For a lot of golfers, the dream is to make it to the PGA Tour. However, getting a PGA Tour card is incredibly difficult and only the very best ever make it.
So what’s the next best job in golf if you can’t make it as a player? A PGA Tour caddie.
Travelling around the world, watching the best in the game and getting paid to do it. Not a bad job that.
But what kind of money can a professional caddie make on the PGA Tour? Let’s have a look at how much do tour caddies make.
How Much Do PGA Caddies Make?
How Much Do Pro Caddies Make On The PGA Tour?
A PGA Tour caddie usually earns a weekly salary of between $1500 and $3000, but this depends on the agreement they have with the player.
On top of the weekly PGA Tour caddie salary, they’ll also make a percentage of the money that the player wins that week. This can range from 5-8% when the professional golfer makes the cut and up to 10% if the player wins the tournament.
Depending on the player/caddie agreement, the numbers may vary, with some taking a higher yearly salary but a lower winnings percentage and vice versa.
With the huge prize money available to players on the PGA Tour, caddies can earn a large amount of money as a percentage of the winnings.
During the 2021/22 season, the leading player, Scottie Scheffler picked up $14,046,910 in prize money which could potentially have been worth over $1.4 million to his caddie Ted Scott.
With the tour average sitting at $1,621,221 for the season, it would mean that the average caddie made between $80,000 and $160,000 in prize money earnings alone, as well as a weekly salary.
On top of this, some caddies make money from sponsorship deals. Just like professional golfers, the caddies can be paid to wear certain hats or clothing from brands looking for exposure. This won’t be as much as what the players receive but can still be a nice earner.
Obviously, this is a great living, especially when you’re getting a front-row seat to some of the best golfers at some of the biggest golf events in the world and they’re winning lots of tournaments.
Unfortunately, for a lot of professional caddies, making it to the PGA Tour doesn’t guarantee a great income.
First of all, there’s the risk that your player isn’t playing well and is missing lots of cuts. If they miss the cut, they’re not making any money that week and could eventually lose their card.
If they become injured and have to withdraw from the event, they can’t compete and therefore can’t make any prize money. This can be hugely damaging for the caddie as much as it is for the player.
You’ve also got to think about the expenses involved with being a PGA Tour caddie. Some players may cover the cost for their players, but most caddies will have to cover the expenses out of their weekly salary, and expenses for a week-long PGA Tour event can certainly rack up.
But with that all said, a longtime caddie on the PGA Tour can certainly make a very good living from doing something they love.
There will be ups and there certainly will be downs, but the lucrative opportunities available on the PGA Tour are definitely appealing to many with the chance to compete in the likes of The Masters and Ryder Cup.
Do Caddies Get Paid If A Player Misses Cut?
Most PGA Tour caddies earn a weekly salary, so even if their player misses the cut they will still get paid their base salary.
Of course, if the player does miss the cut, in most events on the PGA Tour, they won’t earn any prize money and that means the caddie also won’t receive a prize money percentage.
For a PGA Tour caddie, the percentage of a player’s winnings is where they make their real living. The base salary they get paid, most of it will be towards paying for travel and hotel costs, among other expenses.
Therefore, for pro caddies to make a sustainable income, they need to be on the bag of a player that is regularly making the cut and picking up a cheque, otherwise, their salary is just about covering their tour expenses.
Final Thoughts
Although they may only look like someone that carries a golfer’s bag, cleans their golf clubs and hand out golf balls, a knowledgeable caddie is worth their weight in gold to professional golfers and as a result, the best caddies can make a great living.
With a standard base salary and a percentage of what the golfer wins, caddies rely on how well their player is performing out on the golf course. If they’re struggling to make ends meet, it could be time to look for a new employer.
FAQs
Do caddies travel with their golfers?
Some caddies will travel with PGA Tour players if they have a great relationship, but most will often make their own way to events.
Do caddies pay their own expenses?
Many caddies will cover their own expenses, which are usually paid out of the weekly salary their golfer pays them. Some golfers will pay the expenses for their caddies, but this might mean they pay less salary or a smaller prize money percentage.
Do caddies get 10% of winnings?
The percentage of winnings a caddie receives can range from about 5% to 10%, depending on the player/caddie agreement and where in the field the player finishes. Usually, a caddie will earn 10% for a winning performance and less for any other finish.
Do PGA caddies get endorsements?
Yes, caddies on the PGA Tour can get paid endorsement fees just like their players. Caddies can be paid to wear or use certain clothing or equipment, but it will most likely be less than a pro’s sponsorship fee.
How much does Tiger Woods pay his caddie?
Tiger Woods pays his caddy Joe LaCava between 5-10% of his winnings. He also gets paid a weekly salary for each event on the PGA Tour schedule.
How much do PGA players tip their caddies?
PGA Tour players usually tip their caddies between 5% and 10% of their weekly earnings depending on where they finish in the field. If they miss the cut, they earn no income and therefore the caddie doesn’t receive any prize money.
Founder, Editor
Ed is the founder and editor at EEE Golf. He’s been playing golf for over 20 years, competing in many top amateur events. He’s played courses all over the world and played with some of the best players in the game. His aim is to help educate people about the game of golf and give insights into the sport he loves most.
