Caddies might not be the star of the show, but they definitely play a huge role in the PGA Tour. And it’s not just the athletes themselves who stand to make money from their winnings. In this blog post, we’ll dive into how much PGA Tour caddies make.
What Do Tour Caddies Do?
Professional caddies do a lot more than carry clubs around the course. They actually help players navigate the pressure of high-stakes tournaments by acting as advisors and strategists. The partnership between a caddie and player is critical for success in the game.
PGA Caddie Base Earnings and Bonuses
Typically, caddies earn a base pay, which can be anywhere from $1,500 to $4,000 per week. This may sound like a lot on its own, however, caddies are responsible for their own expenses.
Their real earning potential comes from their bonuses, and this depends on how well their athlete performs in the competition. Everything is negotiated between the caddie and the player, but here are the typical bonus percentages:
- 5% of the prize money if their player finishes outside the top 10
- 7% if their player finishes in the top 10
- 10% of their player wins the tournament
For example, when Jon Rahm became the Masters Champion, he took home a staggering $3.24 million. This means his caddie’s bonus could have been around $324,000. In total, the winner’s share was part of an $18 million purse, so the role of a caddie can be quite lucrative.
The Costs of Being a Caddie:
Caddies have a high earning potential, but they are responsible for their own expenses on the PGA Tour. They have to cover their airfare, hotel stays, meals, and other travel expenses, so costs add up quickly.
Their base pay is designed to cover these costs, but the real money is in the bonuses. So, it is in their best interest to help their player win as much as they can.
Shawn Costello is a PGA Master Professional, and the COO at Coldstream Country Club. Check out his blog post for all the latest PGA news.
