A PGA Tour caddie has recently opened up about the financial realities of the profession, revealing that their salary is significantly lower than that of Scottie Scheffler’s caddie, Ted Scott.

While professional golfers like Scheffler rake in millions from tournament winnings and endorsements, caddies, who play an essential role in a player’s performance, often earn considerably less.

The disparity in earnings between players and their caddies has long been a topic of discussion within the golf community. Though caddies contribute to a player’s success on the course by offering advice

on strategy, club selection, and reading greens, their earnings don’t always reflect their vital role in a player’s journey. The caddie, who chose to remain anonymous, explained that while the job

can be highly rewarding in terms of experience and the opportunity to travel the world, it is far from a high-paying career—at least when compared to the earnings of top-tier players like Scheffler.

Caddies typically earn a percentage of the player’s winnings, often between 5-10%. For the average golfer on the PGA Tour, this can mean a decent salary, but it is nowhere near the millions

that the players themselves take home. Even for elite caddies working with the biggest stars, the difference in pay is stark. Ted Scott, for example, is one of the most experienced caddies in the business,

and while he is well compensated, his earnings still don’t compare to the millions his player, Scottie Scheffler, pulls in each year.

The reality is that even top caddies like Scott, who have worked with high-profile players for years, do not see the same financial rewards as the players they support. Scheffler, for instance, was one of the highest earners on the PGA Tour in 2023, earning over $20 million in winnings alone, not to mention his endorsement deals and other business ventures. In contrast, a caddie typically earns a flat fee for each tournament, in addition to a percentage of their player’s winnings, which can range anywhere from a few thousand dollars for lower-ranked events to a much more substantial payout for major tournaments like the Masters or U.S. Open.

While the caddie’s role is invaluable, the earnings disparity highlights an ongoing issue within the sport. Many caddies believe they deserve more recognition for their contributions to a player’s success, yet they are often paid far less than their players. The caddie’s job involves more than just carrying the golf bag; they serve as trusted advisers, strategists, and confidantes for the players. Some have even compared the relationship between a golfer and their caddie to that of a coach and athlete. However, despite their integral role in the player’s performance, caddies don’t share in the same financial rewards.

The disparity in earnings is further emphasized by the fact that while the top caddies can earn a decent living, there are many others who are not working with high-profile players and struggle to make ends meet. In the competitive world of professional golf, getting hired by a top player is highly competitive, and only a select few make it to the highest echelons of the profession. For many caddies, the financial benefits of the job simply don’t reflect the level of expertise and effort they put into the job. Many top-tier caddies have been on the tour for decades and have built strong relationships with their players, yet even they are not reaping the same financial rewards as the players they work for.

In conclusion, the revelation from a PGA Tour caddie about the salary gap between players and their caddies sheds light on an often-overlooked aspect of the sport. While players like Scottie Scheffler earn millions from their success, their caddies, who are integral to that success, earn a fraction of the amount. The disparity in earnings reflects not only the value placed on caddies but also the structural dynamics of the golf world, where players are seen as the central figures while their support staff, though crucial, often go undercompensated. This disparity is an ongoing issue that raises important questions about the value of caddies in the world of professional sports and whether their contributions should be more adequately recognized and rewarded.

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