Professional caddies on the PGA Tour typically earn between five and ten percent of a player’s official purse for each tournament. This percentage is negotiated in individual contracts and can shift based on performance, experience, and the scope of duties required during a week on tour.
Below is a structured overview of how caddie earnings are reported and how they compare across different levels of tournament payout and player profile.
| Caddie Type | Typical Earnings Percentage | Purse Tier (USD) | Estimated Weekly Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top PGA Tour Caddie | 7–10% | $8,000,000+ | $560,000+ |
| Veteran PGA Tour Caddie | 5–8% | $2,000,000–$7,000,000 | $100,000–$560,000 |
| Developing Tour Caddie | 3–6% | $500,000–$1,500,000 | $15,000–$90,000 |
| Regional/College to Pro | 2–5% | $100,000–$500,000 | $2,000–$25,000 |
How Caddie Pay Percentages Are Determined On Tour
Each PGA Tour player sets caddie compensation in their employment agreement, often referencing a percentage of official earnings for that event. Factors such as past results, loyalty, and the difficulty of the schedule can lead to adjustments in that percentage from week to week.
Variable Components Beyond Base Percentage
While the headline percentage is the primary metric, many caddies receive additional compensation through performance bonuses, season-long incentives, and non-golf income streams like appearances and endorsements that influence total earnings.
Weekly Earnings Volatility And Planning
Purse sizes fluctuate dramatically from event to event, which means a caddie’s weekly take-home pay can swing widely even with a stable percentage. Consistent high-level performers and those who carry multiple players can smooth out these variations over a full season.
Regional And Developmental Tour Differences
Caddies moving through smaller tours often accept lower percentages or flat fees as they build credibility. These early roles help refine skills and expand networks, creating pathways to higher-profile PGA Tour opportunities where percentage rates and total earnings increase substantially.
Key Takeaways For Caddies Pursuing PGA Tour Opportunities
- Understand the standard percentage ranges for each career stage, from developmental tours to elite PGA Tour events.
- Factor in variable components like bonuses and non-golf income when evaluating total earnings potential.
- Build relationships and credibility across multiple tours to access higher percentage contracts and more consistent work.
- Plan weekly and seasonal finances around payout volatility, using guarantees or off-season work when necessary.
FAQ
Reader questions
How do official purse rules change a caddie’s take-home pay each week?
Official purse rules determine how much prize money is available for distribution, and caddie earnings are calculated as a percentage of that set amount. When a tournament field is larger or sponsor money increases the purse, the same percentage yields a higher dollar amount for the caddie.
Do caddies on the PGA Tour only earn during the FedExCup Playoffs, or do they receive a set schedule each season?
Caddies earn each week they work based on their contracted percentage of the tournament purse, not just during the FedExCup Playoffs. Many players and caddies negotiate minimum guarantees or retainers during the off-season to smooth income between events.
Can a caddie negotiate a fixed weekly salary instead of a percentage of the purse?
Yes, some veteran caddies with strong track records secure guaranteed weekly salaries or performance-based hybrids that combine base pay with a smaller percentage. This structure provides more predictable cash flow while still aligning incentives with tournament results.
What happens to a caddie’s earnings if a player misses the cut or withdraws from a tournament?
If a player misses the cut or withdraws early, the official purse available for distribution shrinks, which directly reduces the caddie’s earnings for that event. Many agreements include minimum payouts or partial guarantees to ensure the caddie still receives compensation under these circumstances.