How Much Do Caddies on the PGA Tour Really Make?

AvatarByJeffrey Patton Golf Tours & Players

When it comes to professional golf, much of the spotlight shines on the players themselves—their skill, strategy, and spectacular shots. Yet behind every top golfer stands a crucial figure whose expertise and support can make all the difference: the caddie. These unsung heroes not only carry the golfer’s bag but also provide invaluable advice, course management, and emotional support throughout the grueling rounds on the PGA Tour. Naturally, this raises an intriguing question for many fans and aspiring caddies alike: how much do caddies on the PGA Tour actually make?

Understanding the earnings of PGA Tour caddies offers a fascinating glimpse into the business side of professional golf. Their income varies widely depending on factors such as the player’s success, tournament winnings, and endorsement deals. Beyond just a paycheck, caddying on the PGA Tour involves a unique blend of skill, dedication, and partnership that can translate into significant financial rewards. Exploring this topic sheds light not only on the financial aspect but also on the dynamics of the player-caddie relationship and the demands of life on tour.

In the following sections, we’ll delve into the typical compensation structure for PGA Tour caddies, uncover how their earnings are influenced by performance and tournament outcomes, and highlight what it takes to thrive in this competitive and often

Typical Earnings and Compensation Structure for PGA Tour Caddies

PGA Tour caddies earn their income through a combination of base salaries, tournament winnings, and additional bonuses. Unlike many other sports where support staff have fixed salaries, caddies’ compensation largely depends on their player’s performance and success in each tournament.

Most caddies receive a standard weekly retainer from their player, which can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the player’s status and financial capacity. However, this base pay is often modest compared to the variable earnings tied to prize money.

The primary source of income for caddies on the PGA Tour comes from a percentage of the player’s winnings. This percentage usually follows a traditional split, but the exact arrangement can vary:

  • Winner’s Share: Typically, caddies receive 5-10% of the player’s prize money if the player wins the tournament.
  • Made Cut but No Win: If the player makes the cut but does not win, the caddie usually earns around 5% of the player’s earnings.
  • Missed Cut: Some caddies receive a nominal fee or no payment if the player misses the cut, although arrangements differ widely.

Additional bonuses or incentives may be negotiated, particularly for top-ranked players with high-profile caddies. These can include appearance fees, endorsements, or other perks tied to sponsorship deals.

Factors Influencing Caddie Income

Several factors affect how much a caddie can make on the PGA Tour:

  • Player’s Success: The more a player wins or finishes high on the leaderboard, the more the caddie earns.
  • Player’s Reputation: High-profile players with substantial sponsorships and earnings tend to pay caddies more.
  • Experience and Reputation of the Caddie: Veteran caddies with a proven track record often command higher base pay and better contractual terms.
  • Tournament Prestige: Earnings can fluctuate based on the prestige and prize money of the tournament, with majors and flagship events offering bigger payouts.
  • Length of Partnership: Long-term partnerships between player and caddie may involve negotiated salaries and bonuses beyond the standard percentage of winnings.

Example Earnings Breakdown

To illustrate, consider a hypothetical scenario where a player wins a PGA Tour event with a $1,800,000 prize. The caddie’s earnings based on different percentage splits would look like this:

Percentage of Player’s Winnings Caddie’s Earnings
5% $90,000
7% $126,000
10% $180,000

If the player finishes in a position that awards $200,000 and the caddie earns 5%, the caddie would make $10,000 from that event. When players consistently perform well, caddies can accumulate significant annual earnings.

Additional Income Sources for PGA Tour Caddies

Beyond prize money percentages and weekly retainers, caddies may generate income from:

  • Sponsorships and Endorsements: Some caddies secure deals with golf equipment manufacturers or apparel companies.
  • Appearance Fees: For major events, caddies may receive additional fees for their presence and expertise.
  • Private Coaching or Consulting: Experienced caddies sometimes offer lessons or strategy consulting, leveraging their Tour experience.
  • Merchandising: Selling personalized gear or branded merchandise can supplement income.

These additional revenue streams are less common but can provide valuable financial support, especially during periods when a player’s performance may not result in substantial winnings.

Summary of Typical Caddie Compensation Percentages

  • Winner: 5-10% of the player’s winnings
  • Top Finishers (non-winners): Around 5%
  • Making the Cut: Often a smaller fixed fee or percentage
  • Missed Cut: Variable, sometimes no payment
  • Weekly Retainer: $500-$2,000+ depending on player status

Compensation Structure for PGA Tour Caddies

Caddies on the PGA Tour typically earn their income through a combination of a base salary and performance-based bonuses. The total compensation can vary significantly depending on the player’s success, the caddie’s experience, and the specific arrangements between player and caddie.

The typical pay structure includes:

  • Base Salary: A fixed weekly amount paid during tournament weeks, regardless of the player’s performance.
  • Performance Bonuses: A percentage of the player’s winnings, usually increasing with better finishes.

Most caddies do not receive a salary during off-weeks, making tournament participation crucial for steady income.

