Harper Lin
Professional golf caddies can make a lot of money. Their earnings depend on who their golfer is, how well that golfer is playing, and the player/caddie agreement. Caddies earn a base salary of between $1,500 and $3,000 per event or per week, and they also receive a percentage of winnings, typically 5% to 10%. In addition, caddies can make money from sponsorships and perks, such as wearing branded attire. While most caddies are not getting rich, some have earned over $1 million per year, and the best caddies can take home millions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| PGA caddies' earnings | $1,500 to $3,000 per week |
| Caddies' earnings for marquee events | $2,000 to $4,000 |
| Caddies' expenses | $50,000 a year |
| Caddies' earnings from sponsorships | $5,000–$8,000 |
| Percentage of winnings for a finish outside the top 10 | 5% |
| Percentage of winnings for a top-10 finish | 6-8% |
| Percentage of winnings for a win | 10% |
| Caddies' total earnings | $100,000 to $150,000 |
| Caddies' earnings for major championship wins | Millions |
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What You'll Learn
Caddies' salaries are paid weekly and can be up to $1,500-$3,000
Caddies' salaries can vary depending on several factors, including the golfer they are caddying for, the level of experience of the caddy, and the specific agreement between the player and the caddy. While the salaries of top caddies can reach millions of dollars, the average weekly pay for a PGA caddy ranges from $1,500 to $3,000. This amount can be negotiated as part of the player/caddie agreement, with some caddies opting for a higher weekly salary and a lower percentage of winnings, or vice versa.
In addition to their weekly salaries, caddies can also earn a percentage of the prize money based on their golfer's performance. The standard split is 5% for a finish outside the top 10, 6-8% for a top-10 finish, and 10% for a win. For major events like the Masters, caddies can expect to earn even more, with salaries ranging from $2,000 to $4,000.
It is worth noting that caddies are responsible for covering their own expenses, including travel, lodging, meals, yardage books, and rental cars. These expenses can add up quickly, with estimates reaching $50,000 a year on the PGA Tour and half that on the Korn Ferry Tour. However, caddies can offset these costs through sponsorships and perks offered by the PGA, such as gift cards and exclusive events through the Caddie Appreciation Program. They may also earn supplementary income by wearing branded attire, with sponsors like Valspar awarding payouts of $5,000 to $8,000 on average.
While the above figures provide a general idea of caddies' salaries, it's important to remember that each caddie's earnings will depend on their specific circumstances and agreements. Some caddies have been known to make considerably more or less than the average, depending on various factors, including the success and generosity of the golfer they work for.
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They can earn a percentage of winnings, typically 5-10%
A professional golf caddy's earnings are influenced by several factors, one of which is the percentage of winnings they receive. Typically, a caddy will earn 5-10% of their golfer's winnings, with the specific percentage depending on the player/caddy agreement and the tournament's specifics. For instance, a standard split might be 5% for a finish outside the top 10, 6-8% for a top-10 finish, and 10% for a win.
The percentage-based earnings can result in substantial payouts for caddies. For example, Ted Scott, the caddie for Scottie Scheffler, earned an estimated $1.6 million to $1.8 million from Scheffler's winnings in 2024 alone. Similarly, Rory's caddie earned $2.5 million, and Scottie's caddie earned $1.6 million. These earnings highlight the significant financial rewards that can be attained through successful partnerships between golfers and their caddies.
While the above examples represent the higher end of the earnings spectrum, it is not uncommon for experienced and sought-after caddies to accumulate substantial wealth over their careers. For instance, Steve Williams, Tiger Woods' longtime caddy, is estimated to have made $12 million during their partnership. This includes major championship wins and some of Woods' most iconic moments in golf history.
In addition to their percentage of winnings, caddies can also earn a weekly salary, typically ranging from $1,500 to $3,000 per week, depending on their experience level and the golfer they work for. This salary can be negotiated as part of the player/caddy agreement, where some caddies might opt for a higher weekly salary and a lower percentage of winnings, or vice versa, depending on their preferences and the specific arrangement with their golfer.
Furthermore, caddies can also benefit from sponsorships and perks. They can earn supplementary income by wearing branded attire, with sponsors providing payouts, gift cards, or exclusive events. These additional income streams can further enhance a caddy's overall earnings, especially when coupled with a successful golfer's winnings.
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The best caddies can make millions
While the average PGA caddie earns between $100,000 and $150,000 per year, the best caddies can make millions. The earnings of a caddie depend on the golfer they are partnered with and how well that golfer performs. Top golfers can share millions in prize money with their caddies, with a standard agreement being 5% of winnings for a finish outside the top 10, 6-8% for a top-10 finish, and 10% for a win.
