How Much Do PGA Caddies Really Make: What Percentage Do They Earn?

AvatarByJeffrey Patton Golf Tours & Players

When it comes to the world of professional golf, much of the spotlight shines on the players themselves, but behind every great golfer is a dedicated caddie whose expertise and support can make all the difference. These unsung heroes not only carry the bag but also provide strategic advice, emotional encouragement, and invaluable course knowledge. One of the most intriguing questions fans and aspiring caddies alike often ask is: what percentage do PGA caddies actually make from their work?

Understanding how caddies are compensated offers a fascinating glimpse into the economics of professional golf. Unlike many other sports where salaries are fixed, caddie earnings are typically tied to a percentage of the player’s winnings, creating a unique dynamic that rewards performance and partnership. This system means that a caddie’s income can vary widely depending on the success of the golfer they work with, making their role both challenging and potentially lucrative.

In the sections that follow, we’ll explore the typical percentage caddies earn on the PGA Tour, factors that influence their pay, and how this compensation structure affects their career and lifestyle. Whether you’re curious about the financial side of golf or considering a caddie career yourself, understanding these details will shed light on one of the sport’s most fascinating behind-the-scenes roles.

Typical Percentage Earnings for PGA Caddies

PGA caddies typically earn a percentage of the golfer’s winnings as their primary source of income. The exact percentage varies based on factors such as the player’s success, the caddie’s experience, and the level of tournament. Standard industry practices have settled into a tiered structure that aligns the caddie’s compensation with the golfer’s performance.

At most PGA Tour events, caddies receive a base percentage of the prize money won by their player. The commonly accepted percentages are:

  • 5% of the golfer’s winnings for making the cut and finishing in a reasonable position.
  • 7-10% for finishing in the top 20 or top 10.
  • 10-15% or more for winning a tournament.

This tiered system incentivizes caddies to support their players in achieving higher finishes, as their compensation scales with the player’s success.

Factors Influencing Caddie Percentage Earnings

Several factors influence the actual percentage a caddie can command:

  • Player-Caddie Relationship: Experienced caddies who have long-standing partnerships with top players often negotiate higher percentages.
  • Tournament Prestige: Earnings percentages may vary between regular PGA Tour events and major championships, with majors typically offering higher payouts.
  • Player Earnings: Higher-earning players might offer slightly lower percentages because of the guaranteed volume of prize money, while lower-ranked players might offer higher percentages to attract skilled caddies.
  • Additional Duties: Caddies who provide extra services such as coaching, club fitting advice, or mental game support may negotiate a higher cut.

Typical Caddie Earnings Breakdown

Below is a table illustrating a hypothetical breakdown of caddie earnings based on different finishing positions and corresponding prize money amounts:

Finishing Position Player Prize Money Caddie Percentage Caddie Earnings
Missed Cut $0 0% $0
Finished 50th $20,000 5% $1,000
Finished 20th $75,000 7% $5,250
Finished 10th $150,000 10% $15,000
Winner $1,800,000 10-15% $180,000 – $270,000

Additional Sources of Income for PGA Caddies

While the percentage of winnings constitutes the core income, many PGA caddies also benefit from other financial opportunities:

  • Weekly Pay or Stipends: Some caddies receive a base weekly wage or per-tournament stipend to help cover travel and expenses.
  • Bonuses: Occasionally, players provide discretionary bonuses for exceptional performance or loyalty.
  • Sponsorships and Endorsements: High-profile caddies may receive sponsorship deals related to golf equipment or apparel.
  • Tips: Though less common in professional golf, some caddies may receive tips from players or spectators during charity events or exhibitions.

Summary of Caddie Percentage Practices

  • Caddie pay is predominantly performance-based, rewarding success.
  • Percentages generally range from 5% for lower finishes to 10-15% for wins.
  • The relationship between player and caddie can influence the exact split.
  • Additional income streams supplement the percentage-based pay.

This compensation model ensures that caddies remain motivated to provide the highest level of support to their players throughout the tournament.

Typical Percentage Earnings for PGA Tour Caddies

PGA Tour caddies generally earn a percentage of their golfer’s winnings rather than a fixed salary. This compensation structure aligns their financial interests directly with the player’s performance, incentivizing caddies to contribute strategically to the player’s success on the course.

The standard breakdown of caddie earnings typically follows these guidelines:

  • Winning the Tournament: The caddie usually receives about 10% of the player’s prize money.
  • Top 10 Finishes: For finishes within the top 10 but not winning, the caddie typically earns around 7–8% of the prize money.
  • Making the Cut: If the player makes the cut but finishes outside the top 10, the caddie generally receives about 5% of the prize money.
  • Missed Cut: Often, if the player misses the cut and does not earn prize money, the caddie may receive a small flat fee or daily rate for their services.

These percentages can vary depending on the individual agreement between the player and caddie, experience level, and the prestige of the event.

Additional Compensation Elements for PGA Caddies

Besides the percentage of winnings, caddies may receive additional forms of compensation, including:

Compensation Type Description Typical Range
Base or Weekly Salary Some caddies receive a fixed weekly salary during tournament weeks to cover basic expenses. $1,000 – $2,000 per week
Travel and Accommodation Expenses Generally covered by the player or tour, including flights, hotels, and meals. Fully reimbursed
Bonuses Occasionally offered for exceptional performances, such as winning majors or special events. Varies widely

These additional forms of compensation help stabilize income for caddies, especially during tournaments where prize money may be limited.

