Scottie Scheffler's Caddie Set for Major Payday After RBC Heritage Runner-Up Finish
Scottie Scheffler narrowly missed out on victory at the RBC Heritage, losing in a playoff to Matt Fitzpatrick, but his caddie Ted Scott is still in line for a significant financial reward. This outcome stems from a longstanding agreement between the golfer and his looper, which Scheffler has humorously described as childish in nature.
Dramatic Final Day at Harbour Town
The final round of the 2026 RBC Heritage at Harbour Town Golf Links delivered high drama. Fitzpatrick, the 2023 champion, entered Sunday with a three-shot lead but faltered on the back nine, allowing Scheffler to close the gap. Despite Fitzpatrick's struggles, Scheffler could not capitalise fully, and the tournament went to a playoff. On the first extra hole, Fitzpatrick executed a brilliant approach shot to 12 feet and sank the birdie putt to claim his second tartan jacket.
For his runner-up finish, Scheffler earned approximately £1.6 million from the total £15 million purse available at the event in South Carolina. Under the terms of his agreement with caddie Ted Scott, a percentage of these winnings will be paid out to Scott, reflecting their successful partnership.
Understanding Caddie Compensation in Professional Golf
The exact details of the arrangement between Scheffler and Scott remain private, but industry standards provide insight. Typically, caddies receive around 10 percent of prize money when their golfer wins a tournament, and approximately 7 percent for top-10 finishes. Given Scheffler's second-place result at the RBC Heritage, it is estimated that Scott will earn between £112,000 and £160,000 from this event alone.
This payout follows a similar pattern from the Masters, where Scheffler finished just one stroke behind winner Rory McIlroy, pocketing about £1.81 million. From that performance, Scott likely earned between £126,000 and £181,000, showcasing the lucrative nature of their collaboration.
Scheffler's Unique Approach to Financial Management
In 2024, Scheffler openly discussed his financial habits, admitting he can be like a child when it comes to money matters. He revealed that he relies on an assistant to handle payments, including those to Scott, to avoid the complexities of tracking finances himself.
We have a girl that helps us pay bills basically because I'm a child and can't keep track of all that stuff! Scheffler explained on the Pardon My Take podcast. 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'.
This lighthearted approach has not hindered their success. Scott has been on Scheffler's bag since 2021, providing crucial advice during major victories, including two Masters wins and triumphs at the PGA Championship and The Open in 2025. Last year alone, Scott's earnings from Scheffler's PGA Tour prizes were estimated between £1.8 million and £2.2 million, underscoring the profitability of their partnership.
Looking Ahead for Scheffler and Scott
Scheffler appears to have overcome early-season challenges with strong showings at Augusta National and Harbour Town. He will now aim to defend his USPGA title in May, with Scott by his side. Their continued success highlights the importance of trust and teamwork in professional golf, where caddies play a pivotal role beyond merely carrying clubs.
The financial rewards for caddies like Ted Scott demonstrate the significant stakes in modern golf, where even near-misses can translate into substantial paydays. As Scheffler focuses on his game, Scott's earnings serve as a testament to their effective collaboration and the enduring value of a well-structured agreement in the sport.
