Caddie Team,
We are winding down another successful year here at the club. Your hard work and dedication to the team does not go unnoticed. Thank you. It is our hope that everyone has a fantastic holiday season, however you and your family chooses to celebrate it.
We all know Peachtree GC is a very unique property. We do not have tee-times. We don’t allow carts out on wet days. We have more wait times than probably any property, at least from my experience. Therefore, it is very difficult to gauge trends or patterns out here. Often times, members and guests can show up unannounced at any given time. Furthermore, we are thrown curveballs that might break our rotation that is set in place. We often use the phrase “It’s Peachtree”, meaning, “you never know”. We have to adjust on the fly and cannot control the uncontrollable.
In my opinion, we go above and beyond with communication. You get daily texts, you have access to our schedule website, we have spot meetings before most club events. I make myself available 24/7 for any issues you may have. I feel I am very responsive and very accommodating when issues arise.
I sometimes feel you guys ignore what we have to say. I print availability calendars for a reason. You guys get to pick your own schedules! How is it that the majority of you guys never turn one in or even more, not honor your days available with no calls or no-shows? This practice is incredibly frustrating on our end. The club has paid a lot of money to have our company here to run a business.
As we approach the New Year, our theme as a team going forward will be ACCOUNTABILITY. Accountability is defined as an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one’s actions. I do not rule this place with an iron fist by any means. I am simply asking the team to tighten up. Below is a list of things we need everyone to work on:
- You need to communicate. Communication should always be at the forefront. BE RESPONSIVE.
- Fill out your availability calendars and return them to a manager ON TIME.
- Honor your availability!
- BE ON TIME!
- Look sharp EVERYDAY. Clean your uniforms! Practice good personal hygiene. No one should be in their street clothes in common areas of the club. (Bag room, caddie office, etc.) Too many jeans, flip-flops, backwards caps, and t-shirts. Terrible look.
- Be DRESSED and READY upon arrival. When called upon, service your players at the range IN A TIMELY MANNER! This sets a good rapport or connection with your players that day.
- Be enthusiastic. Be consistent. Go above and beyond. At Peachtree, we cannot have bad days. This is a sanctuary. Treat it as such.
- MONEY: Yes, this is a job. We get it. Money is essential for living. Do not let money be the end-all/be-all reason you are here. You will have GREAT days and sometimes you will not. That is the nature of the service industry.
- Gratuity Policy. $30/bag and up for forecaddie loops, $50/bag and up for bag carry loops. Do not get yourself involved with this issue in front of the membership or the golf staff.
- Team harmony. Malicious gossip will not be tolerated as it pertains to other caddies, golf staff, or the membership for that matter. We need to always be positive and show love to one another. Work together. Pick your brothers (and sister) up when appropriate. Not a bad idea to mind your own business. J
- If you appear to be on drugs or smell like alcohol, you will not be working. No gray area here. I was not born yesterday.
- Physicality of the job. We have a very diverse group, some older caddies, some younger caddies, some with limitations. We are very accommodating to everyone with physical needs. At the very least, if you cannot take care of a twosome in a cart and be on your feet for an extended time, this job may not be for you. You are the best judge of your own body and we expect that you are honest with us. Don’t be a super hero.
- Abide by Peachtree’s rules. These are CLUB RULES. If broken, the club has every right to ban you from this property.
Soon, shortly before January 1, you will receive an email to renew your contract as well as sign off on your club access document (club rules). I encourage everyone to READ everything to re-familiarize yourselves with one, what is expected of you and two, the consequences that come with it as a result.
We always want to provide a culture of team building, but that requires accountability. The most successful organizations all over this world have done so. Our membership knows this first-hand, believe me. It is a proven fact that you cannot be successful without said culture. Accountability certainly makes us better but the lack thereof can limit us from reaching our full potential. There is no doubt in my mind that we are capable to have an outstanding caddie program. Going forward, we challenge everyone to hit the reset button and dive in at full speed.
We as managers will hold each other accountable too. We are all in this together. Please take everything to heart; I should not have to beg you. Please remember that we have an open-door policy shall you have any questions or concerns. All feedback is welcomed. This is how we get better.
I apologize for the long-winded note but it is important to me that everyone be on the same page. It is difficult to get everyone together at one time. I simply want to foster a culture of responsibility that drives us to be the best.
-Eric
PGC Caddie Program 