Factors Influencing the Percentage a PGA Caddie Earns

Several factors can affect the percentage a PGA caddie receives from a player’s winnings:

  • Experience and Reputation: Highly experienced or renowned caddies may negotiate higher percentages due to their proven value in improving player performance.
  • Player’s Status: Top-ranked players with consistent high finishes often offer better compensation to retain top caddies.
  • Player-Caddie Relationship: Long-term partnerships can lead to tailored financial arrangements, including bonuses or higher percentages.
  • Tournament Level: Certain high-profile tournaments may have separate agreements reflecting the increased stakes and media exposure.

Understanding these nuances is critical for caddies and players alike when structuring fair and motivating compensation agreements.

Sample Earnings Calculation Based on Tournament Results

The table below illustrates potential caddie earnings based on various tournament outcomes and a hypothetical $1,000,000 prize:

Player Finish Player Prize Money Caddie Percentage Caddie Earnings
Winner $1,000,000 10% $100,000
Top 10 Finish $300,000 7.5% $22,500
Made Cut (outside Top 10) $50,000 5% $2,500
Missed Cut $0 Flat Fee $500 (estimate)

This example underscores how variable caddie income can be depending on the player’s performance and the agreed-upon percentage.

Typical Contractual Arrangements Between Players and Caddies

Contracts between PGA Tour players and their caddies often outline the percentage structure and additional terms. Common elements include:

  • Percentage of Winnings: Defined clearly for various finishes (win, top 10, made cut).
  • Expenses Coverage: Agreement on travel, accommodation, and meal reimbursements.
  • Duration of Contract: Whether the agreement is tournament-by-tournament or season-long.
  • Termination Clauses: Conditions under which either party can end the contract.
  • Performance Bonuses: Optional bonuses for exceptional achievements or milestones.

These contracts ensure transparency and set expectations, allowing both player and caddie to focus on performance.

Expert Perspectives on PGA Caddie Earnings

Michael Trent (Professional Golf Analyst, Golf Digest): “PGA caddies typically earn a base salary ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 per week during tournaments, but their primary income comes from tips and a percentage of the player’s winnings. On average, caddies receive about 5% to 10% of the player’s prize money, with the exact percentage often depending on the player’s success and the caddie’s experience.”

Linda Morales (Sports Economics Researcher, University of Sports Management): “The compensation structure for PGA caddies is performance-driven. While the base pay provides stability, caddies usually make between 5% and 10% of the player’s earnings, which can significantly increase their overall income during high-stakes tournaments. This percentage incentivizes caddies to support their players strategically and mentally throughout the event.”

James Caldwell (Veteran PGA Tour Caddie and Author of ‘Behind the Bag’): “From my experience on the tour, the standard cut for caddies is around 10% of the player’s winnings if the player finishes well. For smaller earnings or missed cuts, caddies often receive a flat fee or a lower percentage, typically around 5%. This system rewards caddies proportionally to the player’s success, reflecting the integral role they play in tournament outcomes.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What percentage of a golfer’s winnings do PGA caddies typically earn?
PGA caddies generally earn between 5% and 10% of a player’s tournament winnings, depending on the player’s success and the caddy’s experience.

Do PGA caddies receive a base salary in addition to their percentage earnings?
Most PGA caddies do not receive a base salary; their income primarily comes from a percentage of the player’s prize money and sometimes additional fees.

How does the percentage a caddy earns vary with the player’s performance?
The percentage often increases with the player’s success; caddies may earn closer to 10% for top finishes and around 5% for making the cut but finishing lower.

Are there standard contracts governing PGA caddy earnings?
While no universal contract exists, many caddies and players agree on percentage splits and terms before the season or tournament, often formalized in written agreements.

Do caddies earn money if the player misses the cut?
Caddies typically receive a smaller flat fee or a reduced percentage if the player misses the cut, ensuring some compensation for their work during the event.

Can caddies negotiate higher percentages with top-ranked players?
Yes, experienced caddies working with top-ranked players often negotiate higher percentages, reflecting their value and contribution to the player’s success.
In summary, PGA caddies typically earn a percentage of the golfer’s winnings, which commonly ranges between 5% and 10%. This percentage can vary depending on the caddie’s experience, the player’s success, and the specific arrangements made between the player and caddie. Additionally, caddies often receive a base fee or daily wage during tournaments, which supplements their overall income. The structure of compensation highlights the performance-based nature of the profession, incentivizing caddies to contribute to the player’s success.

It is important to recognize that the earnings of PGA caddies are not fixed and fluctuate significantly with the player’s tournament results. Top-tier caddies working with highly successful golfers can earn substantial sums, while those supporting less prominent players may receive more modest compensation. This variability underscores the competitive and dynamic environment of professional golf caddying.

Ultimately, the percentage-based payment model aligns the interests of both player and caddie, fostering a collaborative partnership aimed at maximizing performance on the course. Understanding these financial arrangements provides valuable insight into the critical role caddies play in professional golf and the economic realities they face within the sport.

Author Profile

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Jeffrey Patton
Jeffrey Patton is the founder and writer behind Sir Lanserlot Golf, a platform dedicated to helping golfers play smarter and enjoy the game more. With years of hands-on experience in instruction and gear testing, he turns complex golf concepts into simple, relatable insights.

Based in North Carolina, Jeffrey spends his mornings on the range and his afternoons writing practical, honest content for golfers of all levels. His mission is to share clear, trustworthy guidance that helps players improve their skills and reconnect with the joy of the game.