Keeping their eye on the ball

Providing top-notch service and advice — when requested — are the keys to being a first-rate caddy and earning, with a good tip, approximately $180 per round.

Caddies from the Inwood Country Club and the Lawrence Yacht & Country Club, from beginners to veterans all said that watching the flight and position of the ball is critical for them to help their players on the golf course.

Services provided by caddies include carrying the clubs and providing advice when asked, but also extend to knowing the habits of their players and understanding when to lend an opinion or remain silent.

“I only give advice if they ask, if a member asks for advice, you give a little advice” said Eddie Myles, an Inwood resident who has caddied at the Inwood club for 32 years. “What you know, little tips to help them out here and there. I know when to joke around and when to step back from someone having a bad day.”

Bad days could possibly be avoided when caddies assist their players by reading the “greens” and supplying their course experience to the golfers lining up a tee shot or a putt. “I stay on top of the game, I don’t slack, I watch every ball and I’m confident with the job,” said Stephanie Sedhom, 16, who was one of several Lawrence High School students that attended a spring program the Lawrence club ran this year that teaches young people how to caddy.

“I’m not scared to say anything,” the Lawrence resident said, adding that she likes watching golf “it’s a pretty intense sport” and has begun playing once a week. “Usually when they hit a bad ball you usually don’t say anything because they get frustrated. I couldn’t give advice until I actually started playing. One of my players started jabbing at the ball instead of putting at the green and I told him, and he thanked me.”

Being acquainted with the players they caddy for is important. Jonathan Sable, 24, an East Rockaway native now living in Stamford, Conn., is a special ed. teacher at Mt. St. Michael Academy in the Bronx. The former Lynbrook High School and Manhattanville College lacrosse player also runs a lacrosse program in Westchester. He has caddied at Inwood for seven years.