Page type: Glossary / definition
Free tool: Open the calculator →
Meaning
A caddie is someone who helps a player during a round by carrying, transporting or handling clubs, giving advice, and providing other help allowed by the Rules. A player may have only one caddie at a time and remains responsible for the caddie’s actions during the round.
How it matters in match play
A caddie can advise a player and help with permitted tasks while a match is being played, but the player carries the consequences of the caddie’s breach. Under Rule 10.3, a caddie may also concede the next stroke, a hole or the match to the opponent, or agree the match score. Committee conditions may restrict caddies.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Caddie |
| Category | rules |
| Applicable rule | Rule 10.3; Rule 10.2 |
| Related concepts | Advice, Concession, Conceded Stroke, Conceded Hole, Conceded Match |
Worked example
In an illustrative match, Alex’s caddie advises him before his approach and then concedes Ben’s next stroke; the concession settles that stroke, while Alex remains responsible if the caddie had breached a Rule.
Rule reference: Rule 10.3; Rule 10.2
Sources: www.randa.org , www.randa.org
Common questions
How many caddies may a player have at once?
A player must not have more than one caddie at any one time. The player may change caddies during a round, but not temporarily just to obtain advice from the new caddie.
Is a player responsible for a caddie’s breach in match play?
Yes. Rule 10.3c makes the player responsible for the caddie’s actions during the round and during a suspension of play under Rule 5.7a. If the caddie breaches a Rule, the player gets the applicable penalty.
Can a caddie concede a stroke or hole?
Yes. A caddie may concede the next stroke, a hole or the match to the opponent, or agree with the opponent on the match score, as allowed under Rule 10.3b and Rule 3.2.
Can a caddie give advice?
Yes, a caddie is one of the people from whom a player may ask for advice during a round, subject to the limits in Rule 10.2. Advice from a caddie does not permit prohibited alignment or other help.
Can a player have a caddie in a casual round?
The Rules describe what a caddie may do during a round, but a club or competition may set additional conditions. Check the Terms of the Competition or local arrangements before play.
Does a caddie decide whether the player takes relief?
A caddie may advise the player about taking relief, but the player must decide whether to take relief under a Rule, such as treating the ball as unplayable.