Caddie Pay Structure in Professional Golf
On the PGA Tour, caddies typically earn a base weekly stipend that ranges from about $1,000 to $2,000 for standard events, with higher amounts for majors and signature tournaments. Many caddies also receive a percentage of the player's earnings, often between 5% and 10%, which can significantly increase total compensation when the player finishes high or wins. The exact split depends on the player's profile, the tour, and the individual agreement between the caddie and the golfer Forbes.
Beyond the PGA Tour, caddies on the DP World Tour, LPGA Tour, and Korn Ferry Tour often receive lower base stipends and smaller prize percentages, though top caddies working with high-profile players can still earn substantial weekly amounts. In these tours, base pay might start around $500 to $1,500 per event, with the percentage of prize money usually on the lower end of the range. Regional and mini-tour caddies may earn even less, sometimes relying on per diems and travel reimbursements to supplement income.
Earnings Breakdown by Tournament Type
Major championships such as The Masters, the U.S. Open, the British Open, and the PGA Championship typically offer the highest caddie compensation because of increased prestige and larger purses. Caddies at majors often receive a higher base stipend, sometimes $3,000 or more, plus a percentage of the player's earnings that can be at the upper end of the standard range. A strong finish or a win at a major can therefore translate into a six-figure payout for the caddie in a single week.
Regular PGA Tour events and FedEx Cup playoff tournaments provide more consistent but generally lower weekly pay compared to majors. Caddies at these events may earn a base stipend closer to the standard range and a percentage that aligns with the player's typical deal. World Golf Championships and signature events hosted by major brands often fall between regular events and majors in terms of compensation, offering slightly elevated stipends and prize percentages.
Top-Earning Caddies and Notable Earnings
Famous Caddie and Player Partnerships
Some caddies have become as well-known as the players they work with, earning significant income through long-term partnerships with top PGA Tour athletes. Caddies such as Joe LaCava, who works with Tiger Woods, and Andrew Chandler, who has been paired with Bing Crosby's grandson and other players, have built reputations that command higher stipends and larger percentage splits. These high-profile caddies often earn more than the average tour caddie because of their experience, course knowledge, and the success of the players they carry ESPN.
The total annual earnings for a caddie can vary widely based on the player's performance, tour schedule, and the number of events played. A caddie working with a top-10 player who finishes consistently in contention can earn several hundred thousand dollars in a season, while a caddie with a lower-profile player may earn closer to the median PGA Tour caddie income. Contract negotiations, sponsorship deals for the caddie, and performance bonuses are additional factors that influence overall compensation.
How Caddie Pay Compares to Other Golf Industry Roles
Compared to club professionals, golf instructors, and tour officials, c