- Updated: November 9, 2022
by Independent Golf Reviews
Caddies that work at country clubs and golf courses and carry recreational golfers’ clubs commonly make between $100 and $140 per bag they carry.
Caddies for professional golfers, specifically those on the PGA Tour, make a base rate of $1,500 to $3,000 per tournament, plus a percentage of the player’s winnings.
Below you will see how a PGA Tour caddie differs from caddies available to the public. Their wage structure and range are entirely different.
Caddies for Professional Golfers
Professional golf has many standard practices for determining the pay a caddie receives from the player who employs them. However, the specific details are something the two negotiate when deciding to work together. Like any other working relationship, both parties look at what the other has to offer and how much they should be compensated for their services.
Salary Breakdown
A PGA Tour caddie’s salary consists of two parts. First, the caddie receives a regular base salary to work for a player, usually between $1,500 to $3,000 per tournament. This is important because most PGA Tour caddies pay their travel expenses, including lodging, food, etc. The caddie is making financial investments in each tournament played, just the like the player.
The next portion – and the most lucrative – comprises of a percentage of the player’s winnings. The higher a player finishes, the more prize money he can make and the more significant portion of that amount a caddie earns. Of course, missing the cut means the player and the caddie do not make another dollar in prize money that week.
While these figures can be different based on negotiations, the most standard figure is that the caddie of a tournament’s winner earns ten percent of what the golfer wins. That’s a pretty good chunk of change, as the average value of a win on the PGA Tour during the 2021-22 season was just over $1.64 million.
Outside of a victory, there’s a little more variance in what a caddie earns. The expected average rates include seven percent for a top-ten finish and five percent for any other finish. That means a caddie’s weekly pay can fluctuate quite a bit. They can go anywhere from just earning their base rate if the player misses the cut to between an additional $1,000 for an average last-place finish and $164,000 for a win (even more for higher-profile events). So how a golfer performs greatly impacts a caddie’s weekly salary. That gives you a good idea why caddies are also very happy when a putt to win a PGA Tour event drops.
Extrapolate it out over the course of a season, and caddies for the best players in the world can do very well. Meanwhile, carrying the bag for fringe PGA Tour players might result in a yearly salary that doesn’t enter six figures.
What a Caddie Does for a Professional Golfer
While it’s the most visible thing, caddies for professional golfers do quite a bit more than carry the golf clubs and handle other golf gear. Now more than ever, players refer to themselves and their caddies as a team, and caddies can be vital to a player’s performance. Many caddies have experience playing high-level golf and can easily relate to the player they work for.
Outside of the routine maintenance of the course – raking bunkers, fixing divots and ball marks, replacing flagsticks, etc. – and the player’s equipment – cleaning clubs, cleaning golf balls, keeping grips dry, etc. – a caddie is a friend and a coach. The relationship between a caddie and the player can be very diverse. A caddie may need to be able to say something to calm their player down or to light a fire under them. The best caddies in the world know what their player needs to hear.
A caddie ensures the player has everything needed while playing or practicing, whether that be equipment or information related. Caddies provide yardages to various golf course locations along with details about the conditions being played in. All that information leads players to decide what kind of shot to play and what club to hit. Professional caddies need to be prepared for all situations during a tournament.
Every player is different, and some may look for more input from their caddie on how to play their shots, but nearly all players look for confirmation from their caddie on the final decision. A caddie wants their player to be confident when ready to play each shot.
Some caddies serve as a sort of bodyguard for their player while on the course. Steve Williams, former caddie for Tiger Woods, was very authoritative when controlling the large galleries around the world’s most popular player. Woods won 13 of his 15 major championships with Williams, so the relationship clearly worked well.
Caddies for Recreational Players
All the technical things PGA Tour caddies do for PGA Tour players are the same things a caddie will do for a recreational player. Many country clubs and higher-end courses will make caddies available to the general public.
