Tipping on the golf course can be confusing. Especially if you’re new to the game or playing a course you haven’t visited before, knowing who to tip (and how much) can feel like navigating a minefield.
Understanding proper tipping etiquette is important. Not only does it improve your overall experience and ensure that course staff are fairly compensated, but it can also help you avoid an embarrassing situation.
This guide will cover various staff positions, course types, and potential scenarios to help you navigate the world of golf tipping with confidence. We’ll break down exactly who you should tip, when you should tip them, and how much is appropriate.
Understanding the landscape: Course types and tipping policies
Tipping isn’t always straightforward, so let’s take a look at the norms for different kinds of courses.
Public courses
Tipping is more common and expected at public courses, where staff typically earn less and rely on tips to supplement their income.
Remember to tip for services like help with your bag, cart service, and on-course beverages. You can usually tip a little less at public courses than at private clubs.
Resort courses
Tipping at resort courses is similar to tipping in other hospitality settings.
Check your bill to see if an 18% service charge has already been added. If not, plan to tip the valet, bag handlers, caddies, and beverage cart attendants. You may want to tip a little more at resort courses because service expectations tend to be higher.
Private clubs
Tipping policies vary widely at private clubs, so it’s always best to ask beforehand.
Some clubs prohibit or discourage tipping, while others have specific guidelines. Ask your member host or the pro shop what the proper procedure is, because club policies can be sensitive and may affect how staff are compensated.
The front line: Tipping for outside services
When you arrive at the golf course, there are often several people who will help you get your gear from your car to the first tee. Here’s a rundown of how to tip them.
Bag drop/outside service staff
It’s customary to tip the people who help you with your clubs and equipment. If they’re friendly and helpful, $5 per bag is a good place to start.
If they provide extra services, such as shuttle service, cleaning your clubs, or fetching towels, you might want to tip a bit more.
Cart staff
It’s also thoughtful to tip the cart staff when they bring the cart to your car at the end of the day, especially if they clean your clubs before they load them up. $2 to $5 is a typical amount.
If the bag drop attendant also handles the cart, it’s fine to consolidate the tip to avoid tipping twice for the same service.
Valet
If you use the valet parking service, it’s standard to tip, usually around $5 per car. Consider the convenience and speed of the service, and tip a little extra if the valet is working during peak hours.
Enhancing the Experience: Caddies and Forecaddies
If you’re using a caddie or forecaddie, you should plan to tip them based on the level of service they provide.
Caddies
Tipping your caddie is standard practice, and the amount should reflect how well they did their job. As a minimum, you should plan to tip $50 per person.
Remember, the tip should be based on their knowledge, assistance, and how positive and helpful they were — not just on how you scored. A good guideline is to tip 40% to 50% of the green fee.
Before you head out to the course, talk with your host or the pro shop to get clear on caddie fees and what’s expected in terms of tipping. Find out whether the fee includes a tip or if it’s an additional expense.
Forecaddies
Tipping forecaddies is also customary, especially at more exclusive courses. A reasonable tip would be $20 to $30 or more per player, depending on the club.
Think about how difficult the course is and how well the forecaddie knew the course. Tip more if they went above and beyond to help you.
The total tip for the group should be divided fairly among the players. A reasonable guideline would be $50 to $100 total for the group.
On-Course Comforts: Beverage Cart and Locker Room Attendants
Golf courses aren’t known for skimping on the hospitality, so you may encounter a beverage cart attendant or locker room attendant during your visit.
Beverage Cart Attendants
Figure that tipping a beverage cart attendant is similar to tipping a bartender — 15% to 20% of your purchase is a reasonable starting point. You might consider upping the tip for exceptional service like mixing drinks, providing extra ice, or offering helpful recommendations.
It’s a good idea to have small bills handy so you can tip, even for small purchases.
Locker Room Attendants
Tipping a locker room attendant is appropriate if they provide services such as cleaning your shoes or providing extra amenities. A tip of $3 to $5 is typical for shoe cleaning, and $10 to $20 is reasonable based on the services performed.
Even if you only use the locker room briefly, a small tip is a nice gesture of appreciation.
Uncommon scenarios: Starters, Rangers, and Instructors
When it comes to tipping, the etiquette isn’t always clear. Here’s what you should know about tipping starters, rangers, and instructors.
Starters and Rangers
You typically don’t have to tip starters or rangers unless they’ve gone above and beyond to assist you. If the starter is able to help you get a better tee time or the ranger steps in to resolve a backup on the course, a small tip might be appropriate.
If they provide exceptional service, a tip of $10 to $20 is a nice way to show your appreciation. Ultimately, use your best judgment based on the situation.
Golf Instructors
It’s generally not expected that you tip your golf instructor for lessons. Many people choose to send referrals to their instructor or give a small gift instead.
However, if your instructor goes above and beyond by giving you extra time or really personalizing your lesson, you might consider offering a tip as a thank you.
Putting It All Together
Knowing the unwritten rules of golf course tipping can make the day more enjoyable for you, your playing partners, and the staff who work hard to make your experience memorable.
Showing your appreciation through tips helps these service workers earn a fair wage and recognizes the value they bring to the golf course.
When in doubt, don’t be afraid to ask questions. And when the service is good, remember that even small gestures of appreciation can make a big difference. A little generosity goes a long way!