In 1968 at Baltusrol Golf Club, the going caddie rate was $6-/bag for eighteen holes of golf (typically carried two bags). On occasion, when I found the errant shot and did a marginal job reading the greens, I might earn $1- tip (16.67%).
This week I have been invited to play a “high-end” golf course about an hour from my home, where the going caddie rate is $60-/bag for eighteen holes of golf with a $10- tip (16.67%) for an “A” caddie…total of $70-/bag.
This got me thinking.
Being a numbers guy, I took a moment to calculate the annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) Inflation percentage increases from 1968 to 2017, using a base rate of $6. If my calculations are correct, (and they may not be…I’m a numbers guy but that doesn’t mean I’m good at numbers) the going caddy rate for one bag for eighteen holes of golf in 2017 should be $44.04 without tip.
So, I am not sure how we jumped to $60-/bag however my detailed spreadsheet displaying the CPI Inflation percentages for each year between 1968 and 2017 and subsequent rolling calculations should clearly justify my payment of (let’s round up) $45-/bag later this week.
I look forward to what will surely be my last round at this course!
Thank you for following Bad Golf Guy.
The back nine can only get better!
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