Female caddies work hard for their living

SURABAYA (JP): Ni Ketut Sariati, 21, is perhaps one of the lucky caddies in Indonesia. She told The Jakarta Post she could earn Rp 650,000 (US$271) per month. That is much more than a university lecturer earns in a month.

The youngest of six children, Ketut now supports herself. "When I am not working, I study at Surabaya Hotel School," she said. She wants to be employed permanently by a fine hotel.

But working as a caddy is not always fun. Of course, she gets a lot of money by her standards -- she can get higher education, and she can meet VIPs, either government officials or business executives.

So, what could upset her? "I would be sad if my customers thought I didn't give good service, or when one gets mad at me."

She experienced a customer's anger once. She did not feel well at the time and made mistakes, which angered a customer.

But at her work at the Ciputra Golf course, there is a training course for caddies.

"We realize that very often players come to us because they like our smart looking caddies," said Jessica Leonard, assistant marketing manager of Ciputra Golf.

The course has 267 caddies who work in three shifts at the 27- hole course. All are women.

"Women caddies are usually more friendly, more patient, smile a lot and give more attention," said Leonard. She admitted that some of them are slower then male caddies. "There are good and bad factors, but we decided to use women caddies for uniqueness. People will remember us easily."

Many caddies in Ciputra attend high school. They are paid on the basis of the minimum wage level. They work five days a week and their shifts last five hours. According to the salary standard, they should receive about Rp 4,100 per day, but they also get tips from customers.

What kind of job does a caddy do? On an 18-hole course, a caddy must walk as far as 10 kilometers to 12 kilometers, under the hot sun.

"A good caddy could not do it twice a day," said John de Kleuver, manager of the Bukit Darmo Golf Club. It is certainly hard work physically. "But it will keep them fit and healthy, and this job gives them an opportunity to meet VIPs and to get better jobs."

A smart and good caddy doesn't only walk and serve. She will also amuse customers and, in some cases, guide them. In Jakarta, there is a caddy rating standard.

"It is common for a customer to ask for a first-rate caddy," said Avie Utomo, an official of the Indonesia Golf Association.

In a tournament held in Surabaya recently, more than 50 percent of the competitors -- both in the pro and amateur events -- were former caddies. Being a caddy seems to be a good beginning to becoming a pro golfer.

"If we don't have sufficient training and courses for young people, yes, our athletes in the future will be the caddies serving you at the moment," said Avie. (Sirikit Syah)