Thai Golf Caddies Guide
Thailand's "secret weapon" for better golf. Learn everything about the unique caddie culture, tipping etiquette, and how to get the most from your round with a Thai caddie.
Caddie Fee
฿250-500
Recommended Tip
฿300-500
Status
Mandatory
Always Available
One caddie per golfer at every course
Friendly Service
Known for warm hospitality
Local Knowledge
Expert green reading & course tips
Great Value
Full service for ~$20 total
Why Caddies Are Mandatory in Thailand
Golf caddies first appeared in Thailand around 40 years ago. As golf grew in popularity and farmland was converted to courses, the Thai government mandated that all courses must provide caddies. giving displaced agricultural workers new employment opportunities.
This tradition continues today and has evolved into one of Thailand's greatest golf attractions. Having a knowledgeable caddie by your side transforms your round from simply playing golf to experiencing Thai hospitality at its finest.
Unlike in Western countries where caddies are a luxury, in Thailand they're an integral part of the golf experience. and at a fraction of the cost you'd pay elsewhere.
What Your Caddie Provides
- • Carries your bag
- • Reads greens
- • Suggests club selection
- • Drives the golf cart
- • Finds errant balls
- • Rakes bunkers
- • Keeps score
- • Provides course knowledge
"Thailand's secret weapon" . Caddies are consistently rated as the #1 reason golfers return to Thailand.
The Unique Female Caddie Culture
Thailand is famous for its predominantly female caddies. a unique aspect of Thai golf culture that visitors from around the world appreciate. Known for their warmth, patience, and excellent service, Thai women caddies have become ambassadors for the country's renowned hospitality.
Many caddies have years of experience and deep knowledge of their home courses. They take pride in their work and genuinely want you to play well and enjoy your round.
This cultural tradition provides meaningful employment for women from rural areas, offering stable income and the opportunity to meet people from around the world.
6 Tips for Working with Your Thai Caddie
Follow these tips to have the best possible experience and get the most from your round.
1. Build Rapport Early
Ask your caddie's name, smile, and establish a positive attitude from the start. A friendly relationship leads to better service and a more enjoyable round.
2. Trust Their Course Knowledge
Your caddie walks this course daily. Trust their yardage calls, club suggestions, and local knowledge about hazards, wind patterns, and tricky lies.
3. Stay Positive
Never blame your caddie for bad shots. Thai people avoid confrontation. raising your voice is considered very rude. Accept responsibility for your own game.
4. Learn Their Language
When they say a putt is "left," they often mean "left to right." Watch their hand gestures to confirm the break direction.
5. Book Favorites
Found a great caddie? Get their caddie number (not phone number) and request them for your next round. Most courses charge ~฿100 to book in advance.
6. Tip Fairly
Always tip. it's expected and appreciated. ฿300-400 is standard, more for exceptional service. This makes a real difference to their income.
Tipping Your Thai Caddie
Tipping is customary and expected in Thai golf culture. Your tip goes directly to the caddie and often represents a significant portion of their daily income.
Standard Tip
For acceptable service. The baseline tip most golfers provide.
~$9 USD
Good Tip
For helpful service with good reads and friendly attitude.
~$12 USD
Excellent Tip
For exceptional service that genuinely improved your round.
~$15+ USD
Understanding the Numbers
Caddie Fee (Paid to Club)
฿250-500 depending on the course. This is a fixed fee that goes to the golf club, not directly to your caddie. Premium courses charge higher fees.
Daily Caddie Earnings
Most caddies earn ฿350-400 per day from fees. With tips, a good caddie at a premium course can earn ฿1,000+ (~$30) per round. excellent income in Thailand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about golf caddies in Thailand . from tipping etiquette to booking your favorite caddie.
Do all Thai golf courses have caddies?
Yes, caddies are mandatory at all golf courses in Thailand. You'll have one caddie per golfer. this is included in the playing experience and cannot be opted out of.
Can I request a male caddie?
Yes, you can request a male or female caddie when checking in. Speak politely to the caddie master. Male caddies are less common but available at most courses.
Do caddies speak English?
Most caddies at popular courses have basic to good English, enough for golf communication. At premium international courses, English proficiency is typically higher.
What if I'm not happy with my caddie?
Courses have feedback systems. often a numbered token you can drop in a satisfaction box after your round. For serious issues, speak calmly and factually to the caddie master.
Do caddies drive the golf cart?
At many courses, only caddies are allowed to drive the carts (for insurance reasons). Some courses allow golfers to drive, but it varies. Check with the pro shop.
Do Thai caddies play golf themselves?
Most don't play regularly, though courses often allow them to play nine holes in the evening. Male caddies are more likely to be golfers themselves.
Pretty Caddy Services
Many Thai golf courses offer the option to book a "Pretty Caddy" . a caddie selected for appearance as well as service. It's an openly marketed premium option at many courses across Thailand.
How It Works
- •Queue caddies . Standard assignment when you arrive. Skilled, experienced, ages vary.
- •Booking caddies . Request a specific caddie in advance (~฿100 booking fee).
- •Pretty caddies . Premium option at select courses (฿800-1,000+ for 18 holes).
What to Know
- •This is an official, openly marketed service at many courses.
- •Sites like Golfland.asia specialize in caddie reservations by course.
- •The service is professional . caddies still focus on your golf game.
- •Courses like Panya Indra openly list their pretty caddy roster with photos.
Should You Book a Pretty Caddy?
It's entirely personal preference. If you're confident in your game and don't need heavy course guidance, why not? If you want the most experienced caddie who knows every break on every green, the regular queue or booking a veteran caddie by number might serve your scorecard better. Either way, you're paying for a caddie . this just adds a selection option.
Total Caddie Cost Summary
Budget Course
Premium Course
Pretty Caddy
Incredible value compared to caddie services in the US ($100+) or Europe. This is one of the best reasons to golf in Thailand!
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