In 2024, Scottie Scheffler, the world's number one golfer, paid his caddie, Ted Scott, more than $1 million. Scott has caddied for other golf greats like Bubba Watson and is estimated to have earned $1.8 million from Scheffler's winnings in 2024 alone.
Some caddies have made even more. For instance, Tiger Woods' former caddie, Steve Williams, is estimated to have made $12 million during their years-long partnership. Similarly, Rory's caddie earned $2.5 million, and Scottie's caddie earned $1.6 million.
Caddies can also earn money from sponsorships and perks offered by the PGA. They can offset travel expenses, which can amount to $50,000 a year, through these sponsorships. As part of the Caddie Appreciation Program, caddies may receive gift cards and gain access to exclusive events. They may also earn supplementary income through wearing branded attire, with payouts ranging from $5,000 to $8,000, but potentially higher based on the golfer's performance.
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Caddies cover their own expenses, which can reach $50,000 a year
While PGA caddies can make a lot of money, they are responsible for covering their own expenses, which can quickly add up. These expenses include travel, lodging, meals, yardage books, and rental cars, and can reach an estimated $50,000 a year. To offset these costs, caddies can take advantage of sponsorships and perks offered by the PGA, such as the Caddie Appreciation Program, which provides gift cards and exclusive events. They can also earn supplementary income by wearing branded attire from sponsors.
The amount a caddie earns can vary depending on the golfer they work for and their level of experience. Caddies of high-profile golfers like Scottie Scheffler and Tiger Woods can earn a significant income, with some making over $1 million a year. On average, PGA caddies earn between $1,500 and $3,000 per week, but this can increase for marquee events like the Masters, where caddies can make between $2,000 and $4,000.
In addition to their weekly salary, caddies also earn a percentage of the prize money based on their golfer's performance. The standard split is 5% for a finish outside the top 10, 6-8% for a top-10 finish, and 10% for a win. However, each player/caddie agreement is different, and some caddies may negotiate a higher weekly salary in exchange for a lower percentage of winnings or vice versa.
While caddying can be lucrative, it is important to note that the expenses incurred by caddies can significantly impact their overall earnings.
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Sponsorships and perks can supplement caddies' incomes
While PGA caddies can earn between $1,500 and $3,000 per week, sponsorships and perks can supplement their incomes. Caddies can offset their travel expenses through sponsorships and perks offered by the PGA. As part of the Caddie Appreciation Program, they may receive gift cards and gain access to exclusive events for caddies only at PGA Tour events. Caddies may also earn supplementary income through wearing branded attire. The Association of Professional Tour Caddies (APTC) has at least five sponsors who work with caddies. Valspar, for instance, awards caddies for wearing their hats during PGA Tour events. The average payout is reportedly $5,000–$8,000 but can go higher based on the golfer’s performance.
While the average tour player earned a little more than $2 million on the course in 2024, it is reasonable to assume that the average caddie made between $100,000 and $150,000 between weekly pay and winnings. Caddies can also make money by wearing a sponsor's logo on their hat or sleeve. While this may not be as lucrative as the player's sponsorships, it is still a source of income.
Some caddies have made over $1 million in a year. For example, Scottie Scheffler's caddie earned $1.6 million, while Rory's caddie earned $2.5 million. In 2024, Scottie Scheffler's caddie, Ted Scott, made more than $1 million, with estimates ranging from $1 million to $1.8 million.
In addition to sponsorships and perks, caddies can also negotiate their travel and hotel costs with players, with some players covering these expenses for their caddies.
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Frequently asked questions
The pay of a golf caddy depends on the golfer they work with and how well that golfer is playing. On average, a golf caddy can make between $100,000 and $150,000 a year, including weekly pay and winnings.
A golf caddy's pay is influenced by their level of experience, the success of their golfer, and the specific agreement negotiated between the player and caddy.
A player/caddy agreement typically includes a base pay of between $1,500 and $3,000 per event to cover travel expenses, as well as a percentage of winnings ranging from 5% to 10%.
Yes, golf caddies can also earn money through sponsorships and perks offered by the PGA. They can earn supplementary income by wearing branded attire or displaying sponsor logos on their hats or sleeves.
The earnings of golf caddies can vary widely. For example, Scottie Scheffler's caddy, Ted Scott, made over $1 million in 2024, while Matt Kuchar's caddy received only $5,000 after winning the Mayakoba Golf Classic in 2018, causing an incident known as "Caddie-Gate."
