35 replies to this topic

[Sammy]

Anyone know what the "going rate" is for tipping caddies? Other than the "up to you" answer, is there a range that most players are paying? I tipped a girl at Khao Kheow today 240 baht and she was ecstatic. I didn't think it was lot. Back in the mid 1990's I was counseled to not tip more than 180 baht (10 baht per hole) so I thought I was factoring in some inflation.

And are there any courses that "specialise" in the caddies providing "extra service?"

Edited by Sammy, 24 April 2006 - 07:39 AM.

[Dungheap]

200-300 is the normal range.

Some Phoenix caddies offer the bar girl experience.

Edited by Dungheap, 24 April 2006 - 09:07 AM.

[doghaus]

Dungheap is spot on - 200 baht to 300 baht is the norm.

There are some exceptions at Phoenix who have been known to receive a cellphone and their rent money in return for services rendered on a consistent basis! But you would need to ask one of the locals for the right caddy numbers! There is a rumour going round that you should always select a caddy wearing lipstick if you want a bit of fun.

Doggie

[kesam1]

200 for ok caddy 300 for ones that know yardages and lines on the green etc. That way the ones that just carry a bag soon learn they can get more if they do the job properly

[Dungheap]

And 500 for the caddy that carries your clubs when you win Dodgie's dosh!!!

[Sammy]

Thanks for the excellent responses.

I will have to remember to look for the lipstick

I know Panya Indra in Bangkok has lots of caddies that offer a BG experience.

Edited by Sammy, 24 April 2006 - 09:51 AM.

[gp2002]

You got my answer already for part #2....

Good luck

Cheers.....gp

[Sammy]

Members should stay away from Caddy #288 at Phoenix. Worst caddy I have ever had. Lazy, never gave me yardages, break of the green etc. On the few occasions Iwas in the rough she would be sitting in the cart waiting for me to find my own ball. Turfed her after 9 holes. Got Caddy #366 who was very helpful if unattractive.

Edited by Sammy, 27 April 2006 - 08:31 AM.

[harro1]

Why is the expected or normal tip for caddies so high when you are charged 300 baht by the club for the caddy? Doesnt the club pay the caddies very well or something? Also I believe it is compulsory to have a caddy.

[bigmick]

Why is the expected or normal tip for caddies so high when you are charged 300 baht by the club for the caddy? Doesnt the club pay the caddies very well or something? Also I believe it is compulsory to have a caddy.

It is compulsory to have a caddie and yes you do pay 250 - 300 baht for a caddie. Thats how the clubs make money from you. The caddie i use told me she gets 100 baht from the caddie fee you pay for her. I usually give her 300 baht tip because she is good and knows yardages etc and is a very experienced caddie.

[harro1]

So if a caddy does 2 rounds a day, they would be earning a good wage by Thai standards.

I

[rightsaid]

So if a caddy does 2 rounds a day, they would be earning a good wage by Thai standards.

I

I doubt very much they do 2 rounds a day.

[harro1]

If they only do 1 round a day then they would work maybe 5 hours a day maximum.

It seems as if the caddy fee is just really part of the green fees and the "tip" is the caddies wages. I guess this has them really trying to please if the customer has the ability to cut their wages.

I might tip them, or not, after each hole depending on my perception of their performance on the hole. What if they let you play the 19th, 20th and 21st holes? How much do you guys tip them then?

[fisherman194]

If they only do 1 round a day then they would work maybe 5 hours a day maximum.

It seems as if the caddy fee is just really part of the green fees and the "tip" is the caddies wages. I guess this has them really trying to please if the customer has the ability to cut their wages.

I might tip them, or not, after each hole depending on my perception of their performance on the hole. What if they let you play the 19th, 20th and 21st holes? How much do you guys tip them then? They often have to be at the course at 5-30am to wait for a customer.I wouldn,t suggest it is a good idea to make a pass at a caddy.

[keyman]

The last time I played a round in Thailand (Oo err, missus!) the caddy was asking if I had a girlfriend, so some, but not all, may be a bit playful!!

Keyman

[Mescalito]

300 or at least equal to the caddie fee is the norm for me, but there are a couple of caddies I regularly use that I tip as much as 500; they're so good I'd use them in tournament play. They not only read the greens better than I can even after playing this game for 48 years, they know my game and can regularly pull the right club for me without me asking for it; know my short game well enough to hand me the right wedge of the 4 that I carry, and can give me the right strategy to take off the tee.

[MrMango]

If they only do 1 round a day then they would work maybe 5 hours a day maximum.

I knew one in Angleles. She was a stunner (and a 3 holer). She would tell me many days she would go to the club, only to find after 3-4 hours that there wre no players or it stated to rain - Guess how much she made? Zip.

The Golf course was her version of Beach Road.

[kaiser71]

300B is what I made per bag 25 years ago. Had to carry the bags though.

[Big_Brian]

If they only do 1 round a day then they would work maybe 5 hours a day maximum.

It seems as if the caddy fee is just really part of the green fees and the "tip" is the caddies wages. I guess this has them really trying to please if the customer has the ability to cut their wages.

I might tip them, or not, after each hole depending on my perception of their performance on the hole. What if they let you play the 19th, 20th and 21st holes? How much do you guys tip them then?

Most don't get a job every day. Unless pre-booked, the will work 3-4 days a week at best. They still have to turn up every day though - normally for about 06:00 - or lose their place in the caddy queue. I tip 300 unless very good or very bad.

[softrabbit]

I talked to my regular caddie at Green Valley that she used to get 200Baht when caddie fee was 250 baht and now when it was raised to 300 baht she´ll get 250 baht. Tipping is a separate issue.

Normally the caddies get 80% of the caddie fee.

[mrlasvegas]

All these fees and tips. No wonder this is a sport of the rich old farts. Why not quit this bs and head to a bar. Cheaper and more fun.

[Big_Brian]

Cheaper???? You get to put it into 18 holes in one day. Try to do THAT in a bar and see if it's cheaper.

[hwells]

If they only do 1 round a day then they would work maybe 5 hours a day maximum.

It seems as if the caddy fee is just really part of the green fees and the "tip" is the caddies wages. I guess this has them really trying to please if the customer has the ability to cut their wages.

I might tip them, or not, after each hole depending on my perception of their performance on the hole. What if they let you play the 19th, 20th and 21st holes? How much do you guys tip them then?

The caddys spend a lot more than 5 hours at the course.
At Siam for instance they are there at 06:00 hrs sometimes earlier to work on the course filling divots etc, raking leaves.
after a round on Sunday all the carts are washed & cleaned for the following week, guess who does this yep the caddys.
Tipping is of course a personal option.
I tip my caddys, some better than others.
The club does indeed keep some of the fee, 80% to caddy sounds about right.

[maxtroy]

.
I tip 300 baht for a caddie that puts in an honest effort to be helpful and fun . I was also advised to give them 50 baht instead of buying them refreshments as they generally just sell the drinks back to the course and take the cash . Well the 50 baht has paid off very well as the caddies are very appreciative and I suppose it lets them know you won't be a cheap charlie at the end of the round . I generally wait till around the 4th hole to get a sense that the caddie won't disappoint before giving the 50 baht and make it very clear it is for them to buy their own drinks . Have yet to see a caddie use the 50 baht to buy a drink as they seem content to just drink water and pocket the cash .

[MONKEY01]

I Dont get this why would you tip a caddy what is around £6 when you only tip waitresses 50-60p and the caddys are paid more anyway is it a golf snobery thing