped lead Liu and Mitsunaga to the USGA Inaugural Women's Four-Ball Championship May of 2015.
