How Much Do Golf Caddies Make in 2025?

By Sarah Miller · September 1, 2040

Golf caddies typically earn between $1,500 and $3,500 per tournament on the PGA Tour, with top earners making over $200,000 annually from base pay and performance bonuses.

How Much Do Golf Caddies Make? Understanding the Basics

Professional golf caddies make income through a combination of weekly wages, percentage-based bonuses from player earnings, and sometimes additional perks. On the PGA Tour, caddies usually receive a guaranteed weekly stipend ranging from $1,500 to $2,000 just for showing up to a tournament. On top of that, they earn a commission—typically 5% to 10%—of their player’s winnings. For top-tier players who win millions, this can result in substantial payouts for their caddies.

Key Factors That Influence Caddie Earnings

Tournament level: PGA Tour caddies earn significantly more than those on smaller tours like the Korn Ferry or international circuits.
Player performance: A caddie's bonus is directly tied to how well their golfer performs each week.
Experience and reputation: Veteran caddies with strong track records often command higher base salaries.
Sponsorships and side deals: Some high-profile caddies secure endorsement agreements or appearance fees.

PGA Tour Caddie Pay Structure Explained

The financial arrangement between a professional golfer and their caddy generally includes two components: a fixed weekly wage and a performance-based cut of prize money. This structure incentivizes caddies to contribute strategically to every round.

Typical Commission Rates by Finish Position

Caddies usually earn:

10% of winnings if the player finishes in the top 10
7% for finishes between 11th and 25th place
5% for placements outside the top 25 or missed cuts

These percentages are informal industry standards, not regulated rules.

Tournament	Winner's Prize (USD)	Caddie Base Pay	Caddie Bonus (10%)	Total Caddie Earnings
Masters Tournament 2024	$3,600,000	$2,000	$360,000	$362,000
U.S. Open 2024	$3,600,000	$2,000	$360,000	$362,000
THE PLAYERS Championship 2024	$4,500,000	$2,000	$450,000	$452,000
Pebble Beach Pro-Am 2024	$1,620,000	$1,800	$162,000	$163,800
Korn Ferry Tour Event (avg.)	$180,000	$800	$18,000	$18,800

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The table illustrates how caddie earnings scale dramatically based on tournament prestige and player success. Winning a major or THE PLAYERS can net a caddie over $350,000 in a single week. In contrast, lower-tier events yield significantly less despite similar effort. The disparity highlights the importance of being paired with a consistent performer.

Earnings Across Different Golf Tours

While PGA Tour caddies dominate headlines, compensation varies widely across professional circuits.

Comparison by Tour Level

LPGA Tour: Caddies earn base pay between $1,000–$1,500 per week, with 7–10% commissions on winnings.
European Tour (DP World Tour): Similar structure to PGA Tour but with smaller purses; average caddie weekly take-home ranges from $1,200–$2,500.
Korn Ferry Tour: Base pay around $800–$1,200; 5–7% bonus rate.
Mini-tours and local events: Often no guaranteed pay; caddies may work for flat daily rates ($100–$300).

Top-Earning Caddies in 2025

A select group of caddies consistently rank among the highest earners due to their association with elite players. These professionals combine experience, course management expertise, and long-term partnerships.

Notable High-Income Caddies (2024–2025 Season)

Steve Williams: Formerly Tiger Woods’ caddie, earned over $1 million in peak years.
Jonathan Smart: Caddied for Scottie Scheffler; earned approximately $420,000 in 2024 after multiple wins.
Rickie Fowler’s Caddie (John Wood): Longtime collaborator earning 10% of top-10 finishes.
Davis Love III’s Caddie: Veteran presence earning steady income across seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions About Golf Caddie Salaries

Do golf caddies get paid if the player misses the cut?

Yes, most professional caddies receive a guaranteed weekly stipend (usually $1,500–$2,000 on the PGA Tour) even if their player doesn’t advance past the weekend. However, they do not earn a percentage of prize money unless the golfer makes official money.

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

A caddie typically earns 10% of the winner’s share. With majors offering $3+ million to the champion, this translates into $300,000–$450,000 in bonus alone, plus the standard weekly fee.

Are caddie earnings taxed as self-employment income?

Yes, caddies are classified as independent contractors. They must pay self-employment taxes and manage their own health insurance, retirement planning, travel expenses, and equipment costs.

Can amateur tournaments hire professional caddies?

No—amateur status rules prohibit players from using professional caddies during competition. Most amateurs rely on family, friends, or volunteer caddies at club or collegiate levels.

Is being a golf caddie a full-time job?

For those working on major tours, yes. PGA Tour caddies travel nearly every week during the season, work long hours during tournaments, and often assist with practice rounds and course strategy year-round.