The 2024 Players Championship saw Scottie Scheffler become the first golfer in 50 years to win back-to-back titles. The tournament boasted a hefty $25 million prize purse, with Scheffler taking home $4.5 million for his victory. The cut line was tight at -1 (143 strokes), with some big names like Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth failing to advance to the weekend rounds. Brian Harman fired the low round of the tournament with a sizzling 64 in the third round.
Played annually in mid-March at the Stadium Course on TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, The Players Championship attracts the strongest field on the PGA Tour, typically featuring only 144 players. Established in 1974, it's earned the nickname "Fifth Major" due to its prestige and the calibre of golfers competing for the hefty prize purse.
What does a caddie take back from the tournament?
Most caddies are believed to earn between $1,500 and $3,000 per tournament. However, the amount they make also depends on their agreement with the golfer, which typically involves a percentage of the winnings. The exact percentage varies between 5 and 10 per cent and is subject to negotiation between the player and the caddie.
Unlike in many other sports, golfers' paychecks are tied to their results in each event, which means the golfer and caddie have much at stake. Some players may also cover their caddies' travel and hotel expenses, but caddies can earn additional income by wearing a sponsor's logo on their shirts or hats. Although this income is lower than what the player would receive, it is still a valuable source of income for the caddie.
Who is allowed to be a caddy in such tournaments?
Becoming a PGA Tour caddie doesn't require formal education or experience, but having a good reputation as a knowledgeable caddie helps one to build relationships and a career. At the top of the game are caddies like Jimmy Johnson and Jonathan Jakovac, who earned over $500,000 last year. However, the most successful caddie is Steve Williams, who has been Tiger Wood's caddie for a long time and has earned over $12 million from Tiger's winnings.
FAQ's On the caddies Players Championship
A. The Players Championship takes place annually at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. The specific course within TPC Sawgrass is the Stadium Course.
A. Caddies don't receive a standard salary. Their income is a combination of two factors: Weekly wage: This ranges from $2,000 to $4,000, based on experience, and helps offset costs like travel and accommodation during the tournament. Performance-based bonus: The bigger earner, this is a percentage of the golfer's winnings. Traditionally, caddies receive 10% for a win, 7% for second place, and 5% for other finishes (though individual agreements may vary).
A. The field is limited to a select group, typically only 144 players. This allows for a more exclusive and focused competition compared to other PGA Tour events.
A. 10% of the winner's purse goes to the caddie; if the player places in the top five, they earn 7%; and for everything else, they get 5%. Both the golfer and the caddie have the option to change this, though.
