How Much Do Pro Caddies Make? Average Earnings & High-Profile Salaries

Behind every great golfer is an excellent caddie - but have you ever wondered how much these unsung game heroes earn? Get ready to find out as we explore the exciting world of professional caddie salaries!

by Jake Tingey & Judd Lyon · Updated: 5/26/23

Caddies are an integral part of professional golf, providing critical support and guidance to players on the course. From carrying bags to offering advice on club selection and course management, caddies play a crucial role in helping golfers navigate the challenges of competitive play. Despite their importance, caddies often remain in the background, with much of the attention focused on the players. However, the earning potential for caddies can be substantial, with top-level caddies earning six-figure salaries or more. In this article, we'll explore the world of professional caddie salaries, examining the factors that impact their earnings and the range of salaries seen on various tours.

Factors That Affect Caddie Earnings

Caddie salaries can vary widely depending on a range of factors. Some of the critical factors that impact caddie earnings include:

Player performance: Caddies typically receive a percentage of their player's winnings, so the better the player performs, the more money the caddie stands to earn.
Tournament purse: The size of the tournament purse can also impact caddie earnings, as a larger purse means a more significant potential payout.
Experience level: Caddies with more experience and a proven track record of success may command higher salaries than less experienced caddies.
Player-caddie relationship: A player and their caddie can also impact caddie earnings, as players may be more likely to work with caddies they trust and have a good rapport with.

These factors, among others, can all play a role in determining caddie salaries. In the next section, we'll look at the average earnings for professional golf caddies.

Average Caddie Salaries

While caddie salaries can vary widely depending on several factors, some averages can help understand the earning potential of caddies on various tours. Here, we'll look at some of the average caddie salaries across professional golf tours.

PGA Tour

The PGA Tour is the top professional golf tour in the world; as such, caddies working on the tour can earn some of the highest salaries in the industry. According to Golfweek, the average salary for a PGA Tour caddie is between $1,200 and $1,500 per week, with a base salary of $3,000 for each of the four major championships. In addition to their base salary, caddies typically receive a percentage of their player's winnings, which can add up quickly for players who perform well.

European Tour

The European Tour is another major professional golf tour, with events taking place throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa. While caddie salaries on the European Tour are generally lower than those on the PGA Tour, they can still be quite substantial. According to reports, caddies on the European Tour can earn between €700 and €1,200 per week, depending on the tournament and the player they are working with.

LPGA Tour

The LPGA Tour is the premier women's professional golf tour, and caddies working on the tour can earn solid salaries. According to LPGA caddies interviewed by Golf Digest, caddies on tour can make between $1,500 and $2,000 per week, with a bonus of 10% of their player's winnings for a win.

Caddie salaries can be quite lucrative, particularly for those working with top-level players. However, salaries can vary widely depending on many factors, and caddies may need to work hard to establish themselves and build their reputations. For more information on caddie salaries, see the table below:

Average Caddie Salaries on Professional Golf Tours
Tour	Average Weekly Salary	Percentage of Player's Winnings
PGA Tour	$1,200-$1,500	5-10%
European Tour	€700-€1,200	5-10%
LPGA Tour	$1,500-$2,000	10% (for a win)

Note: Salary figures are approximate and may vary depending on individual circumstances.

High-Profile Caddie Salaries

While the average caddie salary can be pretty lucrative, some caddies on the PGA Tour earn far more than the average. Here, we'll take a closer look at some of the highest-paid caddies on the tour and the factors contributing to their success.

Joe LaCava

Joe LaCava is one of the highest-paid caddies on the PGA Tour, largely thanks to his long-standing relationship with Tiger Woods. LaCava has been working with Woods since 2011 and has helped him win numerous tournaments and major championships. According to reports, LaCava's salary is in the range of $1 million per year, making him one of the highest-paid caddies in the game.

Jimmy Johnson

Another high-earning caddie on the PGA Tour is Jimmy Johnson, who has worked with Justin Thomas since 2015. Johnson helped Thomas succeed on the tour, including a PGA Championship win in 2017. According to reports, Johnson's salary is $1.5 million per year, making him one of the most highly-compensated caddies in the game.