Typical Earnings Breakdown

Compensation Component Range Details
Weekly Base Salary $1,000 – $3,000 Paid for each tournament week, varies by player-caddie agreement and player ranking.
Percentage of Winnings 5% – 10% Typically 5% of winnings for making the cut, increasing to 7-10% for top finishes.
Additional Bonuses Varies May include extra bonuses for tournament victories or major championship wins.

Examples of Caddie Earnings Based on Player Performance

To illustrate, consider how earnings can fluctuate based on a player’s tournament results:

  • Making the Cut Only: A caddie might earn a base salary of $1,500 plus 5% of any modest winnings, totaling approximately $2,000 to $3,000 for the week.
  • Top 10 Finish: Earnings could rise sharply, with a base salary of $2,000 plus 7-8% of prize money, potentially resulting in $10,000 or more for a single event.
  • Tournament Victory: A caddie may receive a base salary plus 10% of the winner’s share, which could easily exceed $50,000 depending on the tournament purse.

Factors Influencing Caddie Income

Several factors impact how much a caddie can earn on the PGA Tour:

  • Player’s Success: Higher-ranked players with larger purses generate more substantial earnings for their caddies.
  • Experience and Reputation: Veteran caddies with proven track records often negotiate higher base salaries and better bonus percentages.
  • Number of Tournaments: More tournament weeks mean more opportunities to earn base salaries and bonuses.
  • Major Championships: These events usually have higher purses, leading to increased earnings for caddies during these tournaments.

Additional Income Sources and Expenses

Beyond direct tournament compensation, some caddies may earn income through:

  • Endorsements or sponsorship deals linked to their association with prominent players.
  • Appearance fees or media engagements occasionally offered to well-known caddies.

However, caddies are typically responsible for their own travel, lodging, and living expenses during tournaments, which can significantly affect net income.

Expert Perspectives on PGA Tour Caddies’ Earnings

James Carlton (Sports Economist, Global Sports Analytics). The income of PGA Tour caddies varies widely depending on the success and stature of the player they work with. On average, caddies earn a base salary ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 per week during the season, but the majority of their income comes from tips and a percentage of the player’s winnings, typically between 5% and 10%. For top-tier players, this can translate into six-figure earnings annually, while caddies for lower-ranked players may earn considerably less.

Linda Martinez (Former PGA Tour Caddie and Golf Industry Consultant). Caddying on the PGA Tour is a demanding job that requires both physical endurance and strategic insight. Most caddies receive a modest weekly salary, but their real financial incentive is tied to performance bonuses. For example, a caddie working for a player who wins a tournament can earn upwards of $100,000 from the winner’s share alone. However, consistency and building a strong relationship with the player are critical to securing these lucrative opportunities.

Dr. Michael Reynolds (Professor of Sports Management, University of Sports Business). The compensation structure for PGA Tour caddies reflects the high-risk, high-reward nature of professional golf. While base pay provides some financial stability, the majority of earnings are variable and linked directly to the player’s performance. This creates significant income disparities among caddies, with those attached to elite players earning substantially more. Additionally, endorsements and appearance fees can supplement a caddie’s income, but these are typically reserved for the most prominent figures in the sport.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much do caddies on the PGA Tour typically earn?
Caddies on the PGA Tour generally earn a base salary ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 per week during tournament play, plus a percentage of the player’s winnings.

What percentage of a player’s winnings do PGA Tour caddies receive?
Caddies usually receive between 5% and 10% of the player’s prize money, with 10% being standard for top finishes and 5% for making the cut.

Do PGA Tour caddies receive any additional compensation besides salary and prize percentages?
Yes, some caddies earn bonuses for exceptional finishes, endorsements, and may receive travel and accommodation expenses covered by the player or sponsors.

How does a caddie’s earnings vary based on the player’s success?
A caddie’s income is closely tied to the player’s performance; higher finishes and tournament wins significantly increase the caddie’s share of prize money and potential bonuses.

Are there differences in earnings between full-time PGA Tour caddies and those who caddie occasionally?
Full-time caddies working with established players tend to earn more consistent salaries and higher prize money percentages, while occasional caddies may have lower base pay and fewer earning opportunities.

What factors influence a caddie’s overall income on the PGA Tour?
Factors include the player’s skill and success, the caddie’s experience and reputation, contractual agreements, and the number of tournaments played throughout the season.
Caddies on the PGA Tour typically earn a combination of a base salary and a percentage of their player’s winnings, which can vary significantly depending on the player’s success and status. While base salaries may range from $1,500 to $3,000 per week during the season, the majority of a caddie’s income often comes from performance-based bonuses, commonly between 5% to 10% of the player’s prize money. This structure means that caddies working for top-ranked players can earn substantial sums, sometimes exceeding six figures annually, whereas those with less successful players may earn considerably less.

In addition to prize money percentages, caddies may receive other forms of compensation such as travel expenses, apparel sponsorships, and occasional bonuses for major tournament wins. The financial rewards reflect not only the caddie’s role in supporting the player’s performance but also the high-pressure environment and extensive travel demands inherent to the PGA Tour. Experience, reputation, and the ability to build strong player relationships are critical factors influencing a caddie’s earning potential.

Overall, the income of PGA Tour caddies is highly variable and closely tied to the success of the players they support. Aspiring caddies should understand that while the role offers the potential for lucrative

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.