Golf courses are seeing a resurgence of a familiar figure: the "cart girl." These young women, equipped with a golf cart and a bubbly personality, serve drinks to golfers on the course, providing a refreshing break between swings.
The job has recently exploded in popularity on TikTok, where videos showcasing the daily lives of cart girls have garnered millions of views. The allure? Flexible hours, the chance to socialize, and, for some, the potential to make serious money in tips.
TikTok Fame and Brand Deals
Cart girl Cassie Holland, who boasts 1.8 million TikTok followers, has even secured brand deals with companies like Abercrombie. Her experience highlights how social media can transform a summer job into a lucrative career. Holland credits the job with changing her life, offering a chance to work outdoors and connect with people.
The Ups and Downs of the Job
While the job has its perks, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. Cart girls frequently face harassment, ranging from lewd comments to unwanted advances. Ellie Dressler, another cart girl with a viral TikTok presence, recounts incidents of groping and even had to use her MMA training to defend herself.
A Trend on the Rise
It seems the cart girl phenomenon is here to stay. Several women interviewed for this article mentioned that golf courses are seeing a surge in applications for the role, fueled in part by the attention on TikTok. Caroline Scheffler noted that some courses have even increased their hourly pay to attract more applicants.
Tips and Beyond
While the base pay for cart girls often hovers around minimum wage, the potential for tips is a significant draw. Some cart girls report making hundreds of dollars a day in tips alone. However, not every course offers the same earning potential, and the amount can fluctuate depending on the day and the clientele.
The Future of the Cart Girl
As golf courses grapple with staffing shortages and look for ways to attract younger patrons, the cart girl role is likely to evolve. Some courses are experimenting with expanding the offerings beyond drinks, adding snacks or merchandise to the cart. Others are focusing on creating a more inclusive environment for all staff, including implementing stricter policies against harassment.
The Verdict
The cart girl job is a mixed bag, offering both challenges and rewards. While the potential for good tips and social media fame is enticing, the reality of harassment and the unpredictable nature of the work can be deterrents.
Ultimately, the decision to become a cart girl is a personal one, best made after weighing the pros and cons and understanding the realities of the job.
