Caddies are as essential to the fabric of club culture today at Hamilton G&CC as they were more than a century ago when the program began.
Today’s Caddie Program is open to youngsters from 12 to 17 years of age and has been on the upswing after not operating in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and extensive golf course renovations.
In 2023, a pool of about 60 youngsters caddied in excess of 1,000 rounds at the club.
There are four levels of caddies C, B, A and AA with promotion based on performance and member input after each round with a caddie evaluation card that is filled out.
Caddie training is provided by the club and several members each spring with additional input from staff throughout the season.
Caddies make between $28 and $40 a round based on their skill level, plus optional member/guest tips.
Caddies are available at the club on weekends in May and June, daily throughout July and August, on weekends in September and October and upon special request from members.
The $8 Caddie Special is paid for by the member for each round including a Halfway House hotdog or sandwich with chips or chocolate bar and a drink.
Learn to golf lessons with Golfer Services Manager and Caddie Master Gary Hay, an Associate Professional and PGA class A professional for 24 years.
Annual Caddie Banquet at the end of each season for caddies who reach a minimum of 40 rounds with an added bonus of $10 per round plus donation from members including sporting tickets, gift cards and Professional Shop credit.
As they mature, top caddies are regularly promoted to the Golfer Services Team including the Back Shop and Practice Tee staff.
Caddies are able to play the Short Course and after successfully completing a playing ability they are able to play the championship courses.
“I believe the Caddie program is best in class due to the members and their continued support for the program. We are fortunate that members are providing caddies the opportunity to learn the game and the strong traditions here at HGCC. Having heard many members tell stories of their caddy days, they speak with a passion and pride that they are now helping these caddie understand and grow into,” says Gary Hay. “We are also fortunate for the young men and women who come out to caddie. With all that is available to them, to choose to caddie and to be with new friends and members has become a primary choice for them. They are very keen young people who are having fun working a caddie.”
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Hamilton Golf and Country Club will host the 2024 RBC Candian Open May 28-June 2. For more information, visit www.rbccanadianopen.com.