Caddie Culture and Roles in Korean Golf (한국 골프장의 캐디 문화와 역할)

 

Caddie Culture and Roles in Korean Golf (한국 골프장의 캐디 문화와 역할)

In Korea, caddies aren’t just assistants — they’re the heart of the game flow.

Having worked as a caddie for over 10 years, I can tell you:

a good caddie can make your round smoother, faster, and way more enjoyable.

Foreign golfers are often surprised by just how involved Korean caddies are.

Here’s what you need to know.

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1. One caddie per team

In most Korean golf courses, there’s one caddie assigned to each team of four players.

Unlike other countries where players carry their own bags or use carts alone,

Korean caddies manage:

All four bags

Driving the cart

Setting up tee shots

Measuring distances

Reading putting lines

Cleaning and organizing clubs

They’re not just carrying equipment — they’re orchestrating the entire round.

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2. Caddies guide, advise, and support

Caddies in Korea do much more than just drive the cart.

They help with:

Yardage & wind direction

Strategy suggestions for safer plays

Pace control and time management

Etiquette reminders for smoother group play

Course-specific knowledge that enhances the round

Golfers often ask, “What club should I use?” or “Is this green uphill?” —

and the caddie usually has the answer ready.

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3. No tipping — a fixed caddie fee

Korea doesn’t have a tipping culture for caddies.

Instead, there’s a fixed caddie fee, usually around 150,000 KRW per team

(roughly $110–$120 USD total, split among 4 players).

This fee is standard and transparent, and some courses prohibit tipping entirely.

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4. What surprises foreign golfers

“One caddie supports all four players?” → Yes, and efficiently!

“They read the green for you?” → Absolutely. It’s expected.

“Everything moves so fast!” → Because the caddie manages the pace.

They’re like a silent conductor behind the scenes —

keeping the round focused and stress-free.

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5. Tips from a real caddie

Don’t hesitate to ask for distance or club suggestions

Trust your caddie to manage the cart and bag movement

Let them assist with tee setups — no need to rush

Speak clearly when asking for putting lines — quiet whispers are hard to hear on windy days

Be polite — caddies appreciate respectful golfers and give back even more energy

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Final Thoughts

Caddies are a major part of what makes Korean golf unique.

Their presence isn’t optional — it’s standard — and for good reason.

They ensure pace, etiquette, comfort, and even strategy.

Once you play a round with a Korean caddie,

you’ll understand why many golfers say:

“Golf in Korea feels like playing with a pro team.”

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