caddy fee

Question
ive been asked to caddy for a lady in the futures tour qualifier in fla this november. ive been caddying at top level country clubs for 9 years and have done a few big tourneys for amateurs and nationwide guys. she has offered to cover expenses and wants to know how much i would charge for 2 practice rounds and 4 tournament rounds. i dont want to price myself out of it, but at the same time I average about $150 per day to stay home. What is fair?  

Answer
Dear Chris, thanks for the question.  I understand your dilemma, and a couple of things come to mind.  I would ask myself...What is this worth to me?  Am I strictly looking at this as work or is there possibly something more at stake?  If it is just work, then I think you're obligated to yourself to propose no less than your daily average and perhaps even more given other factors such as gas etc.  On the other hand, if you think this has some potential for meeting not only this player but perhaps others as well, then you might be willing to take much less as virtually an investment, if you know what I mean.  Another factor is the FUN factor...this could be a cool experience and maybe you're willing to take less just to have it.  My guess Chris is that its a little of everything for you, a fun experience with a chance to meet some great players (who could feasible hire you,) and get paid to do it.  With that in mind, I would suggest that you speak with this player and tell her your dilemma, that you have some basic needs but at the same time that you would really like the opportunity to impress her and that you are flexible within reason (if you are.)  I'm not sure what your personal situation is Chris, but if it were me, I would be thinking along the lines of...What would I minimally be willing do this for? If 6 days of work usually yields me around $900, I would ask myself, would I be willing to have this experience for $500, or $400, or $600?  ...keeping in mind that if she's a young player (maybe with $$, maybe not) at this event, she's likely to find someone who will do it for less.  It's really up to your personal scenario...I would be honest with yourself and her and let the chips fall.  If it's about the experience and fun, then don't let greed get in the way at all or you'll likely regret it, if she finds someone else.  If its about making money, then don't compromise at all, in fact, see if you can even do better, because you don't care about the experience at all.  Be honest and follow your gut.  Good luck, thanks again for the question and remember...

Love the game,
skipper