The first golf caddies in Thailand appeared on the scene around 40 years ago. At that time, there were only a handful of courses in the country and most of them were located in Bangkok. The caddies were mostly young boys and girls who had been orphaned or abandoned by their families. They would help carry the golfer’s clubs and offer them water or snacks during their round. In exchange, they would receive tips from the golfer. While this may not seem like much, it was actually a very good way for these boys to earn a living.
As golf became more popular so did the need for golf courses, farm land all over the country was converted leaving many farm workers out of work. This prompted the Thai government to insist that all Thailand golf courses must make golf caddies compulsory and thus giving the farm workers a chance for reemployment, this rule is still in place to this day.
A few of us might be feeling a little unsure about having a caddie in Thailand — totally normal! Dianne and I were quite distraught on our first trip back in 2003. But speaking from experience… it turned out to be a wonderful (and very memorable!) part of the trip. Thailand caddies are part of the golf culture there. They’re friendly, helpful, and often bring a bit of fun to your round. They’ll:
- Drive the cart – they like to if you let them but usually hang off the back
- Help with club selection
- Read those tricky greens
- Keep score
- And magically find golf balls you thought were gone forever
Some even add their own charm — like gently pointing where to go and when you miss “wrong tree, madam” or crafting a little bamboo fish while searching the pond for your ball.
Why they’re great (especially if you’re nervous)
- They know the courses inside out
- Those grainy greens? They’re experts at reading them
- Two heads are better than one in this game!
- They can actually save you strokes
Caddie fees are quite reasonable. A typical tip is 500 baht depending on your experience. Think of it as a small price for extra help, local knowledge, and a smoother round. Caddies often work long hours in the sun so offering them refreshing drinks or snacks can be a nice gesture and they will often share some of their lunch with you. They also appreciate thoughtful gifts like golf ball, tees, or caps especially if they are of good quality or have a unique design. A Canadian souvenir can also be a thoughtful gift showing appreciation for their service while sharing a piece of our your culture.
Golf can be frustrating (we’ve all been there!). Thai culture is very calm and polite, so it’s important to stay kind and patient. A smile goes a long way, even after a bad shot.
What feels unfamiliar at first often becomes one of the most enjoyable and unique parts of golfing in Thailand. Most people end up loving the experience and wondering why we don’t have this everywhere!