Top Highest Paid Caddies of All Time
The highest paid caddies of all time are closely tied to elite PGA Tour players and major championship wins. Caddie pay typically includes a base salary plus a percentage of the player's winnings, often ranging from 5% to 10% of tournament earnings. Top caddies earn millions over a career by working with consistent high earners and major champions. Notable names include Steve Williams, who earned widespread recognition for his work with Tiger Woods, and Joe LaCava, who moved from caddying to a career in golf course design and commentary.
Another prominent figure is Andrew "Chubbs" Evans, who caddied for several top players and built a strong reputation on tour. Other high earners include long-time caddies for stars like Phil Mickelson, Rory McIlroy, and Jordan Spieth, whose players regularly contend for large purses. The combination of a stable base salary and a percentage of big wins makes caddying one of the most lucrative support roles in professional sports. These caddies often build multi-year relationships with players, which increases their total career earnings.
How Caddie Pay and Earnings Work
Caddie compensation usually starts with a weekly base salary, often between $1,000 and $2,000, plus a percentage of the player's winnings. The win percentage can rise during major championships, where purses are significantly larger. For example, a caddie whose player wins a major can earn a substantial bonus because the payout is much higher than a regular tour event. This structure means that a single major victory can generate more caddie income than an entire season of regular events.
Top players who consistently finish high and win tournaments provide the most reliable income for their caddies. Players like Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and Rory McIlroy have carried caddies who earned significant wealth during their careers. The highest paid caddies often negotiate their percentage and base pay before each season, and their earnings can scale quickly if their player performs well. This system rewards both the player's performance and the caddie's strategic input on club selection, course management, and tournament planning.
Career Paths and Notable Caddie Transitions
Many of the highest paid caddies started as local caddies or worked their way up through smaller tours before reaching the PGA Tour. Steve Williams, for instance, gained international fame after caddying for Tiger Woods and later worked with other top players, earning a reputation as one of the most successful caddies in history. Joe LaCava transitioned from caddying to working in golf course design and media, showing how caddie experience can open doors beyond the bag.
Other caddies have moved into coaching, broadcasting, or course design roles after their time on tour. The skills developed as a caddie, such as course reading, club selection, and mental support, transfer well into these careers. Some former caddies also launch their own businesses or brands tied to golf. The path from caddie to respected figure in the golf industry highlights how the highest paid caddies often build long-term careers that extend well beyond their years on the tour. For more details on professional golf careers and earnings, see Forbes and ESPN.