Okay, so I had this idea to try and make some extra cash by caddying at the Carter Pitcairn golf course. I’d heard it was a pretty swanky place, and figured the tips might be decent. Here’s how it went down.
Getting Started
First thing, I called up the course to see if they were even hiring. Some guy answered, sounded like he was in a hurry, but he said they could use some extra hands. He told me to just show up the next morning, bright and early. Didn’t even ask for my name, which I thought was a bit weird.
First Day Jitters
I got there before sunrise, feeling kinda nervous. I spotted a bunch of other guys milling around, some looked like pros, others, like me, a bit lost. A guy in a fancy uniform, the caddie master I guessed, started barking orders. He paired me up with this older, experienced caddie, Tom, to learn the ropes.
Learning the Ropes
- Tom showed me the basics: how to carry the bag (man, those things are heavy!), where to stand, how to clean clubs, and the general etiquette.
- We followed a golfer around, a guy who seemed important, judging by how everyone was treating him.
- I tried to stay out of the way and just observe. Tom did most of the work, handing clubs, reading greens, giving advice. I just tried not to trip.
My First Solo Gig
After a few rounds shadowing Tom, the caddie master threw me into the deep end. I got assigned to a foursome of older ladies who were surprisingly good golfers. I was sweating bullets the whole time, worried I’d mess something up.
Trial by Fire
- I fumbled a few times, dropping a club once (cringe!), and giving the wrong yardage another time.
- But, the ladies were patient, and I started to get the hang of it. I even managed to read a few putts correctly, which felt like a huge win.
- By the end of the round, I was exhausted but also kinda proud of myself. I hadn’t totally screwed up.
The Payoff
At the end of the day, the ladies tipped me pretty well, way better than I expected. I counted the cash as I walked to my car, a big grin on my face. It wasn’t a fortune, but it was honest money, earned through hard work. Plus, I got to spend the day outside, on a beautiful golf course, which wasn’t bad at all.
Final Thoughts
Caddying at Carter Pitcairn was definitely a learning experience. It was tougher than I thought, both physically and mentally. But, I stuck with it, learned a lot, and made some decent money. Would I do it again? Maybe. It’s a good way to make some extra cash and get some exercise, as long as you’re prepared to hustle. And who knows, maybe I’ll even get good at it someday.
