How Much Do Caddies Earn At The Masters? Prize Money Breakdown
The Masters Tournament is underway at Augusta National, and curiosity about caddie earnings is spiking. With the tournament's $20 million purse, players aren't the only ones cashing in—their caddies take home significant payouts too. Searches for "how much do caddies make at the Masters" surged this week as fans wonder about the behind-the-scenes financial stakes.
Caddies typically earn a base salary plus a percentage of their player's winnings, usually 5–10% for a win. At the Masters, where the champion pockets $3.6 million, a caddie could net up to $360,000. Even for lower finishes, caddies earn life-changing sums, with top-10 finishes guaranteeing at least $50,000–$100,000.
Augusta National also provides perks like free lodging and meals during the tournament. Veteran caddies like Ted Scott, who works with Scottie Scheffler, have become well-known figures. Scott earned an estimated $270,000 for Scheffler's 2024 Masters win, highlighting the lucrative nature of the role.
The topic trends annually during the Masters as fans dissect golf's financial ecosystem. This year, attention spiked after Scheffler's strong start and debates about caddie contributions to player success. Unlike regular PGA Tour events, the Masters' prestige and purse amplify earnings, making it a career highlight for caddies.
Caddie pay structures vary—some negotiate flat fees, while others rely on performance bonuses. For context, the average PGA Tour caddie earns $2,000–$4,000 per week plus 5–8% of winnings. At majors, those percentages often climb, with the Masters leading the pack. The payout disparity between players and caddies also fuels discussions about fairness in golf's economics.
Social media buzz this week included reactions from former caddies and analysts breaking down pay scenarios. The fascination reflects broader interest in golf's unsung heroes, whose expertise—from reading greens to calming nerves—can make or break a player's title hopes. As the final round approaches, caddie earnings will remain a hot topic alongside the leaderboard drama.