Professional Caddie Certification Program

November 16-20, 2026

Unlock Your Career in Professional Caddying

Step onto the fairways with confidence and expertise with NC State Continuing and Lifelong Education in partnership with Tour Caddie Collective. Held at the renowned Lonnie Poole Golf Course on NC State’s Centennial Campus, the five-day Professional Caddie Certification Program is designed to equip you with the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to excel as a professional caddie at both club and tour levels.

Program Details

Dates: November 16-20, 2026
Location: Lonnie Poole Golf Course and Club House Classrooms
Tuition: $3,750
Eligibility: Ages 19+ with at least three years of regular golf play and a solid understanding of golf and course etiquette.
Format: Five consecutive days and one evening of instruction, designed to be accessible and manageable for individuals with busy schedules. Participants will need to allocate one week away from work to complete the course.
Class Size: The program is limited to 18 participants to ensure personalized instruction. If the program you’re interested in is full, there will be a waitlist available using the registration form.

Registration Opening Soon

Why Choose NC State’s Professional Golf Caddie Program?

University-associated— Our program is the only caddie certification course associated with a major university, ensuring you receive a top-tier education that is recognized and respected in the industry.

Expert instruction — Learn from the best in the field. Our course is designed and delivered by top tour caddies who bring real-world experience and insider knowledge to the classroom.

Comprehensive curriculum — Gain a deep understanding of the fundamentals of professional caddying, delivered by the beautiful game’s leading experts.

Personalized instruction — Class size is capped at 18 with a maximum of six participants per instructor on the golf course.

Standardization of skills — The certification program ensures that caddies possess a standardized set of skills and knowledge relevant to the professional golf industry.

Enhanced professionalism — By completing a certification program, participants demonstrate their commitment to professionalism and excellence in their role.

Improved quality of service — Certified caddies are likely to provide a higher quality of service, enhancing their play and the overall experience for golfers.

Career advancement — Certification can open opportunities for career advancement within the caddying profession.

Meet Your Caddie Program Developers and Instructors

The program has been meticulously crafted by seasoned tour caddies to deliver unparalleled instruction — boasting extensive experience across various prestigious circuits, including the PGA, DP World, USGA, and LIV tours.

With a collective background encompassing decades of involvement in major tournaments, Ryder Cups, and Presidents Cups, these elite professionals embody the pinnacle of the caddying world.

Grant Berry

Berry has been a caddie for notable golfers, including Henrik Stenson, Thomas Bjorn, Carl Pettersson, Francisco Molinari, Luke Donald, and Daniel Berger. Berry caddied the winning putt in the Presidents Cup with Berger and the Ryder Cup with Stenson.

Mike Hicks

Hicks has been a caddie for notable golfers, including Curtis Strange, Jonathan Byrd, Greg Norman, Steve Stricker, Grayson Murray, and Payne Stewart. Hicks caddied for Stewart during his iconic 1999 U.S. Open win.

Heath Holt

Holt has been a caddie for notable golfers including Corey Pavin, John Rollins, Jonathan Byrd, K.J. Choi, Brendan Todd, Greg Chalmers, and Charl Schwartzel. Holt caddied for Schwartzel during his inaugural LIV Golf individual competition win.

Paul Tesori

Over the course of his career, Paul has amassed 23 PGA Tour victories, including Major titles such as the U.S. Open and The Players Championship. His expertise and steady presence have been trusted by legends and rising stars alike, working alongside Vijay Singh, Webb Simpson, Cameron Young, and Tom Kim. He has also competed in 8 Presidents Cup and 3 Ryder Cup tournaments.

Jon Yarborough

Jon caddies for Phil Mickelson on the LIV Tour, and caddied on the PGA and LPGA tours for players including Suzanne Petterson, Smylie Kaufman, Bill Haas, and Hunter Mahan. He had wins on tour with Gary Woodland and Scott Stallings.

Registration Opening Soon

Program Schedule and What to Expect

Morning: Classroom Session — 9:00 a.m.
- Meet the instructors/program overview
- Overview of professional caddying fundamentals
- Understanding a week on the PGA Tour
- Fundamentals of yardage & green book usage

Lunch — noon

Afternoon: Classroom Session -12:30 p.m.
- Working with your player’s golf coach
- Effective communication within the team
Afternoon: Driving Range with Trackman & GC Quad
- Usage of Trackman & GC Quad Technology

Morning: On-Course Session — 8 a.m.
- Hole 1
  - Pacing
  - Yardage
  - Flag positions
  - Angles
- Hole 2
  - Hole strategies
  - Measuring the golf hole
  - Environmental impact on course/ball distances
  - Lasering
  - Compass use
- Hole 3
  - Course maintenance
  - Bag positioning/where to stand
  - Crown management strategies
  - Teamwork with other caddies
  - Raking the bunker

Lunch — noon

Afternoon: Classroom Session
- Agronomy
- Analytics and Data in Caddying

Morning: NC State Putting Green/Classroom — 8 a.m.
- AimPoint and Green reading

Lunch — noon

Afternoon: Classroom Session
- AimPoint and green reading
- Insights from rules official (Todd Satterfield)

Morning: On-course — 8 a.m.
- Caddying: Real-time scenarios with a player — six students per group/instructor

Lunch — 12:30 p.m.

Afternoon: Classroom Session
- CPR training (NC State Health & Safety)
- Hole-by-hole overview of TPC Sawgrass at Ponte Vedra

Morning: On-course Session — 8 a.m.
- AimPoint practice
- Green reading techniques
- Advanced usage of yardage book
- Using a green book efficiently
- Clubbing
- When to step in with your player
Morning: Classroom session — 10:30 a.m.
- Psychology: Managing Pressure and Personal Wellness (Josh Nichols)