Professional golf caddies at major championships like The Masters Tournament and the U.S. Open are compensated primarily through a percentage-based system tied to their player's earnings. Exact figures vary significantly based on the player's finish and individual agreements.
Standard Compensation Structure
- Base Weekly Fee: Typically ranges from $1,500 to $2,500 during tournament week, covering basic expenses (travel, lodging often negotiated separately or covered).
- Percentage of Winnings:
- Win: Usually 10% of the prize money.
- Top 10 Finish: Typically 7-8%.
- All Other Cuts Made: Generally 5-7%.
- Bonuses: Often private agreements for specific achievements (e.g., making the cut, top 5 finish).
Earnings at The Masters & U.S. Open
The massive prize purses at these majors dramatically increase potential caddy earnings:
- The Masters (2024 Purse: ~$20 million, Winner: $3.6 million): Caddying for the winner nets approximately $360,000 (10%) + base fee + potential bonus. A top 10 finish could yield $100,000-$250,000+.
- U.S. Open (2024 Purse: ~$21.5 million, Winner: $4.3 million): The winner's caddy earns ~$430,000 (10%) + base fee + bonus. Top 10 caddies similarly earn well into six figures.
Augusta National Specifics: Local Caddies
Augusta National mandates all players must use an ANGC-approved caddy during the tournament (usually a "tour caddy"). Many pros use their regular caddy, who must apply for ANGC approval. A small number opt for experienced Augusta-specific "local" caddies:
- Local Caddy Fees: Usually a fixed fee structure negotiated upfront, typically significantly lower than the percentage earnings of regular tour caddies ($2,000 - $10,000+ for the week, sometimes with small win bonuses).
Key Factors Influencing Total Pay
- Player Performance: Finish position is the single largest determinant.
- Contract Terms: Individual agreements between player and caddy override any "standard" (negotiated percentages, bonus structures, expense coverage).
- Player/Caddy Relationship & Tenure: Top players with long-standing, successful caddy relationships often have the most lucrative deals.
- Sponsorship/Endorsements: Some established caddies have separate sponsorship deals providing additional income.
The caddy for the winner of a Major Championship routinely nets well over $300,000 for that single week, potentially approaching $500,000 at the highest purses. Top caddies working for consistently high-performing players can earn $500,000 to over $1 million annually when major performances and endorsements are included.
