How Much Do Pro Golf Caddies Make in 2025?

By Sarah Miller · September 28, 2030

Professional golf caddies typically earn between $1,500 and $3,000 per tournament week, plus a percentage of their player's winnings—usually 5% to 10% for cuts, 7% to 10% for top-10 finishes, and up to 10% for victories. Top caddies can make over $500,000 annually, with some exceeding $1 million in successful seasons on the PGA Tour.

How Much Do Professional Golf Caddies Make? Breaking Down the Numbers

Golf caddies play a crucial behind-the-scenes role in professional golf, offering strategic advice, club selection insights, and emotional support. While they don't appear on leaderboards, their income is closely tied to player performance. Unlike salaried athletes, caddies operate on a commission-based model: a weekly wage plus a percentage of prize money when the golfer earns a paycheck.

What Factors Influence a Caddie’s Earnings?

Tournament level: PGA Tour events offer higher purses than Korn Ferry or international tours.
Player performance: Making the cut, finishing in the top 10, or winning significantly boosts earnings.
Negotiated percentage: Most caddies take 5–10% of winnings, depending on experience and agreement.
Sponsorships and bonuses: Some players offer additional incentives or cover travel expenses.
Reputation and tenure: Veteran caddies with proven track records command higher base pay and better deals.

Caddie Pay Structure: Base Salary vs. Commission

Most professional caddies do not receive a fixed salary. Instead, they are paid through a two-part compensation system:

Weekly stipend: Ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 per event, regardless of result.
Performance bonus: A percentage of the golfer’s prize money if they finish inside the payout range.

This structure incentivizes strong performance and aligns the caddie’s success with the player’s results.

Typical Commission Rates by Finish

Player Finish	Caddie Commission Rate
Made Cut (but outside top 40)	5%
Top 10 Finish	7%
Top 5 Finish	8%-9%
Tournament Win	10%

Commission rates based on industry standards and reported agreements across PGA Tour professionals.

These percentages are not standardized and vary by player-caddie contract. High-profile pairings often include tiered incentives that reward consistency and major championships.

Real-World Earnings: Top-Earning Caddies in 2024

The most successful caddies work with elite players who consistently contend in majors and win tournaments. Their annual income reflects both frequency of payouts and size of purses.

Caddie	Player	Tournaments Won (2024)	Total Player Earnings (2024)	Estimated Caddie Earnings
Jonathan Jakovac	Scottie Scheffler	4	$18,000,000	$1,800,000
Steve Williams	Adam Scott	2	$8,200,000	$650,000
Michael Greller	Bryson DeChambeau	3	$12,500,000	$1,000,000
Troy Kelly	Xander Schauffele	2	$9,800,000	$780,000
David Clark	Patrick Cantlay	1	$6,300,000	$500,000

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows a clear correlation between player success and caddie income. Caddies working with multiple-time winners in high-purse events can earn well over $1 million annually. Even consistent top-10 finishes contribute significantly to long-term earnings.

Notably, Jonathan Jakovac earned an estimated $1.8 million in 2024 due to Scottie Scheffler’s dominance, including wins at The Players Championship and multiple signature events with elevated purses.

Life as a Professional Caddie: Beyond the Paycheck

While financial rewards can be substantial, the job demands significant commitment:

Travel intensity: Caddies spend over 30 weeks per year on the road, often internationally.
Physical demands: Carrying a 30–50 lb bag for 18 holes daily under varying weather conditions.
Mental pressure: Providing real-time course management advice under tournament stress.
Job instability: Contracts can end abruptly if performance declines or relationships sour.

Many caddies also invest in insurance, housing, and retirement independently, as they are self-employed contractors.

Frequently Asked Questions About Professional Golf Caddie Salaries

Do caddies get paid if the golfer misses the cut?

Yes, most caddies receive a weekly stipend of $1,500 to $3,000 even if the player misses the cut. However, they do not earn a percentage of prize money unless the golfer makes the cut and receives a paycheck.

How much does a caddie make when their player wins a major?

Caddies typically earn 10% of the winner’s share in a major championship. With purse sizes exceeding $18 million in 2024 (e.g., The Open Championship), a caddie could earn over $1.8 million from a single victory, plus their weekly fee.

Are caddie earnings taxed?

Yes, caddies are considered independent contractors and must report all income to tax authorities. They are responsible for paying self-employment taxes, health insurance, and retirement savings without employer contributions.

Can amateur golfers hire professional caddies?

At professional events, caddies are exclusive to touring pros. However, at select private clubs or during charity events, amateurs may hire experienced caddies for a flat fee, typically ranging from $100 to $500 per round depending on location and expertise.

What happens if a caddie and player split up?

If a player and caddie part ways, the caddie stops earning future income from that player. Any outstanding payments for past tournaments must still be settled. The caddie then seeks employment with another golfer or retires from touring.