The Golf Caddie - The Forgotten Worker

Abstract

Caddies are an integral part of the game of golf. As an occupation, little is known regarding the physical and psychological demands of caddying. Likewise, there is a dearth of scientific literature regarding musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among caddies. This research endeavor attempted to provide a review of literature regarding the physical demands associated with caddying as well as the prevalence of MSDs. The authors then provide targeted research recommendations to address the shortcomings of the current state of the scientific literature as related to the occupation of caddying. This information may help inform workplace health intervention strategies to improve job performance/satisfaction, lower the occurrence of MSDs, lower health care costs, increase occupational longevity, and enhance the quality of life for the professional caddie.

Golf and Physical Health: A Systematic Review

“…Beyond golf participation, caddies contribute to the sport at all levels of the game, from recreational to professional. Typically, the caddie's roles include, but are not limited to, carrying golf bags, attending to the flag stick, and providing strategic support to the golfer [3][4][5][6].…”

“…Examples include riding an electric cart compared to carrying clubs or using a pull cart [19], carrying a bag with one or two straps [20,21], and playing on a hilly course, although this is debated between studies [19,22]. Additionally, caddies can be expected to carry a bag of at least 12.5 kg [3], which presents an additional physical challenge to walking alone, during an on-course round of golf. General golf is considered to be a moderate-intensity activity with a metabolic doequivalent (METs) of 4.8 [18,23], with reports that a nine-hole golf round elicits 46% of peak MET for a healthy older (64 ± 8 years) population [24].…”

“…A variety of categories were explored concerning both physical and mental health, with a recommendation for a systematic review to be conducted to further the understanding between golf and health. Moreover, the focus has long been placed on golfers, while the effect of golf caddying on health has started to receive attention [3]. Given the absence of a focused systematic review on physical health and golf derived from peer-reviewed academic literature, the present systematic review aimed to establish the influence of golf participation and physical health in golfers and caddies.…”

More than carrying a bag? The role of the caddie in facilitating a golfer’s psychological performance.

“…Traditionally, the role of the caddie involved tasks to reduce the golfer's workload by carrying the bag, cleaning the clubs, and maintaining the course condition for play (Mackenzie, 1999). Indeed, the professional golf association (PGA) defines a caddie as a person hired to carry clubs and provide other assistance (Adams et al, 2020). Yet, researchers have identified that caddies may provide their player with specific advice on course management, yardage estimates, and club selections (Coate & Toomey, 2014).…”

“…Nevertheless, with the exception of Lavallee et al (2004) and Jowett and Zhong (2016) previous researchers have failed to obtain the perspective of the caddies themselves (e.g., McNeill & Meade, 2017; Swann et al, 2016). Furthermore, understanding how the caddie facilitates the golfer’s psychological performance has been noted as an overlooked area within the literature (Adams et al, 2020; Pilgrim et al, 2016; Schlereth, 2015). Accordingly, the primary aim of this study was to ascertain professional caddies’ perceptions regarding their role.…”