World No.1 Scottie Scheffler heads into this week's Open Championship at Royal Birkdale as the reigning champion and favourite to retain the Claret Jug. Should he succeed, his caddie Ted Scott stands to pocket a substantial share of the record $3.2million (£2.4m) winner's prize.
Scheffler's Casual Approach to Caddie Payments
Speaking on the Pardon My Take podcast in 2024, Scheffler revealed he barely considers the financial aspect of their arrangement. 'I don't really think about the money that much. At the end of the day, I'm just playing golf and the money is just a gift on top of that,' he said.
'We have a girl that helps us pay bills because I'm basically a child and can't keep track of that stuff. She quickly took over that job and texts me at the end of each week saying, "Hey, this is how much we're paying Ted." I'm like, "That's great."'
Scott's Earnings Soar Since 2021
According to the PGA Tour, Scheffler has accumulated more than $114million (£85m) in official prize money throughout his career, ranking third all-time behind Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. Roughly $105m (£78m) of that sum has arrived since Scott joined his team in late 2021, with Scheffler leading the PGA Tour's earnings table in each of the four following seasons.
While the precise terms of their arrangement have never been disclosed, most caddies typically receive around 10 per cent of the winner's prize money, with smaller percentages for lower finishes. Many also receive a fixed salary. This means Scott could pocket $320,000 (£240,000) if Scheffler successfully defends The Open title.
Record Prize Fund at Royal Birkdale
The R&A has increased the total purse to $17.75million (£13.3m) for this year's championship. Victory would also ensure Scheffler avoids his first campaign without a major title since 2023, after narrowly missing out at both the Masters and US Open earlier this season.
Scheffler aims to become the first golfer since Padraig Harrington in 2008 to successfully defend The Open title. He tees off as bookmakers' favourite, just ahead of Rory McIlroy.
