As the 2025 Masters tournament unfolds at the iconic Augusta National Golf Club, the spotlight shines not only on the world-class golfers but also on their caddies, who play a crucial role in the pursuit of victory. With the total prize purse this year set at an impressive $21 million, the stakes are high for both players and their loyal caddies.
The average weekly wage for a PGA Tour caddie ranges between $1,500 and $4,000 (£1,100-£3,000), depending on their experience and the player they are working with. Brennan Little, a seasoned caddie with over 25 years in the game, shared insights on the financial dynamics of the role, stating, "I think $2,000 (£1,500) a week is pretty average, but everything is worked out between you and the player. After a few years, you'll get a raise or you'll get bonuses at the end of the year. It just varies by the player." This variability underscores the personal nature of the caddie-player relationship, which often evolves over time.
In addition to their weekly salary, caddies earn a percentage of their player's winnings, which can significantly boost their income. According to ESPN analyst and former caddie Michael Collins, caddies typically receive 10 percent of the prize money if their player wins The Masters, 7 percent for a top-10 finish, and 5 percent for finishing elsewhere on the leaderboard. With this year’s total Masters prize pot at $21 million, the winner could take home $4.2 million, meaning their caddie could earn as much as $420,000 if they clinch the title.
Last year's champion, Scottie Scheffler, took home $3.6 million for his victory in 2024, translating to an estimated $360,000 for his caddie, Ted Scott. This lucrative payout highlights the potential rewards for caddies who support successful players. In 2023, Jon Rahm's caddie, Adam Hayes, earned approximately $320,000 from a total prize of $3.24 million. It’s clear that the financial benefits can be substantial, especially for those who work with top-tier golfers.
However, being a caddie at The Masters comes with its own set of challenges. Caddies are responsible for covering all their expenses, including airfare, hotel accommodations, and meals, which can eat into their earnings. Collins elaborated on this aspect, explaining, "Caddies get a regular weekly paycheck because they have to pay for all of their own expenses. Most players cover their caddies' travel costs, but it varies." This financial responsibility means that caddies must not only be skilled in their craft but also savvy in managing their finances.
The role of a caddie extends far beyond merely carrying clubs. Caddies provide invaluable support to their golfers by offering advice on club selection, distances to the greens, and swing techniques. They maintain constant communication with their players, providing strategic insights and moral support throughout the tournament. Scheffler himself praised his caddie after his Masters win, stating, "I couldn’t do this without you. What a guy. Teddy did a great job of making sure that we kept the golf course in front of us. I didn’t get off to the best start, but I had some key up-and-downs, and Teddy once again did a great job of keeping me in it.”
Historically, the role of caddies at Augusta National has evolved significantly. Until 1983, golfers were required to use Augusta's caddie corps, which was exclusively comprised of Black men who turned a discriminatory policy into a source of pride and livelihood. Jariah “Bubba” Beard, who caddied for Fuzzy Zoeller when he won the Masters in 1979, remarked in a documentary, "We were the best caddies in the world. We challenged each other over who could read the greens the best, who could pull the best clubs.” This legacy of excellence continues to influence the profession today.
The Masters tournament not only showcases the skills of the golfers but also highlights the dedication and expertise of their caddies. As the tournament progresses, the anticipation builds around who will don the coveted green jacket this year. The caddies, with their wealth of knowledge and experience, will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in guiding their players through the challenges of Augusta National.
As the 2025 Masters continues, fans are eager to see how the events unfold and which caddies will reap the rewards of their players' successes. With the financial stakes so high, the pressure is on for both golfers and their caddies alike. The camaraderie and trust built between them could very well determine the outcome of this prestigious tournament.
In a sport where every stroke counts, the contributions of caddies cannot be overstated. They are not just support staff; they are essential partners in the quest for victory. As the excitement builds at Augusta, the world watches closely to see which team will emerge victorious and how much their caddies will earn from this legendary event.
