New South Wales Golf Club is preparing to launch a caddy program that will see the club provide caddies to work with local and international visitors.

In an initiative funded by the NSW Golf Club Foundation, the caddy program will see applicants trained in the art of caddying and the rules and etiquette of golf.

"Pull carts and electric buggies have seen the loss of caddies at the club and there has been a long-term desire to reestablish the practice within a formal program that provides more than just a casual job," said David Burton, General Manager at the NSW Golf Club.

"Caddies will work in much the same way as caddies for professional golfers, they will undertake full training and receive a uniform together with access to amenities and a caddy master."

The program provides a foundation for those seeking a career as a professional caddy, together with the opportunity for young golfers to gain experience and continue to practice their game with club access included as part if the program. Each caddie will be assigned to a golfer with all caddy fees going directly to the caddy.

"This is a wonderful initiative that the local community and golf industry will benefit from. Caddies play an important part in our golfing landscape, so to see a program implemented to grow the profession is simply great," said Brian Thorburn, Chief Executive Office of the PGA.

Steve Williams, who has served as caddy for both Adam Scott and Tiger Woods, has agreed to be Patron of the NSW Golf Club caddy program, while American professional caddy, Jack Coaty, has also been enlisted to help with the set up.

"Because of NSW Golf Club’s reputation amongst golfers worldwide, it receives a steady flow of international visitors including many from America and the UK where professional caddies remain an important part of the game," Burton added.

"Navigating around NSW Golf Club, especially for visitors who are out to enjoy one of golf’s real experiences, will be made easier with an experienced caddy on hand." 

From its establishment in 1928, the NSW Golf Club had a strong group of caddies, both local and Indigenous, who were a feature at the club for over 50 years.

Local community and Indigenous leaders have shown their support and enthusiasm in an initiative that can open avenues not only for short-term employment and training but a long-term career in golf.

The NSW Golf Club is listed in the top-20 best courses outside the USA and top-50 in the world as rated by Golf Digest.

For further information about the NSW Golf Club caddie program, please contact Golf Manager, Ross Kirby, on [email protected] or 02 9661 4455.