Golfers seeking game improvement may be overlooking a promising solution with mutual benefits: hiring a caddie. To encourage customers to try caddies, Cantigny Golf is waiving its base caddie fee of $20 throughout the month of June.
Cantigny is the rare public golf course with a successful caddie program, which began in 1998. But growing the program is a constant challenge in the age of cushy electric carts with GPS systems. By offering an incentive, Cantigny hopes that more golfers will experience the joys of walking the course with a trained caddie or hiring a forecaddie to go with their group even if they choose to ride.
Caddies will still receive the $20 fee in June, directly from Cantigny. Golfers are asked to follow Cantigny’s established caddie tipping guidelines, which are communicated at check-in.
Cantigny golfers can reserve a caddie or forecaddie when making a tee time by calling 630.668.8463.
Caddies do much more than carry golf bags. They are responsible for finding and cleaning balls, replacing divots, raking bunkers, giving pin positions, reading greens, supplying yardages, and other tasks. Many Cantigny regulars swear that playing with a caddie helps their game and elevates their overall golf experience.
“We love giving our customers the option of a caddie,” said Terry Hanley, Cantigny Golf general manager. “The program sets us apart from other public golf courses. But we love what caddying does for our kids, too.”
Hanley is referring to benefits that go far beyond a summer job and the game of golf.
Cantigny caddies learn valuable business and social skills on the course, such as courtesy, preparation, self-confidence, respect, and responsibility. For some, the experience can be life-changing: So far, 18 Cantigny caddies have earned full-ride college scholarships through the Western Golf Association's Evans Scholars Foundation. The awards go to caddies who show a strong caddie record, excellent academics, financial need, and outstanding character.
“We’re incredibly proud of our caddies, all of them,” said John Johnston, caddie superintendent. “They work hard to make every round a little better for the customer. I hope every golfer will consider a caddie next time out. It’s the absolute best way to play the game.”
About Cantigny Golf
Cantigny Golf, managed by Northbrook, Ill.-based KemperSports and owned by the Chicago-based Robert R. McCormick Foundation, was named “Best New Public Course in America” by Golf Digest when it opened in 1989. The 300-acre public complex includes 27 scenic holes designed by Roger Packard; the year-round Cantigny Golf Academy powered by TrackMan Range; the 9-hole Cantigny Youth Links; and a full-service clubhouse with dining and banquet facilities. Cantigny is the five-time host of the Illinois State Amateur Championship and other important competitions and qualifiers. For more information and tee times, visit CantignyGolf.com.