Questions regarding the worth of caddies may be redundant as they are a fixed feature of golf in the Kingdom; no caddie no golf, it’s as simple as that….or is it?
Despite most of Pattaya’s regular golfing visitors hailing from countries with stronger economies, the number of Farang golfers playing out of Pattaya-based golf societies appears well down from levels seen last year. There may be a trend emerging that, if unchecked, could signal Thailand losing its preferred golf location status, due to it no longer offering value-for-money golf.
Recently Thailand introduced a minimum wage of 300 baht per day. The Eastern Seaboard Golf Manager’s Association, the organisation of managers that run most Chonburi courses, placed a further 50 baht on top, thus ensuring most courses charge a 350 baht caddie fee. What portion of that fee ends up with the caddie varies between courses. All caddies, however, receive additional income in the form of a tip, paid to the caddie post round by each golfer. Thus an average caddie could expect to earn circa 500 – 600 baht per round of golf.
Are these smiles proving to be too expensive?
From the perspective of many golfers – those who live here or regular long-term visitors – the cost of funding caddie employment is becoming prohibitive. Consider the plight of a thrice-weekly golfer; he/she will likely spend around Bt2,100 per week on caddie fees alone (Bt350 fee plus Bt350 tip). Assuming a 50-week year, that equates to a staggering Bt105,000, and that’s before we even consider the cost of green-fees!
A typical year’s membership at an average golf course in the UK would be around 1,200 pounds sterling. That equates to Bt60,000. British retirees would, not so long ago, be excused for daring to dream about spending their retirement playing cheap golf in Thailand. Not now. Their annual subscription, essentially the only cost for playing golf at their home course, wouldn’t even meet what they will pay their Thai caddies. In fact, on a thrice-weekly schedule it barely covers half the caddie cost. Thai green fees are of course on top of this. The same argument could be made for other parts of Europe, Australia, the US et al. Retire to Thailand to play cheap golf? Not anymore.
The amount caddies receive in tips varies greatly. A Brit expat, a good guy who has done more than most for the local economy and who has lived here with his Thai family for 20-odd years, always walks the course yet tips Bt200, tops. An Aussie mate, who has lived here for some time and is generous to a fault, won’t tip more than Bt250. Another friend, an American and also a walker, who is a regular visitor to Thailand staying months at a time, tips Bt500, regardless. A fourth friend, a Thai, who has regular caddies at every course, tips well in excess of this. Regardless, I suspect the normal tip would be Bt300. That is the amount many societies recommend their members pay. Remember, golfers have already paid Bt350 caddie fee at check-in.
Personally, I believe the value a caddie can add depends upon circumstances. I am a walker. When I see caddies driving carts I struggle to accept they deserve as much of a tip as caddies who walk. This is especially so when it rains. A good caddie in the wet can be worth the price of a Bt300 tip, but on a fine day, driving a cart – I can’t see it.
What do caddies provide by way of value-add? In what way do they enhance the golfer’s experience? From the point of view of the regular golfer, the expat or regular visitor, the answer is very little. Few caddies have genuine golfing knowledge. Some can read greens, some can also “club” golfers after a few holes. Good caddies can add value to golfers new to Thailand conditions, who don’t understand the effects of grain on putting surfaces. But as far as the regular golfer, the expat who plays two or three times per week, the value a caddie can add is minimal.
The Tourist Authority of Thailand (TAT) have long made much of the Thai golfing experience, with the smiling faces of female caddies featuring in many a promo. From a one-off tourist’s point of view, playing golf with a Thai caddie is all part of the uniqueness of golf in the kingdom. But when the novelty is over, and the tourist comes to Thailand to live, to play golf on a regular basis, having to hire a caddie whether he/she wants one or not, begins to gall, especially when caddies offer very little in terms of real value.
Golf is responsible for employing huge numbers in Thailand. Many courses are dependent upon Farang patronage. That this patronage continues will depend upon the value Farang perceive they get for their golfing baht. Right now that value, when measured against the cost of golf in their home country, has diminished markedly.
Dear TAT,
Do you want to greatly increase golfing numbers here in Thailand?
Remove the mandatory caddie rule and allow golfers to decide whether they wish to hire a caddie or not.
Regards,
Golfnutter
