Base Pay and Weekly Earnings for Golf Caddies
Golf caddies typically earn a base weekly salary that ranges from $1,000 to $2,000 for regular tour events, according to industry reports and player interviews. On the PGA Tour, caddies often receive a base pay of around $1,000 to $1,500 per tournament, which covers travel and lodging expenses. For smaller tours or local events, base pay can drop to $500 or less per week. This base amount is separate from any bonuses or prize money the caddie may earn based on the player's performance. The exact figure depends on the player's status, the tour level, and the caddie's experience. Many caddies negotiate their base pay before each season, especially when working with rising players or veterans with strong sponsorship deals. Forbes
On the LPGA Tour and other international tours, base pay structures are similar but can vary by region and event prestige. Caddies for top-ranked players on the Ladies European Tour or DP World Tour may command higher weekly base salaries due to increased travel demands and media exposure. In these cases, base pay often includes a fixed retainer that is paid regardless of the tournament result. The retainer ensures the caddie remains dedicated to the player throughout the season, even during events with lower purses. Some caddies also receive housing allowances or per diems that supplement their base pay, especially when tournaments span multiple days in remote locations. These additional benefits are factored into the overall compensation package and can make a significant difference in take-home earnings. LPGA Official Site
Bonuses and Prize Money Percentage Models
Most professional golf caddies earn a percentage of their player's prize money, which is the primary incentive structure on the PGA Tour and similar elite tours. The standard caddie percentage ranges from 5% to 10% of the player's winnings, with 7% being a common baseline for top-tier caddies. When a player wins a major championship or a high-profile event, the caddie's cut can translate into a six-figure bonus in a single weekend. For example, a caddie earning 7% of a $3 million winner's share would receive $210,000, which is often more than their annual base salary. These bonus structures are negotiated upfront and can include escalators for top-10 or top-5 finishes. PGA Tour Official
In addition to prize money percentages, caddies may receive performance bonuses tied to specific milestones, such as making the cut in a certain number of events or helping the player qualify for the FedEx Cup playoffs. Some player-caddie agreements include a flat bonus for winning a tour event, regardless of the prize purse size. These bonuses are designed to align the caddie's incentives with the player's competitive goals. On the Korn Ferry Tour and other developmental circuits, the percentage models are similar but the prize pools are smaller, resulting in lower bonus payouts. Caddies on these tours often rely more heavily on base pay and weekly guarantees to maintain a stable income. Korn