You know, folks always be curious ’bout how much them caddies at the Masters make. I tell ya, it ain’t no simple answer, ’cause it all depends on where their player finishes and the deals they worked out beforehand. Caddies make their livin’ by getting a cut of the player’s earnings plus some steady weekly pay. So lemme tell ya all ’bout it, plain and simple-like.
What’s the Basic Pay Look Like?
Now, most caddies get a weekly wage to start with. This here’s like a base salary they can rely on, no matter what happens out there on the course. At the Masters, caddies usually make between $2,000 to $4,000 a week—depends on how much experience they got and if they’re workin’ with top players. Caddies with a seasoned hand, like those who been with big names, well, they’re usually on the higher end of that scale.
On top of that, there’s what they call a “10-7-5 rule” that a lot of caddies follow. It’s like a common understanding. Usually, the deal goes somethin’ like this:
- 10% of the player’s earnings if they win the tournament
- 7% if they finish in the top 10
- 5% for finishes outside the top 10
So, if you got a player who ends up winning, well, that caddie’s in for a big payout, no doubt ’bout it. In 2024, they’re saying the winning caddie could bring home a whopping $360,000 from the Masters alone. And that’s just from the percentage cut, not including any of that weekly pay!
Real-World Examples – Big Money Caddies
Now, there’s been some caddies who’ve made it real big, and they’re stickin’ with the right players. Take, for example, ol’ Ted Scott, who works with Scottie Scheffler. Ted’s raked in over $5 million thanks to Scottie’s success. Now that’s called backin’ the right horse! Another big one folks always talk about is Steve Williams, who was Tiger Woods’ caddie back in his prime days. Williams made somethin’ like $12 million over the years. It’s a rare thing, but it shows ya how high caddies can go if their player’s winnin’ left and right.
Not Just Big Names – Regular Caddies Can Do Well Too
But don’t think it’s just those famous caddies makin’ all the money. Even the ones who work with players that ain’t household names can make a good livin’. With 36 official PGA Tour events happenin’ in the 2024 season, a caddie makin’ $2,000 a week could be bringin’ home a steady income if they workin’ year-round. Do the math, and that’s still close to $72,000 a year just from the weekly pay, even without the percentage cuts. Now, of course, caddies only get paid if they’re workin’, so if their player ain’t playin’, then that weekly wage ain’t rollin’ in.
When a Caddie Hits the Jackpot
It’s the big tournaments like the Masters where caddies can really hit it big. If a player wins, that 10% cut is like gold. For instance, if the total prize money for the Masters winner is $3.6 million, the caddie’s 10% cut would be around $360,000. That’s almost like winnin’ the lottery for a week’s work!
Why Caddies and Players Make Their Own Deals
Now, caddies and players don’t always stick to that 10-7-5 rule. Some got different agreements, where the caddie might take a bigger weekly pay but a smaller percentage, or vice versa. They sort these deals out based on trust and how much faith they got in each other. Some players are loyal to their caddies, and they don’t mind payin’ a bit extra to keep ’em happy.
The Risks and Rewards of Being a Caddie
Now, life as a caddie ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. They travel all over, spendin’ long days on the course, often away from their families. Plus, their pay depends a lot on their player’s performance. If the player ain’t performin’ well, caddies don’t earn those big cuts. And if the player misses the cut, sometimes the caddie just ends up with their weekly base pay and nothin’ more. But that’s the nature of the game—they take the risk, hopin’ to get that big payout when the stars align.
In the End, It’s About the Right Player
Like they say, it’s about pickin’ the right player. If a caddie’s got a player who’s on a hot streak, then they’re sittin’ pretty. But if not, well, it’s a grind. But one good season with a top player at the Masters can change their whole financial life. So, when ya see them caddies out there hustlin’ and workin’ hard, just remember—they’re all hopin’ this tournament is the one that brings home the bacon.
Tags：[caddie pay at the Masters, caddie earnings, Masters Tournament, PGA caddie salary]
