Tips from a Pro Caddie, on How to Work with Yours

Do you know how best to use a caddie? Andrew “Drano” Lano II, former PGA Tour caddie (winning eight times with Kenny Perry and once with rookie underdog Chez Reavie), shares his pointers below on effectively communicating and working with your caddie.

Drano is also a Maine Golf Hall of Fame inductee, President of The Lano Family Foundation, CaddieNow consultant, and Dormie Network Ambassador.

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Part of my weekly routine and regimen on the PGA Tour included caddying for my pro in hundreds of Pro-Ams. What became apparent to me over the years was that most amateur golfers who took a caddie could have utilized them better.

Try these few tips to help maximize your future caddie experience (and what I would expect of my own):

1. Communicate your needs and preferences to your caddie during warmups on the range. Every golfer has different expectations, and this assures you and your caddie are on the same page before you even get to the 1^st tee (you don’t have three or four holes to figure it out, so if you have the chance, connect with your caddie at the range). You know what type of working relationship works best for your game. This is with the caveat that you may change your mind halfway through play—you can get a good feel for someone in four-and-a-half hours.
   
   Drano’s Tip: My #1 rule for caddies is to only provide advice when asked.
   
   
2. Provide the distance yardages of all your clubs to your caddie. I have made mini cheat copies to give to any caddie I employ, to help with their course calculations and advise. This speeds up play if you’re working with a beginner caddie.
   
   
3. Discuss talking parameters with your caddie for the day. If you’re not a fan of chatty caddies, this helps avoid the issue and gets you exactly the type of help you want with green reading and course strategy.
   
   
   Drano’s Tip: I encourage all of caddies to forecaddie (go ahead) on every hole except the Par 3’s—this speeds up play and helps minimize lost balls.
   
   
4. Inform your caddie to maintain clean clubs and a wet towel for the entire round. This ensures ease of wiping the golf ball, grips, or perspiration on hands. 
   
   

Andrew Lano II and Kenny Perry with the 1995 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic trophy

As you can see, it’s imperative to clearly communicate your expectations when it comes to all aspects of your game. Additionally, personality, hustle, enthusiasm, attitude, course knowledge, course etiquette (e.g. replacing divots and raking bunkers) and green reading contribute to the overall caddie performance and evaluation.

Hopefully this plan will enhance your golf experience at the Dormie Network courses as well as others you may play. Check with your Concierge or Head Pro to schedule your next round. Happy golfing!

Photos courtesy Andrew “Drano” Lano II
Header photo: 1995 Nissan LA Open with Kenny Perry, putt for course record 62