Michael Greller

Michael Greller is another highly-paid caddie on the PGA Tour, working with two-time major champion Jordan Spieth. Greller has been working with Spieth since he turned professional in 2013, which has helped him achieve great success on the tour. According to reports, Greller's salary ranges from $500,000 to $1 million per year, depending on Spieth's performance.

Overall, high-profile caddies like LaCava, Johnson, and Greller have been able to command such high salaries thanks to their close relationships with top-performing players and their ability to help those players achieve success on the course. While these caddies may be outliers in their salaries, they are a testament to the importance of the caddie role in professional golf.

Caddie Bonuses and Perks

In addition to their base salaries, caddies on professional golf tours may also be eligible for a range of bonuses and perks. Here, we'll look at some of the most common bonuses and perks caddies can receive.

Performance-Based Bonuses

Many caddies receive performance-based bonuses in addition to their base salary. These bonuses may be tied to their player's performance in a specific tournament or throughout a season. For example, a caddie may receive a bonus if their player wins a tournament, finishes in the top 10, or makes a certain amount of money throughout the season.

Travel and Accommodation Expenses

Caddies are often required to travel extensively throughout the season and may receive travel and accommodation expenses as part of their compensation package. These expenses may include airfare, hotel stays, and meals on the road. Some caddies may also receive a per diem to cover expenses while away from home.

Health Insurance

While not all caddies receive health insurance as part of their compensation package, some professional golfers do offer this benefit to their caddies. Health insurance can be a valuable perk for caddies, as it can help them cover medical expenses and stay healthy throughout the season.

Overall, caddies may be eligible for a range of bonuses and perks in addition to their base salary. These benefits can help make the job of a caddie more appealing and help ensure that they can stay healthy and focused on the course.

Wrapping Up

Caddies play an important role in the success of professional golfers and can earn solid salaries for their efforts. Throughout this article, we've explored some factors that impact caddie earnings, including player performance, tournament purse, experience level, and player-caddie relationships. We've also looked at some examples of high-earning caddies and the different types of bonuses and perks that caddies can receive in addition to their base salary.

While caddie salaries can be quite lucrative for those who can establish themselves and build strong relationships with top-performing players, the job can also be demanding and require a great deal of hard work and dedication. Nonetheless, caddies remain an essential part of the professional golf ecosystem, and their contributions to the game cannot be overstated.

In conclusion, if you're interested in pursuing a career as a caddie, it's important to understand the various factors that impact caddie earnings, as well as the different types of bonuses and perks that may be available. With hard work, dedication, and a bit of luck, you may be able to establish yourself as a top-earning caddie on the professional golf circuit.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about caddie salaries and the role of professional golf caddies, look at our list of frequently asked questions below.

: The average salary for a PGA caddie can vary widely depending on several factors, including the success of their player, the tournament purse, and the caddie's experience level. However, most estimates put the average PGA caddie salary in the range of $1,500 to $2,500 per week, plus bonuses and perks.
: Yes, most caddies receive a base salary that is guaranteed regardless of their player's performance. However, caddies may also be eligible for performance-based bonuses if their player makes the cut or achieves other milestones during the tournament.
: There have been many famous caddies throughout the history of professional golf, but perhaps the most famous of all time is Angelo Argea. Argea worked as a caddie for top players like Sam Snead and Jack Nicklaus and was known for his trademark white jumpsuit and colorful personality.
: While some caddies may be required to pay for their travel and accommodation expenses, most professional caddies have these expenses covered by their players. In some cases, caddies may also receive a per diem to cover expenses like meals on the road.
: Some caddies may receive a percentage of their player's winnings as part of their compensation package. This percentage can vary widely depending on the player and the specific arrangement between the caddie and the player.
: Caddies typically negotiate their salaries with players based on many factors, including the player's success and experience level. In some cases, caddies may work on a flat fee basis, while in other cases, they may receive a percentage of the player's winnings. The specific terms of the agreement will depend on the individual situation.