PGA Caddie Pay Structure and Base Salary
PGA Tour caddies typically earn a base salary that ranges from about $1,000 to $2,000 per tournament week, with the exact amount negotiated between the player and caddie according to Forbes. Many PGA caddies also receive a travel stipend or per diem to cover expenses while on the road during tournament weeks.
Weekly and Seasonal Earnings
Over a full PGA Tour season, a caddie working most events can earn between $100,000 and $300,000 in base pay alone, depending on the player's schedule and the strength of the partnership as reported by Golf Digest. Caddies on smaller tours or developmental tours often earn less, while experienced caddies paired with top players can command higher base salaries.
Win Bonuses and Percentage of Winnings
The biggest part of PGA caddie compensation comes from a percentage of the player's winnings, usually around 5 to 10 percent of the caddie's share of the purse according to the PGA Tour. When a player wins, the caddie typically receives a higher bonus percentage, which can add tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars to their annual income.
Top Caddie Earnings from Major Wins
A caddie whose player wins a major championship or a high-profile event can earn a six-figure bonus in a single week, pushing their total annual earnings well above the average Forbes notes. The exact bonus structure varies by agreement, but strong performance in big tournaments is the main driver of top caddie pay.
Top PGA Caddies and Highest Earning Partnerships
The highest earning PGA caddies are those paired with consistent top players, with some partnerships generating total compensation packages exceeding $1 million in strong seasons Golf Digest reports. Famous caddies such as those working with major champions often earn above-average base pay plus large bonuses from multiple wins throughout the year.
Factors That Increase Caddie Pay
Factors that increase caddie pay include the player's world ranking, tournament results, major championship wins, and the caddie's experience and reputation the PGA Tour explains. Caddies who help players break into the top 10 or win signature events can renegotiate for higher percentages and larger bonuses.