Jackson Reid
Golf caddies are paid a base rate of $1,500 to $4,000 per week, or tournament, depending on the source. They also receive a percentage of the player's winnings, typically 5-10%. The world's best caddies can make millions of dollars a year. Caddies at country clubs and golf courses typically make between $100 and $140 per bag they carry, after tips. The average caddie salary in the US is $39,218, though this varies by state.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average yearly pay | $39,218 |
| Average hourly pay | $18.85 |
| Caddies for recreational golfers | $100-$140 per bag |
| Caddies for professional golfers | $1,500-$4,000 per week |
| Caddies' share of winnings | 5-10% |
| Caddies' expenses | Travel, lodging, food, yardage books, rental cars |
| Caddies' additional income | Sponsorships, perks, gift cards, exclusive events, wearing branded attire |
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What You'll Learn
PGA caddies' salaries
The role of a golf caddie is multifaceted. They are responsible for carrying the player's golf clubs, maintaining the course, and the player's equipment, as well as providing advice and emotional support.
PGA caddies typically make a weekly salary of between $1,500 and $4,000. The player and caddie will agree on a contract that fits their own needs, which may include a greater weekly salary and a lower percentage of winnings, or vice versa. The standard split is 5% of winnings for a finish outside the top 10, 6-8% for a top-10 finish, and 10% for a win.
In addition to their salary, PGA caddies can also earn money from sponsorships, although this is not as extensive as the players themselves. They can make money by wearing a sponsor's logo on their clothing.
The best PGA caddies can make millions of dollars a year. In 2024, Scottie Scheffler paid his caddie, Ted Scott, over a million dollars. In the same year, three PGA Tour caddies made over $1 million. The average caddie is estimated to make between $100,000 and $150,000 between weekly pay and winnings.
Caddies at country clubs and golf courses typically make between $100 and $140 per bag they carry, after tips.
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Sponsorships and perks
The performance of the player is a huge factor in a caddy's income. If a player performs well in a tournament, the caddy benefits too. A standard payout for caddies is 10% of the prize money for a win, around 7% for a top-10 finish, and 5% for all other finishes.
In addition to sponsorships and player performance, a caddy's income can be influenced by bonuses and their base salary, which typically ranges from $1,000 to $3,000 per week. For instance, LPGA caddies make between $1,000 and $2,500 per week on average, while PGA caddies tend to earn between $1,500 and $3,000 per week.
Building a strong relationship with the player can also enhance a caddy's earning potential. Caddies who have a long-term, trusting partnership with their golfer may be able to negotiate higher salaries or more favourable sponsorship deals.
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Country club caddies
The amount a country club caddie can make varies depending on the course and the club. Higher-end, exclusive, and expensive golf clubs will pay caddies more. Championship courses tend to have a diverse range of caddies, while smaller clubs consist mainly of high-school and college-aged caddies.
Some country clubs operate a lottery system for caddies, where names are drawn from a bag to dictate the order of caddies for golf rounds. This can be a large time commitment, as caddies must stay and wait for their name to be called.
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Caddies' expenses
Caddies for golfers on the PGA Tour are responsible for covering their own expenses, including travel, accommodation, and meals. They may also incur costs for yardage books and rental cars. These expenses can quickly add up, with estimates reaching $50,000 a year on the PGA Tour and half that amount on the Korn Ferry Tour.
To offset these costs, caddies can take advantage of sponsorships and perks offered by the PGA. For example, through the Caddie Appreciation Program, they may receive gift cards and gain access to exclusive events. Additionally, caddies can earn supplementary income by wearing branded attire during tournaments, with sponsors awarding payouts based on the golfer's performance.
While caddies typically receive a weekly salary of between $1,500 and $4,000, this income needs to cover their expenses. If their golfer does not perform well or make the cut, there is no additional income from tournament winnings to supplement their wages. As a result, caddies must carefully manage their finances to ensure they can cover their expenses while also benefiting from the potential earnings that come with a successful tournament performance.
Travel expenses can be significant for caddies, especially when travelling to marquee events like the Masters, where caddies can expect higher weekly wages of between $2,000 and $4,000. Sponsorships and supplementary income opportunities can help offset these costs, but the variability of tournament outcomes means caddies must be prudent in their financial planning.
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Caddies' bonuses
Golf caddies are paid a base rate of $1,500 to $4,000 per tournament, plus a percentage of the player's winnings. The caddie's share of the winnings is typically 5% for a finish outside the top 10, 6-8% for a top-10 finish, and 10% for a win.
The best caddies in the world can make millions of dollars a year. For example, Scottie Scheffler's caddie, Ted Scott, was paid over a million dollars in 2024. The caddie for the winner of the 2025 Masters could take home an estimated $420,000.
In addition to their cut of tournament winnings, caddies can also earn money from sponsorships. They can make supplementary income by wearing a sponsor's logo on their hat or sleeve. One of the most popular sponsors, Valspar, awards caddies $5,000 to $8,000 for wearing their hats during PGA Tour events.
Caddies for recreational golfers at country clubs and golf courses typically make between $100 and $140 per bag they carry, after tips. For a typical round at a club, a caddie will earn a base fee of $25 to $50, plus a tip of at least $50 for an 18-hole round.
While the financial rewards can be significant, it is important to note that caddies are responsible for their own expenses, including travel, lodging, and meals. These expenses can add up quickly, with estimates reaching $50,000 a year on the PGA Tour.
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Frequently asked questions
Golf caddies at country clubs and golf courses typically make between $100 and $140 per bag they carry, after tips. They can make more by carrying two bags. For a typical round at a club, a caddie will earn a base fee of $25 to $50, plus a tip of at least $50 for an 18-hole round.
Caddies for professional golfers on the PGA Tour make a base rate of $1,500 to $4,000 per tournament, plus a percentage of the player’s winnings. The best caddies in the world will make millions of dollars a year. The average caddie will make between $100,000 and $150,000 between weekly pay and winnings.
Caddies at the Masters can expect to earn between $2,000 and $4,000 per week, plus a percentage of the prize money. The caddie for the 2025 Masters winner could take home an estimated $420,000.
A golf caddie's pay will depend on factors such as their level of experience, the golfer they work for, the tournament they are working at, and their agreement with the player.
Golf caddies are typically paid a combination of a base fee and a tip. They may also receive a percentage of the player's winnings, depending on their agreement.
