How much do caddies for professional golfers make?

June 20, 2004 6:14 PM

How much do caddies for professional golfers make? Do they make a percentage of the purse?
posted by o2b to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (3 answers total)

I always heard that they made 10 percent, and would earn nothing if their golfer missed the cut. I assumed the golfer would be covering the expenses of a regular caddy.

This article, which profiles a couple caddies on the the minor league Nike -> Buy.com -> Hooters -> Nationwide Tour, says that caddies earn a base of up to $700, and from 5 to 10 percent of the prize money. Percentages increase with the better finishes. Base compensation on the PGA Tour can be up to $2000 a tournament.

Ten percent of the $1.1 million Retief Goosen won today makes for a nice income for a week's work, but it might be a tough gig to get.
posted by TimTypeZed at 8:25 PM on June 20, 2004

I know this doesn't fully answer your question, but my older brother has been a caddy (at high end country clubs) for about 10 years now, and people have often suggested that he become a caddy for a pro. He, however, has always insisted that "going pro" wouldn't make him any more money and would be a lot less enjoyable than what he already does. Obviously, that's just his opinion, and I don't really know what he makes now for comparison.
posted by rorycberger at 9:13 PM on June 20, 2004

Weird. Were you watching "Tin Cup" tonight too? I had this same question.
posted by Quartermass at 9:22 PM on June 20, 2004