The caddy master is the single most important person in a junior caddy’s professional life. They run the caddy program, assign loops, manage the caddy roster, handle disputes, set standards, and decide who gets the best loops and who gets sent home. Understanding who the caddy master is — and how to build a strong relationship with them — is one of the most important things you can do as a new caddy.

What does the caddy master do?

The caddy master’s primary responsibility is managing the caddy program for the club. On any given day, this means:

• Scheduling and assignments — matching caddies to players based on player requests, caddy skill level, and availability. When a member calls the pro shop and requests a specific caddy, that request goes through the caddy master. When no specific request is made, the caddy master decides who gets each loop. New caddies receive assignments based on the caddy master’s confidence in their readiness.
• Training and mentorship — most caddy masters actively develop their junior caddies, pairing newcomers with experienced caddies for their first loops, giving feedback after rounds, and identifying areas for improvement. A good caddy master is genuinely invested in your development.
• Enforcing standards — the caddy master sets and enforces the dress code, punctuality expectations, behavior standards on the course, and the club’s specific rules for caddies. If a player reports a problem with a caddy, it comes to the caddy master. If a caddy is consistently excellent, the caddy master notices that too.
• Handling player requests and complaints — when members have feedback about their caddy experience — positive or negative — they share it with the caddy master. Your reputation at a club is largely built and tracked through the caddy master’s office.

How to work with the caddy master:

Treat the caddy master with the same respect you’d show any supervisor in a professional environment. Address them as Mr. or Ms. [Last Name] until told otherwise. Follow their instructions without argument. When they give you feedback, receive it professionally — thank them, apply it, and demonstrate the change in your next loop. Ask questions when you’re unsure, but pick your moments — before a busy morning when they’re assigning 15 caddies is not the time for a long conversation.

The caddy master is also often your best advocate. A caddy who earns the trust and respect of the caddy master will receive better loops, be recommended to members, and advance faster than one who is merely competent on the course but difficult to manage.