Ask a Golf Caddie: What's the Most Common Mistake Rec Players Make?

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01-07-2025

Ask a Golf Caddie: What's the Most Common Mistake Rec Players Make? originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not the kind of person who has the disposable cash to spend on a golf caddie every round, but every now and again, I'll splurge on one for the experience.
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More than just hired help to carry golf clubs, a caddie is there to serve as a lifeline on every shot, helping you avoid dumb mistakes and offering up solid golf tips when it comes to reading greens like a pro.
Given their experience with all types of golfers, what can the average recreational player learn from a golf caddie? The Rainmakers Golf Club crew tapped a few longtime caddies to find out.
The Most Common Mistake a Golf Caddie Sees
During a recent golf trip to Florida, I got to tee it up at one of the nicer golf clubs in the West Palm Beach area, Dutchman's Pipe, which is a fun, open track that allows average golfers like me to take some chances.
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It's also one of the few spots where I figured it'd be worth spending some extra cash on a golf caddie, since, you know, I hadn't played Dutchman's before — so having some extra eyes couldn't hurt.
While the front nine was a struggle, the back nine was spectacular, with me shooting just 3-over par — proving how a caddie can seriously help your game improve.
After the round of golf, I had a burning question for the two loopers: What's the most common mistake they see from average golfers?
One caddie said the following, 'I would say, unquestionably, they don't hit it as far as they think they hit it.'
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So if you're a golfer who thinks hitting a 7-iron from 175 yards over some water is a good idea, this specific golf caddie would make you reconsider that decision.
The other caddie didn't focus on the golf swing, but more so on etiquette, saying he commonly witnesses amateur players refuse to take care of the golf course by 'not replacing divots.'
Remember, just because you had a chunked iron shot or mishit a wedge shot doesn't mean you need to just move on and not follow good course etiquette. After all, part of the game is simply respecting the golf course.
Luckily, both golf caddies told me that I wasn't at fault for either of their common mistakes, so here's to walking away on a high note.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 25, 2025, where it first appeared.