RALEIGH, N.C. – A landmark moment in professional golf debuted Sunday as the first-ever university-certified Professional Caddie Certification Program beganat Lonnie Poole Golf Course at North Carolina State University.
Designed to elevate professional caddying to new heights, this program establishes the gold standard for entry-level caddies seeking careers at the tournament, country club, and resort levels. Participants will receive elite instruction in essential disciplines, including rules, statistics, psychology, physiotherapy, advanced course management, green reading, and the latest in golf technology.
In an industry first, attendees will gain hands-on experience working alongside the NC State University Golf Team, allowing them to apply their skills in real-world, on-course scenarios—an invaluable component of the program.
World-Class Instructor Lineup:
- Todd Satterfield –TOUR Rules Official, with officiating experience at The Masters, U.S. Open, and other top championships
- Austin Powell –TOUR Statistician
- Josh Nichols – Golf/Sports Psychologist
- Justin Blazer – AimPoint and Green Reading Expert
- Digby Watt, MPT, MTC, CSCS, CGFI – Tour Physiotherapist
- Grant Berry, Mike Hicks and Heath Holt – Veteran Tour Caddies with multiple Major, Ryder Cup, Presidents Cup and Championship credentials
Participants will also receive specialized training in AimPoint, green reading, GC Quad and TrackMan systems, course, and player management strategies, and even CPR training, equipping them with the tools needed to succeed at the highest levels of the game.
A Game-Changer for the Caddie Profession
“This program is a game-changer for professional caddies,” said Grant Berry, Principal of Tour Caddie Collective and a professional golf caddie for over 40 years. “By combining expert-led instruction with university certification and on-course training with the NCSU Golf Team, we’re setting a new industry benchmark for caddie education and career development.”
Mike Hicks, program instructor and co-founder, added:
“Graduates of this program will be fully prepared to step onto the tournament stage with the skills and knowledge required to thrive at the highest levels.” Hicks is best known for caddying Payne Stewart to his iconic 1999 U.S. Open victory, and he sees this program as a way to elevate the profession for future generations.
As the first university-certified professional caddie program, this initiative raises the bar for caddie education and formalizes a direct pathway into professional golf.
“This program represents a major step forward in workforce development for the golf industry,” said Dan Gerger, Director of Continuing and Professional Education at NC State University. “We are proud to help create a program that will shape the future of professional caddying and open new doors for those looking to establish a career in golf.”
For more information and program details,: Professional Caddie Certification Program | Continuing and Lifelong Education