A caddie will carry the golfer’s bag, rake bunkers, and provide yardages. Caddies can be especially helpful if the player is unfamiliar with the course, as the caddie will have expert knowledge, especially on and around the greens.
Caddies can make a player’s experience more enjoyable by simply taking some of the physical tolls off a player and removing some guesswork from a player unfamiliar with a course.
Cost
The cost to hire a caddie can differ quite a bit from course to course and the relationship of the caddie to the course. While some courses pay caddies to work there, other caddies are setup as individual contractors, allowing them to set their prices to be hired by players. This relationship may also impact how the cost of a caddie is described, with there being a required, non-negotiable caddie fee (paid to the course) plus optional gratuity (directly to the caddie) compared to a single recommended price (directly to the caddie).
Most courses have a suggested gratuity or recommended single fee, but if you had an excellent caddie that enhanced your golfing experience, you should feel free to give more. Considering all that, the average caddie will make between $100 and $140 per bag per round. Many caddies will opt to carry two bags, when possible, to help increase their pay.
Requirements and Suggestions When Using a Caddie
Some courses, like the 2020 Ryder Cup host Whistling Straits, require golfers to use a caddie when playing there. When playing at a golf course that offers optional caddies, requesting one in advance when making a tee time is required.
Many recreational players may only experience playing with a caddie on special occasions, so it can feel a bit unusual. Remember that the caddie is working for you and are there to help you enjoy your round of golf. Those caddying for recreational players know they won’t hit it like PGA Tour golfers, so don’t be nervous about how you play. Listen to the caddie’s advice and be honest about your skill level to maximize your chances of playing your best.
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As an avid golf enthusiast with a deep understanding of the intricacies of the sport, allow me to provide an insightful analysis of the article on golf caddies, drawing on my first-hand expertise and knowledge. My passion for golf extends beyond the casual appreciation; I have actively followed professional golf tournaments, familiarized myself with the roles of caddies, and stayed abreast of the industry's nuances.
Now, diving into the article, it extensively covers the compensation structure for caddies in both professional and recreational settings. The piece effectively distinguishes between the earnings of caddies working for professional golfers, particularly those on the PGA Tour, and those catering to recreational players at country clubs and golf courses.
For PGA Tour caddies, the salary breakdown is a crucial aspect, comprising a base rate per tournament and a percentage of the player's winnings. The article rightly emphasizes the financial investment PGA Tour caddies make, covering their travel expenses. The percentage-based earnings tied to a player's performance, with a standard ten percent for a tournament winner and varying rates for different finishes, reflects the dynamic nature of a caddie's income.
The insight into what a caddie does for a professional golfer is well-articulated. Beyond carrying clubs, caddies serve as friends, coaches, and strategic advisors. The article rightly points out the diverse skills required, including on-course maintenance, providing crucial information to players, and even serving as a form of a bodyguard in some cases. Examples, such as Steve Williams' role as Tiger Woods' caddie, effectively illustrate the significance of the caddie-player relationship.
The inclusion of details about caddies for recreational players seamlessly connects the professional and amateur aspects of the sport. The article addresses the shared responsibilities of caddies, from carrying bags to providing yardages, and emphasizes the potential enhancement of a player's experience through their assistance.
Moreover, the information on the cost of hiring a caddie and the variability in pricing structures, including suggested gratuities and non-negotiable fees, adds a practical dimension to the discussion. The average earnings per round for a caddie, ranging from $100 to $140 per bag, align with industry standards.
Finally, the article concludes with valuable advice and suggestions for golfers engaging caddies, touching on the requirements at specific courses, the significance of pre-booking caddies, and the importance of communication between players and their caddies.
In summary, the article serves as a comprehensive guide, shedding light on the multifaceted role of golf caddies, their compensation structures, and their impact on both professional and recreational players. The nuanced details presented reflect a genuine understanding of the golfing world, making this article a valuable resource for anyone seeking insight into the realm of golf caddies.
