How Caddie Pay Works on the PGA Tour
Top caddies earn money through a base salary, usually between $1,000 and $2,000 per tournament week, plus a percentage of the player's winnings. The standard bonus percentage is 5% to 10% of a player's earnings, rising to 10% when the player wins a tournament. This structure allows elite caddies to earn more than many players over a single season, especially when working with consistent top performers. The system rewards long-term partnerships and strong results at major championships and PGA Tour events.
Forbes and other financial outlets have reported that the highest-paid caddies can earn several million dollars in a single year when their players contend regularly. These earnings often exceed the base salary of many PGA Tour players during the same period. Caddies also benefit from sponsorships and appearance fees in some cases, adding another layer to their compensation. The most successful caddies build careers spanning decades with multiple Hall of Fame players.
Top 10 Highest-Paid Caddies of All Time
1. Joe LaCava
Joe LaCava is widely regarded as the highest-paid caddy in golf history, having earned tens of millions of dollars through his long partnership with Tiger Woods and later Dustin Johnson. His career earnings reflect his role in multiple major championship wins, including Woods' victories at the Masters and the U.S. Open. LaCava's base salary and bonus structure with Johnson and Woods placed him at the top of caddy compensation lists for years.
2. Steve Williams
Steve Williams earned a reputation as one of the most successful caddies in history while working with Tiger Woods, winning 13 majors together before moving on to caddy for Adam Scott. His earnings from the Woods partnership alone placed him among the top earners in the sport. Williams later gained attention for his candid commentary and continued success with other players, cementing his status among the highest-paid caddies ever.
3. Andrew "Chubbs" Harris
Andrew Harris, known as Chubbs, earned significant income as Tiger Woods' caddy during the early 2000s, including Woods' comeback victory at the 2008 U.S. Open. His long tenure with Woods and consistent presence at major championships contributed to his high earnings. Harris represents the tier of caddies who earned substantial bonuses through sustained elite-level performance over many years.
4. Jim "Bones" Mackay
Jim Mackay caddied for Phil Mickelson for over 25 years, earning a reputation for his calm demeanor and strategic insight. His partnership with Mickelson generated millions in earnings, particularly during major championship runs and PGA Tour wins. Mackay's long-term stability with one of golf's biggest names made him one of the most recognizable and well-compensated caddies in the sport.
5. Joe "The Undertaker" LaCava (Pre-Woods Era)
Before joining Tiger Woods full-time, Joe LaCava caddied for other top players, building a reputation that eventually led to his record-breaking career. His early work with players like David Duval and others laid the foundation for his later earnings. LaCava's trajectory shows how top caddies can leverage early experience with strong players into long-term financial success.
6. Terry Kares
Terry Kares caddied for Fred Couples for many years, earning substantial income during Couples' peak career in the 1990s. His partnership with Couples included multiple PGA Tour wins and a strong presence in major championships. Kares' earnings reflect the standard top-tier caddy compensation model of