How PGA Tour Caddie Pay Works
Most PGA Tour caddies earn a weekly base salary plus a percentage of the player's winnings. The base salary typically ranges from $1,000 to $2,000 per tournament week, depending on the player's status and the caddie's experience. The percentage cut usually falls between 5% and 10% of the player's earnings, with higher percentages often tied to stronger finishes and major championship performances. This structure aligns the caddie's income directly with the player's success on the course. The PGA Tour does not set a universal pay scale, so deals are negotiated individually between the player and caddie, often with input from agents or managers. For broader context on sports earnings structures, see this Forbes overview of athlete compensation models here.
Top-tier caddies working with marquee players can earn significantly more than the base-plus-percentage model suggests. In addition to the weekly salary and prize money cut, caddies may receive performance bonuses for specific results, such as a top-five finish or a victory. These bonuses can add thousands of dollars per tournament week. The total annual earnings for a PGA Tour caddie depend heavily on the player's schedule, consistency, and ability to contend in events. A caddie paired with a top-10 player who plays full-time can earn several hundred thousand dollars in a strong season, while caddies for players outside the top 50 may earn closer to the lower end of the scale.
Bag Fees and Tournament Expenses
What Are PGA Tour Bag Fees
Bag fees are a fixed payment from the PGA Tour to caddies for each tournament they work, designed to cover basic expenses. As of the 2024 and 2025 PGA Tour seasons, the standard bag fee is $1,500 per tournament week for players who make the cut and $1,000 for those who do not. This amount is paid directly to the caddie and is separate from the player's prize money or any negotiated salary. The bag fee provides a baseline income for caddies even in weeks when the player misses the cut or finishes far from the money. The PGA Tour adjusts these figures periodically, so current values should be verified against the official PGA Tour caddie policy page here.
Bag fees are not the only financial support caddies receive during tournament weeks. Players typically cover travel and lodging expenses for their caddies when competing in events outside their home region. In some cases, the player's sponsor or the tournament host may provide additional per diems or expense allowances. The total cost of employing a caddie for a full season includes the base salary, percentage cuts, bag fees, and travel expenses, which can vary widely based on the player's schedule and the caddie's experience level. For a deeper look at how professional sports organizations manage these costs, see the SEC's guidance on athlete compensation reporting here.
Top PGA Tour Caddies and Earnings
Notable Caddie-Pairings and Pay
The most visible caddie-player partnerships often command higher percentages and larger bonuses due to their track record of success. Caddies who have worked with multiple major winners or world number one players tend to earn at the upper end of the pay scale. For example, a caddie paired with a player who wins a FedEx Cup playoff