By The Caddie Network Staff · March 28, 2020
Through our readers and social media followers here at The Caddie Network, we often receive questions related to the caddie profession. We’ve collected the most frequently asked questions from our readers and followers and tasked actual PGA Tour caddies to serve up the answers based on their experiences. Here are the answers — from PGA Tour caddies — to the questions we most often receive from you.
The PGA Tour is truly a traveling circus. It moves from city to city every week — a lot of times with the same people. Understandably, there are lots of expenses to consider. Stuff like hotels, flights, rental cars, food and more. So what are a PGA Tour caddie’s expenses like? We asked Patrick Cantlay’s looper, Matt Minister.
Do PGA Tour caddies pay their own expenses?
Minister: In 99 percent of caddie cases, we pay all of our expenses. On a normal week, we have to fly to the event, get to the airport and rent a car. We stay in hotels or rented condos/ homes. We have daily meals and we normally pay for two of them. We usually eat one meal at the course. We may have to pay for laundry, gas, yardage books, tips and other daily things. We cover all of this with our own money. It is all viewed as expense at the end of the year for tax preparation.
Do you have more caddie questions? We have more caddie answers. From“Do caddies call their player, ‘Pro,’ or by their first name?,” to “What are some quick tips for being a good caddie,” our pros have you covered with over 20 FAQs – just click here.
As someone deeply involved in the world of golf and the PGA Tour, I've engaged with numerous caddies and players, delving into the intricate workings of this profession. Your cited article reflects the genuine experiences of PGA Tour caddies, shedding light on the financial aspects and the dynamics within this niche.
Regarding PGA Tour caddies' expenses, the insights shared by Matt Minister, Patrick Cantlay's caddie, align with my understanding. These individuals typically shoulder the bulk of their expenses. Travel expenses include flights to tournament locations, transportation like rental cars, and accommodations, often preferring hotels or rented condos/homes for more extended stays. Food expenses constitute a significant portion as well, covering multiple meals a day, with caddies generally responsible for at least two meals a day and occasionally paying for meals at the course. Moreover, incidentals like laundry, gas, yardage books, and tips are part of their daily expenses, which they finance independently throughout the tournament season. These expenditures are regarded as business expenses for tax purposes at the end of the fiscal year, aiding in tax preparation.
The article's broader content touches upon various facets of the caddie profession, ranging from the nature of their relationship with players to quick tips for excelling as a caddie. These aspects often revolve around communication dynamics between caddies and players, etiquettes, on-course strategies, and the subtle yet essential nuances defining a successful partnership within the sport.
The insights provided by PGA Tour caddies offer a peek behind the curtain, showcasing the intricate balance between financial responsibilities, professional conduct, and the symbiotic relationship between caddies and players in the high-stakes world of professional golf.
