To put it bluntly, there is no game of golf without caddies. These people aren’t just bagmen, they’re the golfer’s sole supporter on the field. PGA Tour caddies are the unsung heroes of the game, providing invaluable support to golfers throughout tournaments. In essence, a good caddie is part psychologist, and part chess master, making them indispensable to a golfer’s success. So, how much do they get for their contributions? Well, a fair price!

Caddies’ earnings vary greatly depending on their golfer’s performance and the specific agreement between the two. Typically, PGA Tour caddies earn a base salary ranging from $1,500 to $4,000 per tournament, plus a percentage of their golfer’s winnings. This percentage usually stands at 5% for making the cut, 7% for a top-10 finish, and 10% for a tournament win.

Take, for instance, Ted Scott, Scottie Scheffler’s caddie, who banked an estimated $5.2 million in a single season, thanks to Scheffler’s $62 million in on-course earnings. Bryan Kopsick, Ben Silverman’s caddie, earned $149,007.92 in 2024, including $101,007.92 from Silverman’s prize money and $48,000 in base salary. However, after deducting travel expenses of around $50,000, Kopsick’s net earnings came out to be just under $100,000.

The top caddies can earn millions, while average caddies might make around $75,000 per year from prize money alone, with some earning up to $100,000 to $150,000 between weekly pay and winnings. Kopsick says, “It’s tough but we don’t do it for the money. It’s extremely rewarding to try and help someone succeed at what they’re truly good at.” He believes being a caddie is “the coolest job in the entire world”. 

And we agree. It is a cool job, if not the ‘coolest’, because the possibilities of making money as a caddie are just endless.

Caddies have another way to make money

PGA Tour caddies can rake in some serious cash, with top caddies like Jimmy Johnson and Jonathan Jakovac earning over $500k annually. Steve Williams, Tiger Woods’s longtime caddie, has pocketed a whopping $12 million+ during his tenure with Tiger. But what’s the secret to their success? It’s all about building relationships and having a solid reputation as a knowledgeable caddie. No formal education or experience is required, just a passion for the game and a knack for it. It’s impressive to see how caddies can leverage their expertise and relationships to earn such substantial incomes.

Caddies can score some extra cash through sponsorships, by wearing hats or logos on their shirts in front of TV cameras. It’s not quite the same payday as the pros they work with, but it’s a nice little side hustle. With a potentially lucrative job and flexible requirements, it’s no wonder some people are drawn to this line of work. Considering the physical and mental demands of being a caddie, it’s interesting to see how their compensation compares to other sports or professions. So, do you think the caddies are paid fairly? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.