Since its inception, golf has been known as a gentleman’s sport, rooted in sportsmanship and respect. And among all competitions, the Ryder Cup stands out as one of the most prestigious, born 98 years ago to foster friendship between golfers from the United States and Great Britain before eventually expanding to include all of Europe. But as the tournament grew into the pinnacle of international golf, it also began relying on a strong support system—most notably the caddies, whose guidance, strategy, and steady presence often prove decisive. Naturally, this raises the question: do Ryder Cup caddies get paid, and if so, how much?

Traditionally, the Ryder Cup has celebrated pride, sportsmanship, and national honor rather than financial reward. Players themselves did not receive direct compensation for nearly a century, keeping the focus on representing their country. That changed in 2025, when the PGA of America broke from tradition by awarding each U.S. team member $500,000—$300,000 directed to charity and $200,000 as a personal stipend. And as players’ compensation evolved, the conversation around how much caddies receive has become even more relevant.

European players, by contrast, continued to forgo prize money, typically accepting gifts from their captain instead. The U.S. decision drew criticism, but Team USA captain Keegan Bradley defended the move, highlighting the players’ commitment to charity. In fact, the team initially planned to donate the full $500,000, reinforcing that honor and giving remain central to the Ryder Cup’s spirit.

How 2025 Player Stipends Affect Caddies

Caddie earnings fluctuate and vary widely between the European and American teams, depending on what each team offers. Typically, caddies earn around 10% for a victory, 7% for a top-10 finish, and 5% for other placements. At the 2025 Ryder Cup, event organizers will not pay caddies directly. American players, however, will receive a $200,000 personal stipend from the PGA of America.

This payout applies exclusively to the players, meaning caddies rely entirely on agreements with the golfers they assist. These contracts usually include a base fee plus a percentage of any prize money the player earns. In other words, Ryder Cup organizers do not compensate caddies directly, but players financially support these essential team members through professional contracts, reflecting the caddies’ vital role in the tournament’s success.

All eyes now turn to the 45th edition of the Ryder Cup, where the spotlight will fall on how much American caddies earn from their golfers, as U.S. players prepare to claim their extra $200,000 stipend. It promises to be an intriguing subplot—stay tuned.