Kalamazoo Country Club: Caddie Program

Golf Central

Dick Stewart
PGA Golf Professional

KCC Golf Results

Men's League - Tuesday June 15, 2010

KALAMAZOO COUNTRY CLUB
MEN�S LEAGUE RESULTS
June 15, 2010

HIGH POINT TEAM-FRONT
�Caddie Scholarship�    58    $5 Each

    Dan Day        21
    Steve Ossewaarde19
    Dan Doerr    18


HIGH POINT TEAM- BACK
�G.O.M.�        59    $5 Each

    Jim Hackenberg    21
    Jerry Miller    19
    Bob Benjamin    19



HIGH POINT INDIVIDUAL
FRONT:             23    $5 Each
    Haluk Aktan


BACK:            26    $5 Each
    Randy Seber


CLOSEST TO THE PIN
#2                 $5 Each
    Ryan Gardner

#12                $5 Each
    Randy Seber

KALAMAZOO CC MEN'S LEAGUE STANDINGS

PLACE    TEAM    POINTS
        6/15/2010
1    Answer United        228
2    Caddie Scholarship    224
3    Keystone Community Bank    221
4    G.O.M            219
5    7950.com        214
6    Ted Hartleb Agency    210
7    Team AVB        207
8    Jason's Team        202
9    Jaguars            200
10    Yoopers            198
11    Got Time?        196
11    One Way Products    196
13    Barnes Bowlers        194
14    First National Bank    191
15    Wasabee            185
16    Road Rangers        183
17    NEMCO Brokerage        182
17    Simmy's Team        182
19    Sanford Financial    178
20    Caitlan's Team        173
21    Paper or Plastic?    170

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Kid's Special Events in August

Kreative Kids Art Club- Friday, August 6th from 1- 3 p.m. Drive-In Movie Night- Saturday, August 7th at 9:30 p ... Read more

Ladies Golf Events in August

Ladies� Nine, Dine, and Wine Wednesdays, August 4, 11 & 18 at 5:30 p.m. Bring a guest for free! Ladies� Member-Guest Thursday, August 12th Ladies� Club Championship Thursday, August 19th President�s Day Golf Event Men�s and Women�s Event Wednesday, August 25th Ladies� Senior Club Championship Thursday, August 26th

KCC Caddie Program for KIDS!
The KCC has one of the best caddie programs in the United States and one of a select few remaining in the midwest. A great way for Kalamazoo area youth to earn summer money, make contacts, and learn about life. You'll love the atmosphere at KCC as you assist our members on the golf course.

Joel Netz, Caddie Master
Joel is our Caddie Master/Starter at KCC. He has been involved for more than half his life at KCC starting as a caddie at 13. Joel is a 7th grade teacher at Kalamazoo Christian Middle School where he also coaches both boys and girls basketball. He trains over 150 caddies each year and is the main reason KCC has a top notch Caddie Program.

How old is the Caddie Program?
It began in the 1930's, and has had thousands of participants. It remains as one of only about 19 such programs in all of Michigan, and one of only 3 outside of the Detroit area.

What are its goals?
To provide caddies to the members; to provide honest work for able young men and women, while learning about the Great Game of Golf; to award scholarships to talented young people for their future education.

How many caddies do we have?
More than 100 are trained annually; unfortunately, many golfers do not use them, and only about 50-60 remain active in the program through the summer.

Who is in charge?
The Board of Governors delegates this to the Caddie Committee, chaired by John Allen. Also on the Committee are Tom Gauntlett, Judy Maze, Josh Weiner, and Joan Young. Dick Stewart gives the Committee advice, and the Committee reports back to the Board through a Liaison Governor. The Club and Dick Stewart also hire a Caddie Master, who runs the program on a day to day basis. Presently, that’s Joel Netz, a local teacher and one of our former caddies.

How are the caddies recruited?
Many simply call in during the springtime, seeking a job. Others are recruited, mostly through the public schools. It is an “equal opportunity” program, without discrimination as to any minority.

Is it regulated by the government?
Of course. The Michigan Department of Labor requires that KCC be licensed, and that each caddie have a work permit. Caddies must be at least 13 years old, and there are other limitations as to how long they can work and under what conditions. For instance it is not permissible to “forecaddie” (send a caddie in front of the golfer to trace the flight or location of the ball). Except for the paperwork, the rules do not create any problems for the program.

Are caddies paid by KCC?
No, the caddies are not KCC employees. Caddies are “employed” by golfers for whom they work. Payment is worked out between the caddie and the golfer, who can pay the Caddie in cash or charge it to your KCC account. Suggested rates of payment are posted at the Pro Shop. Payment is recorded on the “CaddieCard,” which the caddie turns over to the golfer after the round. Caddies purchase their own shirts and hats, and provide their own towels.

