How PGA Tour Caddie Pay Works
Most PGA Tour caddies earn a base salary plus a percentage of the player's winnings. The base typically ranges from $1,000 to $2,000 per tournament week, with top caddies commanding higher guarantees. The standard cut is 5% of the player's winnings, though this can rise to 7% or 10% for elite partnerships, according to industry reports and player interviews Forbes.
Weekly bonuses are common for top finishes, often structured as flat fees for making the cut, finishing in the top 10, or winning a tournament. A caddie on a strong player can earn six figures in a single week during a major or a World Golf Championship event. The PGA Tour does not set a league-wide salary floor, so each deal is negotiated individually between the player and caddie.
Top PGA Tour Caddie Earnings and Contracts
High-profile caddies like Joe LaCava and Joe Dennis have earned over $1 million in a single season through base pay, cuts, and bonuses. LaCava's long partnership with Tiger Woods helped define the modern caddie earnings model, and his move to Scottie Scheffler in 2023 further boosted his income Forbes. Other top caddies on the tour, such as Ted Scott and Mark Fulcher, earn in the high six to seven figures annually.
Contract structures vary, with some caddies receiving a flat annual retainer regardless of tournament results, while others rely entirely on per-week pay and percentage cuts. Players often include clauses for travel expenses, equipment allowances, and performance incentives. The average PGA Tour caddie earns between $100,000 and $300,000 per year, though earnings can spike dramatically during a major championship run.
Career Path and Opportunities for PGA Tour Caddies
Most PGA Tour caddies start as volunteers or assistants on mini-tours or college circuits before earning spots on the main tour. Caddie associations and player connections play a major role in securing positions, and many caddies spend years building relationships with rising prospects. The PGA Tour Caddie Program and player advisory networks help match caddies with emerging talent on the Korn Ferry Tour and PGA Tour Latinoamérica.
Caddies must understand course strategy, green reading, club selection, and weather conditions at a professional level. Physical fitness is essential, as caddies carry bags weighing over 30 pounds across courses for four days. Top caddies also handle equipment management, travel logistics, and on-course communication, making the role a blend of sports science, logistics, and performance coaching PGA Tour Official Site.