PGA Tour caddies are increasingly recognized not only for carrying golf bags but also for their vital roles in players’ achievements. In 2025, caddies have become essential strategists and mental coaches, shaping how golfers perform under pressure. This growing significance is reflected in the earnings they command, especially when their players succeed in major tournaments.
The spotlight is now on Scottie Scheffler caddie Ted Scott’s remarkable earnings, which reached a groundbreaking $5.2 million in a single season. This impressive figure is linked to Scheffler’s staggering $62 million in prize money, showing just how lucrative the caddie profession has become in the world of professional golf.
How Caddie Income Is Structured Across the Tour
The pay scale for PGA Tour caddies varies widely depending on the golfer’s success and the contract agreements in place. Typically, caddies receive a base salary ranging from $1,500 to $3,000 per event, plus a percentage of tournament winnings. This formula means that caddie earnings can swing dramatically based on their player’s performance over the season.
For example, Bryan Kopsick, who caddies for Ben Silverman, earned roughly $149,008 in 2024. This included a $48,000 fixed salary combined with more than $100,000 from Silverman’s prize money. After deducting about $50,000 in travel and related costs, Kopsick’s take-home income was just under $100,000, illustrating how expenses affect net earnings for even established caddies.
Disparities in Earnings Among PGA Tour Caddies
At the upper echelon, elite caddies like Ted Scott can accumulate millions annually as their players rack up significant winnings. On the other end, many average tour caddies earn approximately $75,000 a year from prize money, with total income rising up to $150,000 when including weekly salaries and tournament bonuses.
With the PGA Tour becoming more competitive and lucrative, the demand for highly skilled, knowledgeable caddies is growing. Their expertise in reading courses, managing player mindset, and strategic decision-making elevates both their worth and their paychecks.
What This Means for the Future of Caddying on the PGA Tour
The extraordinary earnings of Scottie Scheffler caddie Ted Scott highlight a larger trend where top caddies receive increasing recognition and financial rewards. As the PGA Tour continues to expand its prize purses, caddies’ roles will become more financially and professionally rewarding, encouraging heightened dedication and skill development among these key contributors.
This shift underscores how indispensable caddies have become in professional golf, emphasizing that behind every top player is a trusted caddie whose guidance directly influences success on the course.