How PGA Caddie Pay Percentage Works
PGA Tour caddies typically earn a base salary plus a percentage of the player's winnings. The standard PGA caddie pay percentage is 5% of tournament winnings when the player finishes inside the top 10, and 10% when the player wins the event. This structure is negotiated directly between the player and caddie, and the PGA caddie pay percentage can vary based on experience, tour status, and the player's performance. The base salary usually ranges from $1,000 to $2,000 per tournament week, with higher-paid caddies on top players earning significantly more. For detailed information on PGA Tour compensation structures, visit Forbes.
The PGA caddie pay percentage applies only to official PGA Tour prize money, not to exhibition events or team competitions. Caddies do not receive a cut of appearance fees or sponsor bonuses paid directly to the player. The player is responsible for all taxes on the caddie's earnings, and the caddie is classified as an independent contractor, not an employee. This means the caddie covers their own travel, housing, and insurance costs during the season. The agreement is typically renewed each year, and the PGA caddie pay percentage can be renegotiated if the player's performance or status changes significantly.
Earnings Breakdown by Player and Caddie
Top caddies on the PGA Tour can earn between $200,000 and $1 million or more in a single season depending on the player's results. A caddie whose player wins a major championship can earn a six-figure bonus from the win bonus alone due to the 10% PGA caddie pay percentage applied to the full purse. Caddies for players ranked in the top 10 of the Official World Golf Ranking often command higher base salaries and more favorable bonus structures. The player's total earnings are not affected by the caddie's cut, as the PGA caddie pay percentage is paid out of the player's prize money directly. For current PGA Tour player earnings data, see PGA Tour.
Caddies on the PGA Tour also earn additional income through sponsor appearances and promotional activities arranged by the player. Some caddies have built personal brands that generate appearance fees independent of their player's winnings. The PGA caddie pay percentage does not apply to these separate income streams. Caddies who work with multiple players across the season can stack earnings by negotiating favorable percentages with each player. The most successful caddie-player partnerships in recent seasons have been reported by ESPN.
Top PGA Caddies and Recent Earnings
Joe LaCava, long-time caddie of Tiger Woods, has earned substantial income through the PGA caddie pay percentage during major victories and high finishes. Other top caddies include Mike Weir, who has worked with Jordan Spieth, and Joe Dennis, who has been paired with several top-ranked players. The PGA caddie pay percentage remains the primary compensation model, with no fixed salary cap or league-wide minimum for caddies. Caddies who consistently work with players in the top 20 of the FedEx Cup standings tend to earn the highest total compensation each season. For official PGA Tour caddie and player data, visit PGA Tour.
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