Old Course caddies...

[ArnoldArmChewer]

the caddies at our place get the same again tip wise, i wouldn't like to think of the look they would give you if you only got £10 as tip, when they have lugged a tour bag around for 5 hours

Quite, the caddies I have had before have been a pleasure and really enhance your day, it's not an everyday thing so a fair tip is only reasonable, mind you ours at The Old Course was a big lad and really got stuck in at the halfway hut!!!

 

[AmandaJR]

The caddy master and their website say £45 each caddy plus a recommended tip of £15.

So another £120 to an already expensive trip. I'd gulp usually at £60 for 18 holes green fee!! But...my lovely Dad is treating us to the golfing trip of a lifetime and will be looking down with his blue eyes twinkling as we plot our way round the home of golf.

 

[Hobbit]

Amanda, its (almost) a once in a lifetime experience - get a caddy. I've played with and without. They do make a difference to the score but its dependent on how well you can follow their advice. Read the course guide too, as it's well worth knowing what you're playing to, not just following advice blindly.

If the weather is half decent, its easily possible to play to your handicap but you must avoid the fairway bunkers.

I hope you have a cracking time - I must make time for another visit - the whole experience, including the town and the pubs just blow you away.

 

[AmandaJR]

Amanda, its (almost) a once in a lifetime experience - get a caddy. I've played with and without. They do make a difference to the score but its dependent on how well you can follow their advice. Read the course guide too, as it's well worth knowing what you're playing to, not just following advice blindly.

If the weather is half decent, its easily possible to play to your handicap but you must avoid the fairway bunkers.

I hope you have a cracking time - I must make time for another visit - the whole experience, including the town and the pubs just blow you away.

Thanks Hobbit. We are really looking forward to it although I'll be VERY nervous on the first tee especially with a caddy looking on!

 

[patricks148]

Thanks Hobbit. We are really looking forward to it although I'll be VERY nervous on the first tee especially with a caddy looking on!

i would'nt worry about the caddie as he's going to have to watch every shot you play. If you don't like people watching you, then you are not going to like the first tee at all. You get loads of people hanging around the front of the R&A club house and the Hut, plus evryone else thats due to play after you hanging around early.

When i played there must have been 50 plus sitting on the steps

 

[G1BB0]

i would'nt worry about the caddie as he's going to have to watch every shot you play. If you don't like people watching you, then you are not going to like the first tee at all. You get loads of people hanging around the front of the R&A club house and the Hut, plus evryone else thats due to play after you hanging around early.

When i played there must have been 50 plus sitting on the steps

sod that!

 

[richart]

Don't forget to have a meal at the Vine Leaf. A bit more expensive than some, but great food, and atmosphere. Be careful that you don't admire any of the pictures you could end up buying one.

We forgot to have a beer in the Jigger Inn last time we went. Will not make that mistake in October.

There is a good practice range at St Andrews. Recommend you get well warmed up for the first tee shot. There will be a crowd at the first, but just aim well left. Our four all hit great tee shots, and then three of us stuffed our seconds in the Swilken Burn.

 

[AmandaJR]

i would'nt worry about the caddie as he's going to have to watch every shot you play. If you don't like people watching you, then you are not going to like the first tee at all. You get loads of people hanging around the front of the R&A club house and the Hut, plus evryone else thats due to play after you hanging around early.

When i played there must have been 50 plus sitting on the steps

Yikes 50 onlookers!! I usually respond to a crowd though as it focusses my mind and makes me determined not to make a chump of myself.

Don't forget to have a meal at the Vine Leaf. A bit more expensive than some, but great food, and atmosphere. Be careful that you don't admire any of the pictures you could end up buying one.

We forgot to have a beer in the Jigger Inn last time we went. Will not make that mistake in October.

There is a good practice range at St Andrews. Recommend you get well warmed up for the first tee shot. There will be a crowd at the first, but just aim well left. Our four all hit great tee shots, and then three of us stuffed our seconds in the Swilken Burn.

