pay for caddies

Question

I know that PGA caddies are paid about 10% of the players' earnings, but how, exactly, are they paid?  I'm sure golfers don't have large sums of cash on them, and caddies probably don't like getting checks.  What are the ways the caddies are paid, and how are the professional golfers paid as well?

Answer
Dear Dennis, thanks for the question.  You are correct with approximately 10percent of earnings.  Caddies are generally paid a flat fee (which varies per partnership) in the event that their professional doesn't make the cut.  Likewise, if a professional wins a tournament, often the caddy will be paid a significant bonus.  PGA tournaments have become big business as you know.  The players with tour cards as well as those who are playing only occasionally are set up with direct deposit from the PGA Tour.  If they make the cut and earn money, the winnings are usually transferred twice a month...just like other working JOE's.  Believe it or not, the same is available for caddies through the tour, with withholdings and everything.  Not all caddies will opt to go this route, but it is available.  Many agreements are private and also vary by the partnership.  Good luck and remember...

Love the game,
skipper