How Much Do Caddies Earn in Professional Golf
Caddies on the PGA Tour typically earn a base weekly salary of $1,000 to $2,000, with many top caddies earning more through performance bonuses tied to their player's finish according to Forbes. The standard pay structure includes a base weekly pay plus a percentage of the player's winnings, usually ranging from 5% to 10% of the prize money, with higher percentages for major championship victories.
At the highest level, caddies for elite players can earn six-figure annual incomes even in weak tournament seasons, and top caddies on the PGA Tour can earn over $200,000 in strong years when their players contend regularly as reported by Forbes. This income is highly variable and depends heavily on the player's status, the tour level, and the caddie's experience.
What Factors Determine a Caddy's Pay
A caddie's earnings depend on the tour level, the player's world ranking, and the caddie's negotiating leverage, with PGA Tour caddies earning significantly more than those on smaller tours or at local clubs. Players ranked in the top 20 of the Official World Golf Ranking often offer higher base pay and better bonus percentages because their caddies are involved in high-stakes, high-prize events.
Bonus Structures and Tournament Winnings
Bonus structures typically include a percentage of the player's earnings for each tournament, with larger bonuses for top finishes and major championship victories. A caddie whose player wins a major can earn a substantial bonus, often several times the base weekly pay, making the role financially lucrative for experienced caddies at the highest level.
Where Do Caddies Earn the Most Money
The PGA Tour offers the highest caddy earnings globally, followed by the European Tour and elite Asian tours, where top caddies can earn strong base pay and significant bonuses. Private club caddies at prestigious venues may earn steady hourly wages or seasonal salaries, but they generally do not share in tournament winnings the way PGA Tour caddies do.
Top Earning Caddies and Player Partnerships
Long-term partnerships between star players and their caddies, such as those seen with prominent PGA Tour athletes, often result in the highest caddy earnings because the caddie shares in the player's success at major events and lucrative tournaments. These partnerships are built on trust, course management expertise, and consistent performance under pressure.