We'll check those out as staying for 4 nights B&B so need some recommendations for grub!

 

[Blue in Munich]

When I played the Old Course I didn't have a caddie, one of the other lads had played before and knew the way round. I have played Carnoustie & Bethpage Black with a caddie. Both of those were well worth the money, made it a much more enjoyable experience, and if this is a once in a lifetime experience then my advice to you would be to make the most of it and have a caddie, both for the experience and the advice. If I get back there I will have one.

Besides, what would your Dad think of his girl having to lug her own clubs on such an occasion?

 

[AmandaJR]

When I played the Old Course I didn't have a caddie, one of the other lads had played before and knew the way round. I have played Carnoustie & Bethpage Black with a caddie. Both of those were well worth the money, made it a much more enjoyable experience, and if this is a once in a lifetime experience then my advice to you would be to make the most of it and have a caddie, both for the experience and the advice. If I get back there I will have one.

Besides, what would your Dad think of his girl having to lug her own clubs on such an occasion?

Good point. He'd blame David!

 

[Yer Maw]

A caddie will defo enhance your experience as where to hit is not straight forward as there are so many carries off the tees and hidden bunkers. The back nine is just fantastic and the Links undulations on many holes are amazing! Get the course guide as well though so you can remember where you hit your shots.
However one caddie between two is better and they won't mind. Seeing 4 golfers, four caddies and inevitably a few wives on a lot of holes can look ridiculous at times but such is the allure of the course. I hope you get decent weather and April can be a good month.

 

[stevek1969]

Wouldn't get one if i was just they'll cost you a minimum of £65 ,my mate is a caddie at Kingsbarns and thats the minimum they get. I'll give you a tip for the Old Course ,keep it left of the tee and take one more club hitting into the greens.

 

[smange]

Played the Old Course two years ago and we never bothered with caddies and it never detracted from the experience at all. Not a difficult course to get round and what SteveK says is almost exactly what the starter said to us just before we teed off.

There is, as has been said, a certain excitement finding your own way round and reading the greens on your own

All this chat has got me excited for our next trip over at the end of may when we will once again be playing the Old and New (without caddies)

 

[Yer Maw]

Played the Old Course two years ago and we never bothered with caddies and it never detracted from the experience at all. Not a difficult course to get round and what SteveK says is almost exactly what the starter said to us just before we teed off.

There is, as has been said, a certain excitement finding your own way round and reading the greens on your own

All this chat has got me excited for our next trip over at the end of may when we will once again be playing the Old and New (without caddies)

Agreed. Keep left is as hard as it gets and if you know your yardages and where the bunkers are then sorted. But if you have the money to splash then it is a good addition to the day. But also don't drive every hole, especially of the yellows but if you drive about 250yds then the whites make it a much better course! Plus let us know how you got on and if you can tell what the changes are that have been made over winter.

 

[stevek1969]

Had the best caddie ever when i played in Euan (gcd) great to play it with a member he knew all the lines ,to be honest it was great to try and navigate it yourself it more of a challenge that way.

 

[Foxholer]

For this sort of round, I'd recommend a Caddie, even if only 1 between the two of you. It should enhance the experience. Tip them well - each if sharing, though don't let them take the mickey at half way!

Staying left is a pretty good plan on most of the 'blind' holes.

Enjoy the experience!

 

[bayjon14]

Played the Old Course two years ago and we never bothered with caddies and it never detracted from the experience at all. Not a difficult course to get round and what SteveK says is almost exactly what the starter said to us just before we teed off.

There is, as has been said, a certain excitement finding your own way round and reading the greens on your own

All this chat has got me excited for our next trip over at the end of may when we will once again be playing the Old and New (without caddies)

I am willing to pay to see a scotsman doing a bit of work, it could be a world first for me

only kidding, I cant wait for end of May, clock is ticking fast.