How Much Do Top Caddies Earn on the PGA Tour
Top caddies on the PGA Tour typically earn a base salary plus a percentage of the player's winnings, with total compensation often reaching six figures or more in strong seasons. According to recent reporting, the average PGA Tour caddie salary ranges from about $1,000 to $2,000 per tournament, with bonuses pushing total earnings higher for those working with top players source.
Earnings depend heavily on the player's performance, tournament prestige, and the caddie-player agreement, with some deals offering higher percentages for top finishes or major championships. Caddies who work consistently with elite players and collect strong weekly bonuses can earn more than many traditional finance and corporate roles over a full season.
Highest Paid Caddies and Their Players
Notable Caddie-Player Partnerships
High-profile caddie-player pairings, such as those involving long-time partners of major champions, often command higher base pay and larger bonus percentages due to consistent deep runs and tournament wins source.
Recent data shows that caddies on the PGA Tour can earn between roughly $100,000 and over $1 million in a single season when their players contend regularly and win events, with the top earners aligning closely with the biggest names in men's professional golf.
Caddie Pay Structures and Additional Income
Base Salary vs. Bonus Models
Most PGA Tour caddies receive a weekly base salary that covers travel and expenses, while the bulk of their income comes from a percentage of the player's winnings, typically ranging from about 5% to 10% or more depending on the agreement.
Beyond tournament earnings, caddies may receive bonuses for strong finishes, major championship appearances, or sponsorship deals tied to the player's brand, and some caddies leverage their visibility into media and business opportunities source.