Customers Treating Caddies Like Servants for Pay
Blaming the Caddie, Not Themselves, for Poor Shots and Scores
Caddie Bags Loaded with Uneaten Snacks, Making Them Heavy
The customer is king. The same goes for golf courses that offer various services. Everyone involved, from the golf course representative to the front desk and caddies, does their best to provide customers with an unforgettable round. However, there are customers who go too far. They are the 'unpleasant golfers.' What do caddies, who take on the tough tasks at golf courses, really feel? Here are the 'most unpleasant customers' seen from a caddie's perspective.
First is the act of condescension. This is what caddie B, who works at golf course A in the metropolitan area, said: "Various people gather at golf courses. The best customers are those who consider me a round partner. But there are also worst customers sometimes. They treat me like a servant they pay to boss around. They think I get paid a lot even though I don’t do much."
When asked if "young customers might be different," he said, "Younger people make me feel worse," adding, "They send the ball to impossible places to find, then politely say, 'Please be sure to find my ball,' and leave."
Caddies spend more than five hours with golfers. If hurtful incidents occur between them, nothing could be more uncomfortable. Another caddie, C, from a different golf course, pointed out customers blaming the caddie. "I accurately told them the remaining distance and the slope of the green. But if the result is bad, they look at me. They react as if the caddie made a wrong judgment that caused this. Meeting such customers honestly lowers my motivation to work."
As the elderly population rapidly increases, the age of those enjoying rounds is also rising. Caddies, who are much younger than the customers, actively help as if playing with their parents. However, there are always older golfers who cross the line. Caddie C pointed out, "There are customers who make excessively sexual jokes. When it goes too far, the round itself becomes miserable."
In the domestic men's and women's pro tours, the status of caddies has recently risen significantly. They are changing into partners who help players win. Acts like speaking informally or treating caddies carelessly have clearly decreased. However, they have not disappeared 100%. There are still 'difficult players' that professional caddies avoid. Golfers who stuff snacks into the caddie bag without eating them, or players who blame the caddie for their mistakes, still exist.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
