"There are customers who just want someone accompanying them. Female caddies are usually good listeners and speak softly," she says.
In the 1990s, when the game started to become popular, clubs typically employed raw hands and provided them with some basic caddy training. However, as the number of golf courses boomed and people became familiar with a caddy's job, clubs began to look for quality caddies with some knowledge of golf.
This demand soon led to the emergence of caddy training schools. Beijing T9 Caddy Training School was launched two years ago and on average, it recruits 15 to 20 students each month. To date, 300 caddies have graduated from it.
In addition to familiarizing trainees with the rules of golf, on-course manners and specific caddying skills, students are also required to practice playing golf on the teaching court. However, the most emphasis in the 3,000-yuan three-month training package is given to nurturing a strong sense of customer service.
"Compared to their counterparts abroad, Chinese caddies are young, service-orientated attendants rather than seniors who plan the best hits for players," says Zhang Chao, a teacher in Beijing T9 Caddy Training School.
According to Zhang, caddies abroad are generally retired veteran players and usually only high-ranking professional players enjoy the privilege of hiring caddies, standing aside and offering insightful advice.
"Golf is still considered a symbol of the elite in China," says Zhang. "The hiring of caddies accords with this. The caddy follows the player closely and is ready to take orders, which make the player feel like a master."
This emphasis on being obedient and considerate explains the disproportionate representation of women as caddies in China.
Wang, for example, looks after her customers well. She has her own long list of dos and don'ts, and makes a special note of their health conditions, food preferences and even favorite lockers.
"I seldom remember so many details about my parents," Wang says and admits that she is quite cautious when caddying. "Any mistake will greatly affect the image of the golf club."
Her shift sometimes starts as early as 4 am and ends at 6 pm. Summer is peak season for the club and the one aspect of her job Wang dislikes it getting tanned while out in the open.
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