The Proof
12 Billionaires Who Grew Up Caddying
From Warren Buffett to Charles Schwab — the caddy yard has quietly produced more self-made fortunes than any classroom.
Steve Ballmer
The Clippers' owner and former Microsoft CEO once caddied at Franklin Hills Country Club in Michigan.
Caddied at
Franklin Hills Country Club
Source: Crain's Detroit
Ray Dalio
The founder of Bridgewater Associates once caddied at the Links Golf Club, using his earnings to help initiate his investment career.
Caddied at
The Links Golf Club
Source: Academy of Achievement, Golf.com
Jim Davis
The cofounder of Allegis Group used to caddy at Aronimink Golf Club.
Caddied at
Aronimink Golf Club
Source: Forbes
Chuck Feeney
The founder of Duty Free Shoppers grew up caddying in New Jersey.
Caddied in New Jersey
Source: WSJ, Irish Times
Ric Kayne
Mentioned in CCO →The founder of Kayne Anderson once caddied at Engineers Country Club — mentioned in Neil Jacobson's Official Caddying Story.
Caddied at
Engineers Country Club
Source: Forbes
Mike Keiser
View Profile →The founder of Recycled Paper Greetings and Dream Golf — responsible for Bandon Dunes — once caddied at East Aurora Country Club.
Caddied at
East Aurora Country Club
Source: The Verge
Kirk Kerkorian
The billionaire businessman and philanthropist caddied as a kid growing up in Los Angeles.
Caddied in Los Angeles
Source: "The Gambler" (biography)
Ken Langone
The co-founder of Home Depot once worked as a caddy, among a variety of odd jobs to help make ends meet.
Source: "I Love Capitalism!" by Ken Langone; CNBC
Charles Schwab
The investment pioneer and founder of his eponymous firm caddied at Montecito Country Club, later earning a spot on Stanford's varsity golf team.
Caddied at
Montecito Country Club
Source: "Invested" by Charles Schwab; Global Golf Post
Jerry Rich
The computing magnate and Rich Harvest Farms founder once caddied at Brookwood Country Club.
Caddied at
Brookwood Country Club
Source: Sports Illustrated
Mario Gabelli
The CEO and founder of GAMCO Investors first gained an interest in stocks as a 12-year-old caddy, making his first investment at age 13.
Source: Golf.com
Warren Buffett
The chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway caddied in the Washington DC area in his youth — and sold refurbished golf balls on the side.
Caddied in Washington, DC
Source: "The Snowball" (biography)