Do you need a caddie at St Andrews?
Daniel Johnson
Updated on July 23, 2026
The St Andrews Old course has restrictions on use of trolleys (pull carts) - they are only permitted after 12 noon between April and October. A caddie is therefore essential for many golfers who would not wish to carry their own clubs.
How much do caddies make at St. Andrews?
Unless you're Stevie Williams or Joe LaCava, you won't get rich caddying, even at St. Andrews. Caddies there – as they are at most courses – are independent contractors, earning their standard fee of 55 pounds ($69) plus gratuity, usually another 20 to 25 pounds ($25-$30).
Can you play St. Andrews without a handicap?
You will need a handicap certificate to play the Old Course. So be sure to register for one with the USGA or your local club in advance of your trip. Maximum allowed handicaps are 24 for men and 36 for women.
How much do you tip a caddie at St. Andrews?
If you get one of these caddies give them a big tip. The minimum pay for a St. Andrews caddie is 45 pounds plus tip. The tip for a good caddie is at least 20 pounds—65 total.
Can anyone golf at St. Andrews in Scotland?
Anyone can play golf in St Andrews. Of the town's 10 golf courses only the Old Course requires a handicap and there are plenty of options depending on your budget.
28 related questions foundWhat does a 36 handicap mean?
The highest handicap the USGA recognizes is 36 for men and 40 for women; this is the golfer's strokes over par on a USGA-recognized course.
Can you walk the Old Course at St Andrews?
Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 32 min to complete. This trail is great for trail running and walking. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Old Course at St Andrews is the ruling house of golf worldwide.
How much does a caddie cost?
Caddie fees are paid upon check-in at the golf shop. Most guests typically share a caddie between two players. Our recommended caddie gratuity is $50 and up per bag for a walking caddie, and $30 per bag and up for a forecaddie.
Can you wear shorts on St Andrews Old Course?
Slacks or shorts (no more than four (4) inches above the knee), collared shirts or turtlenecks (including mock turtlenecks) and golf shoes are required on the Course. Shirts must be tucked in at all times. In general, everyone on the Course is expected to dress in a neat and appropriate manner.
Do golf courses provide caddies?
17 states offer caddies at more than one public-accessible facility: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Washington, Wisconsin.
Can you use trolleys at St Andrews?
There are currently no restrictions on the use of trolleys for the Old Course. However should there be excessive wear and tear to the course, this may require to be changed at short notice.
How much is a round of golf at Augusta?
There are roughly 300 members of Augusta National, and being invited by one of them is the quickest way to get a round in at the famous course. Members are allowed to bring a guest on the course for a relatively small fee of $40.
What does your handicap have to be to play at St Andrews?
The Old Course at St. Andrews requires all golfers to have a handicap of 36 or below. Muirfield and Royal Portrush Golf Club are a little more restrictive, both requiring an 18 or better to play the course (24 for females at Royal Portrush).
How do you become a St. Andrews caddy?
To apply, please email [email protected] with your full name, contact details and a CV of previous golf and caddie experience. Closing date for applications is 25th March 2022. Caddie Licences are limited on a yearly basis and successful applicants will be contacted directly.
How much do you tip a caddy in Scotland?
Tipping Caddies
The amount is completely at the discretion of the player, with £15 being an accepted starting point, and most will make an assessment based on the quality of the service. One or two regular caddies may also be welcome to a post-round pint!
How old do you have to be to be a caddy girl?
Your gender shouldn't matter, and the age requirements vary by the club. You have to be 14 to caddy at most clubs, but some might hire 13-year-olds.
How hard is the Old Course at St Andrews?
The 17th on the Old Course is considered to be one of the most difficult holes in all of golf. On a course labelled the “Home of Golf” there are always going to be tests that push your golfing ability to the limit. The Road Hole is for sure the toughest test.
How many courses are at St Andrews?
Today there are seven public golf courses; the Balgove, Eden, Jubilee, Strathtyrum, New, the Old Course (which is widely considered one of the finest, and certainly the most famous and traditional course in the world), and The Castle Course, sited on the cliffs a mile to the east of St Andrews and designed by the ...
Do I need a handicap to play Carnoustie?
Visitors must have a recognised handicap of 28 or less for men and 36 or less for women and should bring with them their current handicap certificate as these may be required prior to play.
Can you walk Pebble Beach without a caddie?
Caddies are not required but greatly enhance the guest experience. Those wishing to request a caddie should call Caddie Services at least 72 hours in advance of the round at (866) 903-9101.
How much did Tiger Woods caddie make?
Tiger Woods Earnings
During his time caddying for Tiger Woods, Steve earned at least $12 million in bonuses and salary alone. Tiger also reportedly gave Steve 10 vehicles that were won at tournaments.
How much does Tiger Woods caddie make?
Just ask Joe LaCava, Woods' caddie. Woods earned $5.4 million on the tour in 2018, so estimating LaCava's take based on the going rate is fairly straightforward. The caddie likely earned somewhere between $272,192 and $544,384 for the year, on top of the money he earned from weekly salaries.
Is St Andrews a hard golf course?
The hallowed Old Course lies on public ground, but there's no other place a golfer feels more privileged to play. The course isn't the most technically challenging, but teeing off in front of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club is as nerve-racking as it gets. Read “The Investment of St. Andrews.”
Why is St Andrews closed on Sundays?
The centuries-old edict to refrain from golf on Sundays is a sacred part of the Old Course's traditions. Historians trace the Old Course's Sunday closure to religious laws dating at least to the 16th century, when some residents of St. Andrews were cited in town criminal logs for playing on the Sabbath.
Can you walk around St Andrews?
It is the perfect place for urban walkers to explore. The St Andrews Town and Gown Walk is a fairly easy walk that consists of mainly pavements and paths. It is 3.25 miles long (around one and a half to two hours) and ideal for those who want to explore more of the town on foot.