Tiger Woods Caddie Salary and Pay Structure
Tiger Woods' caddie salary is structured around a base weekly pay plus a percentage of tournament winnings. The standard caddie deal for elite PGA Tour players typically includes a base salary of $1,000 to $2,000 per tournament week, plus a percentage of winnings that ranges from 5% to 10% depending on the player and the agreement. For Woods, whose career earnings exceed $120 million on the PGA Tour, the caddie's cut of major victories can be substantial. The most recent public details on Woods' caddie compensation align with the standard PGA Tour model of base pay plus a percentage of prize money, as reported by Forbes and other sports business outlets. How PGA Tour caddies are paid
The caddie's total compensation depends heavily on tournament results. In a standard week, the caddie earns the base salary regardless of cuts made. When Woods makes the cut and finishes high, the caddie's percentage of the purse adds significant income. Major championship wins, such as Woods' victories at the Masters, generate the largest payouts because of the elevated percentage and the prestige bonus. The exact percentage of Woods' caddie deal is not always publicly disclosed, but industry norms for top players place it in the 6% to 10% range. PGA Tour caddie pay breakdown
Career Earnings and Bonus Structure
Tiger Woods' career earnings on the PGA Tour are among the highest in golf history, with over 80 victories and 15 major championships. The caddie's bonus structure is directly tied to these results. In addition to the percentage of tournament winnings, many PGA Tour caddie agreements include bonuses for specific milestones, such as a major victory or a world number one ranking. Woods' caddie has benefited from these bonus triggers over the decades, particularly during the peak years of Woods' dominance when he won multiple majors in a single season. The bonus structure is negotiated upfront and can include escalators for consecutive top finishes or Ryder Cup appearances.
The financial impact of Woods' major wins on his caddie's income is significant. A single major victory can add hundreds of thousands of dollars to the caddie's earnings through the percentage of the purse and any negotiated bonus. Woods' 2019 Masters victory, for example, generated a substantial payout for his caddie based on the standard PGA Tour percentage. The caddie also earns from appearance fees and sponsorship opportunities that arise from being associated with a high-profile player, though these are separate from the direct salary agreement.
Current Caddie and Recent Changes
Tiger Woods has had several caddies throughout his career, with the most recent and longest-tenured being Joe LaCava. LaCava has been Woods' primary caddie for many years and has been part of the team during multiple major victories. The current caddie arrangement follows the same base pay plus percentage model, with the specific terms remaining private. The PGA Tour's player-caddie relationship is governed by mutual agreement, and Woods' deal with LaCava reflects the standard compensation framework for elite caddies on tour.
The role of the caddie in Woods' career extends beyond just carrying bags. A caddie provides course management advice, club selection, and strategic support, which directly impacts Woods' performance and earning potential. The caddie