How Much Do Caddies Earn Per Bag and Per Tournament
On the PGA Tour, caddies typically earn a base salary plus a percentage of the player's winnings, with common base pay ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 per tournament week and a cut of the prize money that often falls between 5% and 10% for top players, according to industry reports and player interviews Forbes. At smaller tours or local clubs, caddies may be paid per bag, with rates commonly between $20 and $50 per round, plus tips, while some facilities use flat daily rates of $100 to $200 depending on the course and region.
On the PGA Tour, a caddie whose player wins a major can earn a six-figure payout from the prize purse alone, and even a top-10 finish can generate thousands of dollars in bonus money, with the exact split negotiated between the player and caddie and sometimes tied to the player's FedEx Cup standing or world ranking PGA Tour. In contrast, caddies on the Korn Ferry Tour or European Challenge Tour often receive lower base guarantees and smaller percentage deals, and many rely heavily on weekly tournament bonuses and local sponsorship money to supplement their income.
Top Caddie Pay Examples and Annual Earnings
High-profile caddies such as those working with major champions have publicly reported annual earnings exceeding $1 million in strong seasons, combining base salary, tournament bonuses, and a percentage of the player's winnings, with some deals including performance incentives tied to world number one status or major victories ESPN. These top earners often receive additional benefits such as travel stipends, housing allowances, and a share of appearance fees or off-course endorsement deals that involve the player.
For the median PGA Tour caddie, annual earnings can range from $100,000 to $300,000 depending on the player's consistency, tour status, and the negotiated split, while caddies on the LPGA Tour or European Tour may earn less due to smaller purses but still command a meaningful percentage of the player's earnings LPGA. Caddies who work with players who secure full PGA Tour cards through the Korn Ferry Tour Finals or who earn sponsor exemptions into events can see a significant boost in weekly pay compared to those whose players miss cuts regularly.
Caddie Pay Structures, Tips, and Additional Earnings
Base Salary vs. Percentage Deals
Many PGA Tour caddies work on a hybrid model where they receive a modest weekly base salary to cover expenses, plus a percentage of the player's winnings that increases if the player finishes inside the top 10 or wins the event, with the exact percentage often rising as the player's world ranking improves SEC. For caddies on smaller tours or at private clubs, the structure may be a flat daily rate with a standard