How Much Does A Us Open Winners Caddy Make

**How Much Does a U.S. Open Winner’s Caddy Make?**

Imagine standing on the 18th green of the U.S. Open, the sun beating down on your back, the crowd roaring, and your golfer just inches away from sinking the winning putt. As they line up their shot, you, their caddy, stand behind them, offering words of encouragement and steady advice. In that moment, as the ball sails through the air and drops into the cup, you share in the triumph, the culmination of months of hard work and dedication. But how much of that triumph translates to financial reward? How much does a U.S. Open winner’s caddy make?

The answer, as with many things in life, is: it depends. There is no set salary for caddies on the PGA Tour, and their earnings can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including the golfer they work for, the golfer’s performance, and the caddy’s experience and reputation.

**The Caddie’s Percentage**

Traditionally, caddies have earned a percentage of their golfer’s winnings, with the standard rate being 10%. This means that if a golfer wins $1 million, their caddy would earn $100,000. However, this percentage can be negotiated, and some caddies may earn more or less than 10%, depending on their agreement with the golfer.

In addition to their percentage of winnings, caddies may also receive other forms of compensation, such as a weekly salary, bonuses, and travel expenses. These additional perks can vary depending on the caddy’s experience and the golfer they work for.

**Top Caddie Earnings**

The highest-paid caddies on the PGA Tour can earn millions of dollars per year. For example, Jim “Bones” Mackay, who caddied for Phil Mickelson for over two decades, earned an estimated $1.5 million in 2013. Other top-earning caddies include Joe LaCava (Tiger Woods), who earned an estimated $1 million in 2019, and Steve Williams (Adam Scott), who earned an estimated $1.2 million in 2013.

Of course, not all caddies are as fortunate as Mackay, LaCava, and Williams. The majority of caddies on the PGA Tour earn a much more modest income. According to a 2019 survey conducted by the PGA Tour, the median annual income for caddies was $100,000. However, this number can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the caddy’s experience, the golfer they work for, and the number of tournaments they caddie in.

**Tips and Expert Advice**

If you’re aspiring to become a caddy on the PGA Tour, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of success:

• Get experience. The best way to learn the ropes of caddying is to get experience on the course. Volunteer to caddy for local golfers, or sign up for a caddying program at your local golf course.
• Build relationships. Get to know as many people in the golf industry as you can. Attend golf tournaments, network with other caddies, and make friends with golfers.
• Be professional. When you’re caddying, it’s important to be professional and courteous at all times. Dress appropriately, be on time for your appointments, and always put the golfer’s needs first.
• Be patient. It takes time to build a successful career as a caddy. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t land your dream job right away. Keep working hard, and eventually, your efforts will pay off.

**FAQ**

Q: How much do caddies make at the U.S. Open?
A: Caddies at the U.S. Open typically earn a percentage of their golfer’s winnings, with the standard rate being 10%.

Q: What is the highest-paid caddy on the PGA Tour?
A: The highest-paid caddy on the PGA Tour is Jim “Bones” Mackay, who earned an estimated $1.5 million in 2013.

Q: How can I become a caddy on the PGA Tour?
A: To become a caddy on the PGA Tour, you need to get experience, build relationships, be professional, and be patient.

**Conclusion**

Being a caddy on the PGA Tour can be a rewarding career, both financially and personally. If you’re passionate about golf and have a strong work ethic, then it’s definitely a career worth considering. Just remember, the road to success is not always easy, but with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.

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