What is a benefit of having a caddie program at a club?

Having a caddie program at a club offers several advantages, and one significant benefit is that caddies help maintain the course. Caddies often have an intimate knowledge of the course and its specific needs. They can report on the condition of turf areas, assist in identifying issues such as erosion or wear, and communicate these observations to the maintenance staff. This proactive involvement can lead to quicker resolutions of problems that could negatively affect course quality, enhancing the experience for all golfers. Moreover, caddies can assist in keeping the course tidy by helping with tasks like replacing divots or raking bunkers, thus contributing to overall course maintenance.

In contrast to this, the other options present comparisons or benefits that don't directly relate to the caddie's role in course maintenance. While speed of play and financial aspects are important, they don't capture the essential contribution of caddies in preserving and improving the golf experience through direct involvement in course care.