Korea’s long-standing practice of paying caddie fees only in cash is set to end. The market, worth about 2 trillion won a year, is expected to shift toward card payments, bank transfers and simple payment services. This change should make life easier for golfers and bring greater transparency to transactions. However, many caddies and golf courses remain cautious.
On 10 August, People Power Party lawmaker Park Jung-hoon met with Kim Dae-hyun, Second Vice Minister of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. They discussed reforms for public golf courses. Park later confirmed the government’s strong commitment to finishing the changes by the end of the year.
Why the Change Is Happening
Most golf courses in Korea still require cash for caddie fees. This has been inconvenient for players who prefer other payment methods. Once the Korea Fair Trade Commission updates its standard contract terms, courses will need to accept a wider range of options — including credit cards, bank transfers and mobile simple payments.
Park has worked on this issue for two years with government officials, consumer groups and industry representatives. He has pointed out that public golf courses receive tax benefits yet often force players to use carts and caddies, demand cash for fees, and charge high cancellation penalties. He views these as unfair practices.
Park said the Fair Trade Commission’s revised contract terms will soon allow more flexible payment methods. He also aims to pass amendments to the Sports Facilities Act this year to address what he calls the “four major abusive practices” at golf courses.
Strong Support from Golfers
Golfers largely welcome the reform. A survey by Professor Park Gi-deuk of Kyungpook National University’s Department of Physical Education and the Caddie Research Institute found that 94% of respondents believe the cash-only system needs significant improvement. Another 5.1% said improvement is necessary. Nearly everyone surveyed supported change, mainly because preparing and carrying separate cash is inconvenient.
Concerns from Caddies and Courses
Caddies are more hesitant. Many prefer cash because they worry about income disclosure and higher tax bills. Industry estimates show that more than 95% of Korean golf courses still handle caddie fees in cash. A caddie at a Seoul-area course said most colleagues would likely stick with cash over cards if given the choice.
Golf course operators also have reservations. If they collect fees by card, they will then need to settle payments with caddies, who usually work as individual business operators. One metropolitan-area course manager noted that while card payments would improve customer convenience, the extra settlement work would increase the burden on clubs.
What Comes Next
If the planned updates to standard contracts and the Sports Facilities Act move forward on schedule, Korea’s golf industry will see a clear shift in how caddie fees are paid. Golfers stand to gain convenience and transparency. Caddies and course operators will need to adapt to new administrative processes. The changes could reshape one of the industry’s largest ancillary revenue streams by the end of the year.
For the original story please visit Asia Business Daily
