PGA Tour Caddie Base Salary and Weekly Pay
Most PGA Tour caddies earn a base salary that ranges from $1,000 to $3,000 per tournament week, depending on the player's status and the caddie's experience. Top caddies working with marquee players often command higher weekly guarantees, reflecting the increased media exposure and sponsorship value they bring. These base pay figures are set through private contracts between the caddie and the player or their management team, and they are not standardized across the tour. The base salary typically covers travel and tournament-week expenses, while additional earnings come from tournament performance bonuses.
Forbes reports that PGA Tour caddies can earn between $50,000 and $100,000 in base salary during a typical season when factoring in weekly tournament guarantees and off-week work with players in smaller events. The exact figure depends on the player's schedule, the caddie's tenure, and the strength of their partnership. Caddies who work with players who consistently make cuts and advance in tournaments have more stable income streams throughout the season.
Bonus Structure and Winnings-Based Pay for PGA Tour Caddies
PGA Tour caddies typically receive a percentage of the player's tournament winnings as a bonus, and the standard split ranges from 5% to 10% of the player's earnings. A common arrangement is a 5% cut for the caddie when the player finishes inside the top positions, with higher percentages possible for major championship victories or large FedEx Cup payouts. These bonus structures are negotiated upfront and can vary widely based on the player's stature, the caddie's track record, and the specific terms of their agreement.
How Tournament Finish Affects Caddie Bonus Payouts
When a player wins a PGA Tour event, the caddie's bonus can reach six figures in a single week, especially when the player's share of the purse is substantial. For example, a caddie earning a 10% cut of a player's $1.5 million winner's share would receive $150,000 for that tournament alone. Lower finishes still generate smaller bonus payouts, but the base salary provides a floor that helps stabilize income across the season.
Top PGA Tour Caddie Pay Examples and Notable Partnerships
High-profile caddie-player partnerships, such as those involving long-time caddies for star players, have been widely reported by sports outlets like ESPN and Golf Digest as earning some of the highest total compensation on tour. These caddies combine base salary, weekly bonuses, and major championship payouts to reach total annual earnings that can exceed $1 million in peak years. The most lucrative deals are often kept private, but industry estimates confirm that top caddies earn well above the average tour caddie.
Caddie Pay Compared to Other Golf Industry Roles and Career Path
Compared to club professionals, teaching pros, and golf course management roles, PGA Tour caddies have a more variable but often higher earning ceiling tied directly to player performance. Unlike salaried golf operations staff, caddies do not receive benefits such as health insurance or retirement plans from the PGA Tour, so their total compensation is entirely dependent on tournament earnings and player agreements. This structure makes caddying a high-risk, high-reward career path that rewards long-term partnerships and consistent player success.
How PGA Tour Caddies Earn Additional Income
Beyond tournament pay, PGA Tour caddies can earn additional income through appearance fees, sponsor bonuses tied to the player's brand deals, and post-tournament media obligations. Some caddies leverage their visibility to secure endorsement deals with equipment or apparel brands, though these arrangements are less common than player endorsements. The