How PGA Caddies Get Paid
PGA Tour caddies typically receive a base salary plus a percentage of the player's winnings, with total compensation varying widely by player performance and tour status source. Most caddies earn between $1,000 and $2,000 per week in base pay, with a common winnings cut of 5 to 10 percent of the player's purse source.
Base Salary and Tour Minimums
The PGA Tour does not publish a fixed minimum caddie salary, but reported figures show that many caddies on full-time cards earn a base of roughly $1,000 to $2,000 per tournament week, with higher amounts for top players source. Caddies without tour cards or those working with lower-ranked players may earn less, while caddies for marquee names often command higher base guarantees.
Percentage Cuts and Winnings Bonuses
The standard caddie compensation structure includes a percentage of the player's earnings, commonly 5 to 10 percent of each tournament purse, with higher percentages for top finishes and major championships source. Some agreements also include bonuses for wins, top-10 finishes, or Ryder Cup appearances, which can significantly increase annual earnings.
Top PGA Caddies and Their Earnings
High-profile caddies such as Joe LaCava, Andrew "Chubbs" Johnston, and others earn seven-figure incomes when working with elite players who regularly contend for titles source. Caddies for players like Tiger Woods or major winners can earn multi-million dollar seasons, especially when their players win multiple events or finish high at majors.
Earnings by Player and Tournament Success
Caddie pay is closely tied to player success, so caddies on players who win frequently or contend at majors earn substantially more than those on players who miss cuts source. The PGA Tour's official earnings list for players indirectly highlights which caddies are likely to earn the most in a given season based on their player's results.
Notable Caddie Contracts and Deals
While exact caddie contracts are private, reports indicate that top caddies can earn base pay plus a percentage that totals several hundred thousand to over a million dollars per year when their players perform consistently source. Some caddies also receive additional incentives tied to specific tournaments, Ryder Cup appearances, or sponsorship deals.