Pace of Play & Course Management
Pace of play is one of the most common frustrations in golf, and a good caddy can make a meaningful difference. Your goal is to keep things moving smoothly without ever making your golfer feel rushed. The good news: you can have a real positive impact on pace from your very first round, regardless of your golf background.
For New Caddies: Pace Starts with You
You don't need to know golf strategy to keep a round moving. The biggest pace contributions from a new caddy are physical and positional:
- Walk with purpose. A brisk, natural pace keeps the group moving. Don't lag behind.
- Stay attentive and ready. When your golfer heads to their ball, move with them. Don't leave them waiting for the bag.
- On par 3s, leave the bag near the next tee box before going to the green — not next to the green exit. This is a small habit that makes a big difference.
- Have the flagstick ready to be tended or pulled before your golfer reaches the green.
- After the last putt drops, move toward the next hole immediately. Don't linger.
- Mark and clean the ball quickly if asked. Return it without making the golfer wait.
These basics are within reach for everyone and they are exactly what a golfer notices when they think about whether a caddy was helpful.
Green Management
While your golfer is putting, position yourself near the cart path exit or the path toward the next tee. This signals readiness and helps the group transition smoothly. Have the pin ready, mark balls efficiently, and clear the green without delay once the hole is finished.
Managing Slow Groups
If the group ahead is slow, use the downtime constructively. Keep the mood positive — complaining about pace only makes it feel worse. Stay attentive and engaged even when you're standing still.
For Experienced Caddies: Strategic Pace
Once you're comfortable with the physical basics, there's an additional layer of pace management that comes from anticipating the game itself:
- Think one shot ahead. While your golfer walks to their ball, you can already be reading the situation — wind direction, distance, potential hazards — so that when they arrive, the information is ready.
- Suggest ready golf where appropriate. If your golfer's ball is closest to the pin but another player in the group is ready to putt, encourage them to go ahead.
- Help your golfer think strategically, not just tactically. On tight holes, a conservative play to a comfortable yardage often takes less time than a risky shot that leads to a penalty or a difficult recovery.
- Point out trouble areas early — knowing where not to go saves time searching for balls and playing from bad spots.
- Think about leaving uphill putts and avoiding short-sided misses. Strategic positioning saves strokes and time.
Related Caddy Resources
Browse the complete caddy resource library for more guides on green reading, course management, fitness, communication, and professionalism. Not yet on the platform? Create your free caddy profile and start earning from your love of the game. You can also check our caddy job board for more information on earning opportunities.