Do Japanese Golf Courses Have Caddies?

The default is usually self-play

Many visitor-friendly Japanese golf plans are セルフプレー, which means self-play. You normally play without a caddie. The cart, course map, GPS screen, yardage markers, and your own judgement carry most of the round.

Do not arrive expecting that a caddie will be available on request. If a caddie matters to your group, treat it as something to arrange before booking.

How to spot a caddie plan

Look for キャディ付き, キャディ付, or キャディ in the plan name or details. This usually means the plan includes caddie service or is sold as a caddie-attached plan.

If the page says セルフ, セルフプレー, or 乗用カートセルフ, assume no caddie unless the plan clearly says otherwise.

When to ask the course directly

Ask before booking if:

• You are playing a difficult course for the first time.
• Your group includes newer golfers who need course guidance.
• You want help with blind shots, green reading, pace, and local etiquette.
• The course is famous, private-feeling, or tournament-style.
• You are booking through a platform but cannot tell whether the plan is self-play.

Use simple wording: "Is caddie service available for this tee time?" If writing in Japanese, ask: このプランはキャディ付きですか？ or キャディ付きに変更できますか？

Cost and availability

Caddie availability is limited. Some courses offer caddie plans only on certain dates or start times. Some courses may not offer caddies to visitor bookings at all.

Costs vary by course and plan. If a caddie is optional rather than included, confirm whether the fee is charged per person, per group, or included in the displayed plan total. Also confirm whether the group still uses a riding cart.

Why self-play is common in Japan

Self-play is not a low-quality option. Many Japanese courses are set up for it: carts may have GPS, hole maps, distance information, score entry, and course navigation. Staff may handle bag drop, cart staging, and post-round club cleaning even when no caddie is assigned.

The main difference is that on-course advice is your responsibility.

FAQ

Are caddies included at Japanese golf courses?

Not by default. Many public visitor plans are self-play. Look for キャディ付き if you need a caddie.

Can I request a caddie after arriving?

Do not rely on that. If you need a caddie, ask the course before booking because staffing and tee-time conditions may be limited.

What Japanese words should I look for?

キャディ付き means caddie included or caddie-attached. セルフプレー means self-play, usually without a caddie.