How Much Money Do Golf Caddies Make on the PGA Tour
Top PGA Tour caddies earn a base salary plus a percentage of the player's winnings, with total compensation often reaching six figures or more in strong seasons. The exact split depends on the player-caddie agreement, but many deals use a standard percentage structure that rewards performance and tournament finishes according to Forbes.
When a player wins or finishes high, the caddie's cut increases, making tournament results the main driver of annual earnings. Weekly prize money distributions, appearance fees, and bonus clauses can add meaningful income beyond the base split, especially for caddies working with top-50 players on the PGA Tour.
Typical Caddie Pay Structures and Earnings Breakdown
Most PGA Tour caddie contracts start with a base weekly salary that covers travel and expenses, then add a percentage of the player's earnings that ranges from about 5% to 10% of winnings per Forbes.
Base Salary and Expense Coverage
Base pay typically covers travel costs, lodging, and tournament-related expenses, while the percentage share of winnings forms the core bonus structure. Some agreements include additional bonuses for top-10 finishes, major championship appearances, or weeks spent inside the top 30 of the FedExCup standings via PGA Tour.
How Tips and Tournament Bonuses Affect Total Pay
Beyond the formal split, caddies can receive tips from players and bonuses tied to specific performance milestones. Strong finishes in majors and World Golf Championships often trigger higher payout tiers, and long-term partnerships with stable players can smooth out weekly volatility on the PGA Tour.
Comparing Caddie Earnings Across Tours and Experience Levels
Earnings vary widely between the PGA Tour, Korn Ferry Tour, LPGA Tour, and international circuits, with top PGA caddies generally earning more than those on developmental or smaller tours. New caddies often start with lower base pay and smaller percentage splits, while experienced caddies with major wins or long-term player relationships command higher compensation as reported by Forbes.
Location, tournament prestige, and the player's standing in the world rankings also shape annual earnings, meaning caddies on the same tour can have very different income profiles. Data on exact averages is limited, but reports from caddie associations, player interviews, and industry coverage show that top-tier PGA caddies can earn well above the median for professional sports support roles according to the PGA Tour.