The PGA Championship presents another lucrative opportunity for caddies of the world's top golfers, with significant paydays on offer for those guiding their players to success. Rory McIlroy, who has enjoyed great success with his bagman Harry Diamond, is among the contenders seeking glory at the major event.
Basic Wage for PGA Tour Caddies
Caddies on the PGA Tour typically receive a guaranteed weekly base pay ranging from £1,100 to £3,000 to cover travel, accommodation, and food. For majors like the PGA Championship, this base is often at the higher end of the scale due to increased logistical demands and pressure.
Winning Bonus Structure
The industry standard for a tournament victory is 10% of the player's prize money. This means a massive payday for the victorious caddie at the PGA Championship, where the winning golfer takes home £2.5 million. That would equate to between £220,000 and £335,000 for the caddie.
Top-10 and Made-Cut Percentages
For a finish inside the top 10 but short of a win, caddies generally receive 7% of the player's earnings for the week. If the player simply makes the cut and finishes outside the top 10, the caddie's cut typically drops to 5% of the total prize money.
Self-Funded Business Expenses
Despite high potential earnings, caddies are responsible for their own professional expenses, including flights, rental cars, and yardage books. These costs can exceed £35,000 annually, making the guaranteed weekly base pay essential for those working for lower-ranked players.
Major Tournament Incentives
Major championships often carry "prestige bonuses" or higher base rates due to the intensity of the week and the complexity of the courses. Some high-profile players may also provide their caddies with private housing or travel stipends, specifically for the four majors.
Rory McIlroy's Caddie: Harry Diamond
Harry Diamond is one of the highest earners in the sport due to McIlroy's consistent success. Following his 2026 Masters victory, Diamond reportedly pocketed a £333,000 bonus. He frequently earns over £1.1 million a year.
Ted Scott's Massive Earnings
Scott, who caddies for Scottie Scheffler, is currently considered one of the highest-paid caddies in history due to Scheffler's success. In 2024 and 2025, Scott's earnings were estimated to be higher than those of many actual PGA Tour pros, thanks to the 10% cut from Scheffler's multiple high-purse victories.
Other High-Profile Bagmen
Other elite caddies include Austin Kaiser (Xander Schauffele) and Adam Hayes (Jon Rahm), both of whom have earned millions by guiding their players through major wins and LIV Golf's massive prize pools. These elite caddies are seen as co-pilots rather than just bag carriers, often helping with club selection and green reading under extreme pressure.
Endorsement and Sponsorship Income
Beyond their player's prize money, top-tier caddies often earn supplemental income by wearing branded hats, towels, or sleeves for sponsors. These endorsements can add an additional £3,700 to £11,000 per tournament for caddies who are frequently featured on television broadcasts next to stars.
