The St Andrews Standard
"Although devoid of material things, we were rich in courtesy tae oor golfers, which in turn made us rich in life."
Daw Anderson, caddie circa 1870

Golf first developed in St Andrews over 600 years ago, and caddies have been a colourful part of that history. Their original role of carrying clubs and running ahead to check if it was clear has developed considerably over the centuries. Today' s caddie is expected to be guide, advisor, storyteller and psychologist - and has to understand the needs of the golfer.

As the Home of Golf, St Andrews Links is the place every golfer aspires to visit. Golfers coming to St Andrews have high expectations and it is important that every aspect of their visit lives up to their dream. One of the key elements of the experience is the caddie service. A good caddie, as every golfer knows, makes all the difference to a game of golf.

The combination of local knowledge, sound judgement and experience can transform a round of golf into something really special.
Caddie Connect is a unique training programme based on the training given to the caddies who work at St Andrews. It was developed by St Andrews Links' caddie manager, Rick Mackenzie, in conjunction with Elmwood College, and leads to the first accredited qualification in caddying, known as the St Andrews Standard. Caddie Connect includes the traditional aspects of caddying and the skills needed to meet the expectations of today's golfers.

Caddies need practical skills such as replacing divots, repairing pitchmarks and tending the flag. Beyond that, they have to gain the knowledge and expertise to be able to read greens, provide accurate yardages, improve speed of play and offer sound advice to golfers. To be a good caddie and a complement to the club, they have to know how to offer a high level of customer awareness and service.
With a professionally trained and knowledgeable team of caddies, a club will improve its service to golfers and so enhance its image.

Caddie Connect is designed for people already working as caddies and those new to the game. It is also a good grounding for those thinking of becoming a professional caddie. Caddie Connect students do not have to play golf, although an interest in the game is an advantage.

Course Content

Caddie Connect will lay the foundation for a solid beginning as a caddie. Designed to introduce caddies to the game of golf and develop the level of skills and services they offer the golfer, the key elements are the history of caddie, an introduction to the rules of golf and on-course etiquette, instruction in making a yardage book and training in customer awareness. These are described in detail in a series of text books which are provided as part of the course.

It will provide the caddie with a better understanding of the standards required to become a good caddie. On successful completion it gives the aspiring caddies an accredited qualification and confirms that they have attained the St Andrews Standard.

The Stages
Caddie Connect is a three stage training programme designed to introduce aspiring caddies to all aspects of what is required to meet the St Andrews Standard. The classroom training material is covered in Stage 1 and within the five text books provided.

1 Theory : 30 hours of theory work on all aspects caddying including continuous assessment tests

2 Practical : 30 rounds of golf as caddies, assessed by golfers/officials at a home club

3 Final Test : Written test and assessed caddie round including a yardage book

Home or Away?

Caddie Connect can be studied either in St Andrews or from home using a CD-ROM.

Option A : Theory : Classroom at St Andrews
Practical : 30 assessed rounds on home golf course
Final Test: Completed at St Andrews

Option B : Theory : CD Rom at home
Practical : 30 assessed rounds on home golf course
Final Test: Completed at local centre

Coming to study in St Andrews will incur an additional cost of travel and accommodation. Accommodation can be arranged if required.

St Andrews Links is the Home of Golf where the game has been played for six centuries. The Links Trust is the charitable organisation responsible for the management and preservation of the historic, public links courses at St Andrews. There are six courses, including the world famous Old Course, two clubhouses and a golf practice centre, all open to everyone.

Elmwood College, Fife, offers courses in a range of subjects related to the golf industry including NC Greenkeeping, NC Golf Studies, HNC/HND Golf Course Management and HNC/HND Golf Facility Management, which lead to final year degrees at the University of Abertay and the University of the Highlands and Islands. A range of industry specific, short courses, are also available.

Caddie Connect
www.caddieconnect.com

Carrying on the Tradition

For further information and a registration pack for Caddie Connect, please contact

Anne Laing,
Elmwood College, Cupar, Fife, KY14 5JB
Tel: 01334 658938
Email: alaing@elmwood.ac.uk,

Or

The School of Golf and Leisure Studies,
Elmwood College, Cupar, Fife, KY14 5JB
Tel 01334 658842, Email: contact@elmwood.ac.uk