Top Earners and PGA Tour Caddie Pay
The highest paid caddie in 2024 is Joe LaCava, who earned an estimated $2 million in base salary plus a percentage of Dustin Johnson's winnings, according to PGA Tour compensation structures reported by Forbes. Joe LaCava's total take has made him one of the top earning caddies on the PGA Tour in recent years, with his long partnership with Johnson driving consistent high earnings.
Other top earners include caddies for players like Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, and Jordan Spieth, with base pay often ranging from $1 million to $2 million and bonuses tied to tournament results and FedEx Cup performance. Caddie contracts typically include a base salary plus 5 to 10 percent of winnings, and the best paid caddies combine elite player relationships with strong results on the PGA Tour.
How Caddie Pay Works
Most PGA Tour caddies receive a weekly base salary plus a percentage of the player's earnings, with the percentage often increasing if the player wins or finishes high on the leaderboard. The highest paid caddies usually negotiate deals that include bonuses for major championships, FedEx Cup titles, and world number one finishes.
Forbes and other outlets have noted that caddie pay can exceed $3 million in a single season when the player wins multiple events, and top caddies also earn from appearance fees and sponsor deals tied to their player's brand. The PGA Tour does not publish official caddie salary figures, but player and caddie interviews, agent statements, and financial reports provide the data behind these estimates.
Rankings, Companies, and Data Sources
Industry reports and sports business outlets rank caddies by total compensation, with Joe LaCava, Jimmy Johnson, and Andrew "Blue" Yergler frequently cited among the highest paid caddies in 2024. These rankings are based on PGA Tour earnings, player results, and public statements from players and their teams.
For the latest figures, you can check PGA Tour earnings reports, Forbes sports business coverage, and interviews with player agents who discuss caddie contracts and pay structures in detail.