How Much Does a PGA Tour Caddy Earn
On the PGA Tour, caddies typically earn a base salary plus a percentage of the player's winnings. Most caddies receive a base pay between $1,000 and $2,000 per tournament, with higher-paid caddies earning more when working with top-ranked players. The percentage of winnings usually ranges from 5% to 10%, increasing for major championship finishes. For example, a caddy whose player finishes in the top 10 at a regular event can earn several thousand dollars in bonuses alone. At the highest level, caddies on the PGA Tour can earn six-figure incomes in strong seasons, especially when their players contend at multiple events. The exact pay depends on the player's status, the caddy's experience, and the negotiated deal between the two parties.
Top caddies working with marquee players often command higher base salaries and larger percentage shares than first-year caddies. A caddy paired with a consistent FedEx Cup contender may earn a base of $2,000 per event plus 7% to 10% of winnings, while a caddy with a rising star might accept a lower base but a higher percentage to share in breakout success. These arrangements can change mid-season if a player moves up the world rankings or wins a significant event. The PGA Tour does not set a fixed salary scale for caddies, so each agreement is unique and reflects the player's tour status and the caddy's track record. According to recent reporting on PGA Tour compensation structures, caddies are considered independent contractors rather than PGA Tour employees.
Caddy Pay Structure and Bonus Breakdown
The standard caddy compensation model includes three main components: a weekly base salary, a percentage of the player's earnings, and performance bonuses. The base salary covers travel and daily expenses, while the percentage of winnings is the primary long-term incentive. Most PGA Tour caddies receive between 5% and 10% of the player's official purse earnings, with the share typically rising for top finishes. A common structure is 5% for a missed cut, 6% for a top-10, 7% for a top-5, and 8% to 10% for a victory. In major championships, some deals add an extra percentage point or a flat bonus for a top-10 or top-5 finish.
How Tournament Winnings Translate to Caddy Pay
When a player wins a PGA Tour event, the caddy's cut can be substantial even on a single tournament. For a typical 72-hole event with a $20 million purse, the winner receives about $3.6 million. At a 7% split, the caddy earns roughly $252,000 from that one victory. At 10%, the caddy would earn $360,000. In a season with multiple wins or consistent top-10s, these amounts add up quickly. Caddies also earn from unofficial events and team competitions, but the PGA Tour events form the core of their annual income. The exact split is often renegotiated if a player's performance and marketability increase during the year.
Top PGA Tour Caddies and Their Earnings
The highest-earning caddies work with players who regularly contend at PGA Tour events and majors. Caddies such as Joe LaCava, who works with Scottie Scheffler, and Andrew Gurr, who works with Rory McIlroy, are among the most recognized names on tour. Their earnings reflect both the base salary and the large percentage of their players' winnings, especially after major championship victories and FedEx Cup performances. In recent seasons, caddies paired with players ranked in the top 10 of the Official World Golf Ranking have reported six-figure base salaries