Caddies are invaluable for golfers on the course, but there are certain limits to what they can do. As helpful as caddies can be, there are a few things that caddies simply can’t do to help golfers improve their game. Here are a few of the things that caddies can’t do for their golfers.
Offer Instruction
A caddie can carry the bag, provide golf club recommendations, and offer moral support, but they can’t give instructions or advice on how to improve your golf game. They can offer support, but they’re not allowed to offer professional advice on how to play the game. Instruction is strictly reserved for qualified golf instructors.
Change Course Conditions
Caddies are limited to what they can do when it comes to the course conditions. They can’t do anything to make the fairways wider or the greens faster. They can’t make the rough thicker or the bunkers bigger. Caddies can help golfers read the greens and give advice on the best strategy for playing a hole, but they can’t change the course conditions.
Alter the Rules
Golf is a game of rules and etiquette, and caddies can’t do anything to change that. They can’t make a rule that allows a golfer to move their golf ball or take a mulligan. They can’t make a rule that allows golfers to wear shorts on the course or let them drive carts on the fairways. Caddies are bound by the rules of the game and can’t alter them.
Read Minds
Caddies can’t read the minds of the golfers they serve. They can’t tell you what club to hit on the next hole or how hard to swing it. They can provide advice on club selection, but ultimately it’s up to the golfer to make the decision. Caddies can’t make the decisions for you, so it’s important to think through your shots before you make them.
Help Golfers Score Low
Caddies can’t do anything to help golfers shoot lower scores. They can’t make golf balls go farther or make putts go in. They can help golfers select the right club and offer advice on how to play a hole, but they can’t make golfers score lower. Golfers have to rely on their own skills to shoot lower scores.
Give Equipment Advice
Caddies can’t offer advice on what golf clubs to buy or what golf balls to use. They can’t recommend the best shaft for a driver or the best grip for a putter. Caddies are limited to helping golfers choose the right club for the shot they’re about to play. Anything beyond that is strictly prohibited.
Select Players for a Tournament
Caddies can’t do anything to influence who gets into a golf tournament. They can’t pick the players for a tournament, who gets invited to a course, or who is allowed to play. Those decisions are made by the tournament directors or the course owners and the caddies have no say in the matter.
Be Everywhere at Once
Caddies can’t be everywhere at once. They can’t be on the tee box while they’re in the fairway and they can’t be in the bunker while they’re on the green. Caddies can only help golfers on the hole they’re currently playing. They can’t provide assistance on other holes or be in multiple places at once.
Caddies are an invaluable part of the game of golf, but there are certain limits to what they can do. Caddies can’t offer instruction, change course conditions, alter the rules, read minds, help golfers score low, give equipment advice, or select players for a tournament. They also can’t be everywhere at once. Caddies can provide moral support and advice on club selection and strategy, but there are certain things that caddies simply can’t do.