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The past few years have not been easy ones for caddie programs. Start with federal and state government entities trying to collect tax revenues from clubs by asserting that caddies are employees of those associations – and not independent contractors. It makes clubs leery about anything that ties them too directly to loopers. Then, there are the inefficiencies of traditional caddie programs, beginning with loopers never being sure how long they have to wait before getting out for a round – if they get out at all.
Many observers believe the long-term sustainability of caddie programs is at risk if things do not change.
Fortunately, solutions are becoming available, thanks largely to developments in technology. Another factor is the emergence of a new company that uses some of them, ClubUp.
Founded by Matt Rose, a former caddie from the Detroit area, ClubUp offers a web-based platform that engages with a mobile app, allowing individual golfers and caddies to communicate directly with each other – and work out who is going to loop for whom without getting the club involved. The setup helps cut out unnecessary tarrying in the caddie yard, as no one has to worry about not getting out. Finally, ratings can be meted out by golfers and payments for rounds can be made without clubs getting involved.
“We also see ClubUp as a way of attracting young people to caddying by making it more attractive for them,” said Rose, whose brother, Mike, handles operation and finance for the company. “And we think that is important, too, because caddying is how so many of us got into the game.”
A number of top PGA golf professionals are involved in ClubUp, including Bob Ford from Seminole and Andrew Shuck of Charlotte Country Club. PGA of America chief executive officer Seth Waugh served on its board of directors, and the company has struck partnership deals with The First Tee as well as the Metropolitan Golf Association. And to date, some of the best-known clubs in America have availed themselves of the service, among them Medinah, Quaker Ridge and Country Club of Detroit.
Top photo: Caddies at Medinah, one of the clubs that uses ClubUp