The PGA Tour runs the most important golfing tournaments in the United States. It is the country's premier golfing organization and PGA Tour caddies are highly regarded. Caddies are essential to the game, and there are several benefits to being a PGA Tour Caddy.
Function
Caddies travel with professional golfers to tournaments. They carry the golfers' equipment and supplies throughout the tournament and during practices. Caddies also often advise the golfers on weather conditions and which clubs to use in particular situations. Some caddies are contracted to work at just a specific golf course or tournament, while others travel with their golfer to different tournaments throughout the year.
The Facts
A PGA tour caddy can make several arrangements with a player concerning his salary. Most PGA Tour caddies make between $1000 and $1500 per week, but they also make a percentage of what the player wins in the tournaments. This usually equates to 5 percent of any finish outside the top 10. Players breaking into the top 10, but not winning, will share 7 percent of their prize with their caddies. Winning players generally share 10 percent of the prize with their caddy.
Some caddies make no set salary but instead earn 10 percent on all prizes won by their golfer. Other caddies make a higher weekly salary and receive no cut of their golfers' win. However, in these cases the caddy usually receives a yearly or quarterly bonus.
Time Frame
Most caddies work 30 weeks a year or less. This leaves almost 40 percent of the year free for them to pursue other jobs or enjoy their free time. There is little to no required education or experience needed to become a PGA Tour caddy, so many caddies are able to start working right after high school or college.
Benefits
There are several benefits to being a PGA Tour caddy in addition to the salary. Caddies often get paid to travel to exotic locations and stay in five-star resorts. Some caddies get disability and health benefits, although this is not standard.
The prestige of associating with the premier golf organization in the United States is also an important benefit in the eyes of many caddies. Caddying is often the first step to other jobs in the golf industry.
Geography
The PGA Tour is the single largest venue for tour caddies in the United States. Other important large scale employers for caddies in the US are the LPGA tour and the Senior Tour. Hundreds of caddies are associated with the PGA Tour, although only the highest ranking ones usually work in their prestigious tournaments.
Resources
- —Becoming a caddy
- —Advice from a caddy