What are caddies paid?
For an 18 hole round, the following rates are suggested: Class A-$16.00; Captain-$17.00; Honor-$18.00. These posted rates are the minimums suggested by KCC and the Golf Association of Michigan.

Are caddies rated?
Each caddie is continuously rated into various categories beginning at “Class A,” and then to “Captain” and “Honor.” Attendance and ratings by golfers on the “CaddieCard” are the two most important factors. The higher the caddies’ rating, the higher the suggested payment.

How much should I tip a caddie?
The rates presume that a satisfactory performance will receive some tip in addition to that amount indicated on the card. This is also a part of the rationale by which the Department of Labor permits the caddies to work at much less than the minimum wage. The Golf Association of Michigan recommends a tip of $3.00 to $6.00, or higher if the caddie is extraordinarily good. Most golfers add a substantial tip ($3-$10), but even with this, the caddie earns far under the minimum wage.

Are caddies fed?
Yes, the Club provides a small snack after each round. At the turn, golfers should offer the caddies a beverage and candy.

Where do caddies come from?
All over. Some ride their bicycles from as far away as Parchment, Comstock, Vicksburg, Plainwell and Mattawan. Some club members’ children also participate, but they must obey all of the rules just like any other caddie.

What do caddies do?
Just about anything the golfers desire of them. For the most part, it is carrying the clubs, raking bunkers, replacing divots, tending the flagstick and cleaning clubs. If asked, more experienced caddies will also assist the golfer with club selection, distancing and strategy. Caddies work for the golfers who pay them, not for the entire group.

Do the caddies receive training?
Yes. The Caddie Master trains them at the beginning of each season. The “CaddieCard” also contains a selection for the golfer to comment on the caddies’ performance; this evaluation is used to rate the caddie, and also to perform additional training during the season. It is important that each golfer fill out the rating selection of the “CaddieCard.” Nevertheless, the best training occurs during each golf round, when the golfer advises or corrects a caddie on the spot.

Do caddies play golf?
Surprisingly, many do not. Caddies with satisfactory ratings are permitted to use the course on Fridays and on other special event days. One of the Program’s goals is to introduce golf to young people.

Does KCC award Caddie Scholarships?
Yes. At any one time, we are funding approximately 19 scholarship students, each at $3,600 over 4 years, at a variety of colleges (MSU, Wayne State, Northwestern, U of M, KVCC) and trade schools. Each award is for 1 academic year, renewable only with a satisfactory academic record. Photos of our current Caddie Scholars are posted in the upstairs hallway in the Clubhouse. Over the years, KCC has awarded over $200,000 in scholarship aid.

How are the scholarships funded?
By an annual assessment to the Club Members ($28.00), the net proceeds of the KCC Invitational Tournament, and other private contributions. All of this fund goes only for scholarships. In 1985, the Board of Governors established a Foundation for the administration of our Caddie Fund, in order to guarantee tax deductibility to our donors. This Fund is within the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, in association with Fifth Third Bank. In connection with the generous endowment contribution by Fifth Third Bank on the occasion of the retirement of one of its most honored employees, the Fund was named the “GLEN C. SMITH/KCC CADDIE FUND.” It is prepared to receive your contributions of cash, stock or other assets, all of which will be fully tax deductible to you as a charitable contribution.

How are other caddies rewarded?
An Annual Member Tournament and Caddie Banquet at KCC recognizes Caddie Scholars and also other caddies who have performed extremely well, with a meal and other prizes (many of them donated by Dick Stewart and our members). All golfers are invited to participate in the Tournament and the dinner.

Does it work well?
Just look at the product! Hundreds of alumni through the U.S., including: dentists (Tom Simon, Darrell Wotta); lawyers (Roger Bus, Tom VandeVusse); accountants (Bill Bishop, Jim Manifold); minister (Rev. Joe Beeke); scientist (Dr. Mark Lyster); sports editors (Jack Moss, John Block); golf professionals (Pat Gallagher); and many of our own members (Tom Brown, Dave Crandell, Tim Hanley, Tom Huff, Marv VanderVeen, Tom Swiat, Bill Western, Don Seelye, Glen Smith, Howard Kalleward, Tom Carey, Dan Ryan, Dan Crockett, Bob Early, Bruce Thompson and Pete Thomas). Peter Coppinger was also a Fullbright Scholar!

How can you help?
That’s easy. Make a contribution to the Caddie Fund. And play your BEST golf - - take a CADDIE.

To make a contribution to the Caddie Fund, write your tax deductible check payable to “THE KALAMAZOO COMMUNITY FOUNDATION,” and send to:

Glen Smith/KCC Caddie Fund
The Kalamazoo Community Foundation
151 South Rose Street, Suite 332
Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007-4775

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