Llama Caddies: The amazing story of the few four-legged loopers in the business

In an unexpected yet delightful twist to the golfing experience, Sherwood Forest Golf Club in Brevard, North Carolina, has introduced llamas as caddies. This initiative replaces the traditional human caddies with these gentle, long-necked animals, adding an unusual yet charming element to the game.

The concept, spearheaded by the club’s general manager, Brian Lautenschlager, and greenskeeper, Mark English, has quickly become a popular attraction, drawing attention from golfers and tourists alike.

Sherwood Forest Golf Club is a picturesque par-3 course nestled in the scenic mountains of North Carolina. Known for its serene environment and lush greenery, the club has always sought innovative ways to enhance the golfing experience.

The introduction of llama caddies is one such initiative that not only brings novelty but also aligns with the club’s commitment to maintaining a unique and enjoyable atmosphere.

Lautenschlager mentions that llamas are “very quiet animals, docile and friendly,” making them ideal companions on the golf course. The llama caddies, trained by Mark English, are fitted with special harnesses to carry golf clubs and are available on specific days, providing a distinctive experience for visitors.

The Llama Caddie Experience

Llama caddies at Sherwood Forest are a hit among golfers and onlookers. Lautenschlager notes, “They just put a smile on your face and relax everyone on the golf course.” These llamas are well-suited for the terrain, with their feet designed not to damage the grass. Additionally, they are trained to use litter boxes, ensuring the course remains clean.

For $40, golfers can enjoy 18 holes with a llama caddie, making the experience both affordable and memorable. Lautenschlager has also employed high school students to assist with the llamas and perform other caddie duties, ensuring the animals are well cared for during their service.

While llama caddies are a unique addition, they are not the first animals to serve as caddies on a golf course. Silvies Valley Ranch in Eastern Oregon introduced goat caddies in 2018. This innovative approach addressed the practical challenge of navigating the steep terrain of McVeigh’s Gauntlet, a seven-hole challenge course unsuitable for golf carts.

Dr. Scott Campbell, the ranch owner, explains that goats were chosen because they are capable of carrying the necessary load and navigating the rugged terrain. The goats at Silvies Valley Ranch undergo a rigorous training process to become caddies, including being fitted with custom-made golf bags and following a strict physical and nutritional regimen.

Both llamas and goats receive excellent care in their roles as caddies. At Sherwood Forest, llamas are attended to by high school students and are trained to ensure they do not damage the course.

They are provided with water and tasty greens as their “wage.” Similarly, the goats at Silvies Valley Ranch are cared for meticulously, with an on-site vet regularly checking their health. They work limited hours and enjoy a comfortable life even after retirement, often adopted as pets by golfers.

Interestingly, the llama caddies at Sherwood Forest have not faced any backlash from animal rights activists, unlike the initial reaction to goat caddies at Silvies Valley Ranch. Campbell recalls that some activists initially argued that goats were not meant to carry golf bags.

However, he emphasizes that the goats enjoy their work and the interaction with people. Lautenschlager echoes this sentiment for the llamas, highlighting their friendly nature and the joy they bring to the golf course.

The introduction of llama caddies at Sherwood Forest Golf Club is a whimsical yet practical innovation that enhances the golfing experience while ensuring the animals are well-cared for and content in their roles. As the popularity of animal caddies grows, it will be interesting to see how other golf courses might adopt similar initiatives, blending tradition with novelty to create unique and enjoyable experiences for golfers.