Highest Paid Caddie: Earnings and Pay Structure
The highest paid caddie on the PGA Tour earns a compensation mix of a base weekly salary plus a percentage of the player's winnings, with top caddies for elite players making seven figures annually. Most PGA Tour caddies receive a base weekly pay between $1,000 and $2,000, while the player percentage typically ranges from 5% to 10% depending on the deal and the tour event, according to industry reporting on PGA Tour caddie contracts. Forbes has detailed how top caddies like those paired with star golfers can clear $1 million in a single season when the player performs consistently in high-purse events PGA Tour caddie pay breakdown.
The player percentage is the main driver of a caddie's total compensation, with larger cuts often tied to tournament wins, major championships, and FedEx Cup bonuses. A caddie whose player wins a major can earn a bonus payment on top of the standard percentage, and some deals include additional incentives for top-10 or top-5 finishes. The highest paid caddie profile usually belongs to a long-tenured caddie paired with a top-10 player who wins multiple times per season, generating consistent high-value paychecks caddie earnings data.
Top Highest Paid Caddies on the PGA Tour
Joe LaCava, long-time caddie for Tiger Woods and later for Fred Couples and Dustin Johnson, is frequently cited among the highest paid caddies due to his decades of tour experience and multiple high-profile player relationships. Other top caddies include those working with players like Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Jon Rahm, where the combination of a high-profile player and strong tournament results drives caddie earnings into the upper tier of PGA Tour staff compensation.
Beyond the PGA Tour, caddies on the LIV Golf circuit can earn competitive base salaries plus bonuses tied to team and individual performance, with some deals structured with guaranteed annual pay that rivals or exceeds typical PGA Tour caddie compensation. The highest paid caddie comparison across tours depends on player success, event purses, and individual contract terms, but the PGA Tour remains the primary benchmark for caddie earnings in professional golf PGA Tour caddie contracts.
How Caddie Pay Works and What Drives Earnings
A standard PGA Tour caddie agreement includes a base weekly salary, a percentage of the player's official earnings, and often tournament-specific bonuses for top finishes or wins. The percentage split is the core of the deal, with common structures offering 5% of winnings, 7% for top finishes, and 10% or more for major victories, though exact terms vary by player and caddie negotiation.
Caddie Pay Components
Base pay covers travel and weekly expenses, while the percentage share aligns the caddie's income directly with the player's success. Bonuses for major championships, tour wins, and FedEx Cup performance can add tens of thousands of dollars to a single event payout, making the highest paid caddie roles highly lucrative for experienced caddies who stay with elite,