Tour Caddie Collective and North Carolina State University’s Office of Professional Development recently announced the launch of an innovative workforce development initiative in professional golf: the Professional Caddie Certification.
The curriculum will prepare participants for a unique career pathway into professional caddying, an industry that offers significant earning potential. Trained caddies often make six-figure incomes, with elite caddies earning up to seven figures. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive an official N.C. State Professional Caddie Certification and a digital badge, symbolizing their understanding of the essential skills required to thrive in the caddying world.
The program’s first session will be offered at Lonnie Poole Golf Course from Feb. 16 – 22, 2025 and will be limited to 18 participants to ensure focused, high-quality instruction. Participants will have the opportunity to work alongside the N.C. State golf team. The program costs $4,000 for seven days and one evening of instruction.
The Professional Caddie Certification was created by prominent tour caddies and course instructors Mike Hicks, Grant Berry, and Heath Holt. Alongside the professional caddies, the course will be taught by experts, including a PGA rules official, sports psychologist, physiotherapist, and technology specialists in Trackman, GCQuad, and AimPoint.
Hicks, former caddie for golf legend Payne Stewart, emphasized the growing demand for skilled caddies.
“There is a significant need for trained caddies at clubs, resorts, and lower tour levels,” Hicks said. “In the past five years, the profession has become financially viable beyond the PGA, LPGA, LIV, and Champions tours, where a decent living wage used to be exclusive.”
Endorsed by the Association of Professional Tour Caddies (APTC), the program has received high praise from the industry’s top professionals.
“APTC represents more than 200 professional caddies worldwide, and we are proud to support this unique learning opportunity,” said APTC President Scott Sajtinac. “The Professional Caddie Certification will offer participants comprehensive training and unparalleled insights into the essential tools and skills used by caddies competing on the biggest stages in golf.”
Chip Watson, PGA general manager at Lonnie Poole Golf Course, said: “As one of the leading campus golf courses, our mission is to facilitate learning, research, and training in all aspects of the golf business. The N.C. State golf teams benefit greatly from this exciting and innovative program at their home base. Student-athletes will learn the importance of a well-trained and certified caddie. As we’ve seen in the last few decades, many college golfers end up pursuing careers as caddies.”
“The Professional Caddie Certification program exemplifies N.C. State’s Continuing and Lifelong Education commitment to innovative workforce development,” said Dan Gerger, director of Professional Development and Lifelong Learning. “By partnering with Tour Caddie Collective, we are opening doors to a unique and potentially lucrative career path in professional golf. This program not only enhances our offerings in lifelong learning and adult education but also aligns with our mission to provide practical, industry-relevant training that prepares individuals for success in emerging and evolving professions.”
For full course information or to register your interest in the program, visit go.ncsu.edu/golf-caddie-cert or contact info@tourcaddiecollective.com.