Caddie Tip

A caddie tip is a cash gratuity that a golfer gives to their caddie at the end of a round of golf. It is separate from the caddie fee charged by the course and typically ranges from 30% to 50% of that fee, though amounts vary by course, region, and level of service.

What is a caddie tip?

A caddie tip is a cash gratuity that a golfer gives to their caddie after completing a round. It is paid on top of the caddie fee, which is the flat rate a golf course or club charges for caddie service. The tip goes directly to the caddie, while the fee often goes partly or entirely to the club or a third-party management company.

Tips matter because caddies at many courses operate as independent contractors. According to a panel of PGA Professionals quoted on PGA.com, a caddie should receive about 40% to 50% of the green fee as a tip. At some clubs, the caddie fee barely covers the caddie’s expenses, making tips their primary source of income for the day. Pinehurst Resort, for example, charges a flat caddie fee of $90 for a single premium caddie and recommends a minimum tip of $30, or roughly 33%, according to The Caddie Network.

Because tipping customs vary from course to course, golfers who are unsure of the local standard can ask the head professional or the caddie master before their round. This is considered normal etiquette and removes any guesswork.

How caddie tipping works

Caddie tips are separate from the caddie fee, which is the flat rate a golf course charges for caddie service. The golfer pays the caddie fee in the pro shop or at check-in. The tip is a separate, additional payment made directly to the caddie, almost always in cash.

According to GOLF.com, the minimum tip for a caddie is 20% of their base fee. Other sources put the standard range higher. CaddieHQ recommends $80 to $120 for a single-bag caddie who performs well, with 50% to 100% of the base caddie fee as a common benchmark at premier courses. The final amount depends on several factors: how well the caddie read greens and provided yardages, whether they helped with club selection, the prestige of the course, and the overall quality of the experience.

Cash is the preferred payment method. Some clubs allow golfers to add the tip to their final bill, but this can delay the caddie’s payment and may involve processing fees. The standard practice is to hand the tip directly to the caddie after the round, often during a handshake on the 18th green or at the bag drop.

At private clubs, tipping customs can differ. Some clubs have no-tipping policies, while others have specific guidelines. When playing as a guest, asking the host or the caddie master about local customs beforehand is standard procedure.

Caddie tip vs. forecaddie tip

Caddies and forecaddies perform different roles, and the tipping expectations reflect that difference.

A caddie carries one golfer’s bag, provides individual yardages, reads greens, offers club selection advice, and maintains equipment throughout the round. A forecaddie works for the entire group (typically a foursome), moves ahead to spot tee shots, locate balls, and keep play moving. A forecaddie does not carry any bags.

Because a caddie provides one-on-one service for four or more hours, the expected tip is higher. A forecaddie’s tip is split among the group.

Role	Typical tip	Who pays
Single-bag caddie	$80 to $120, or 30–50% of caddie fee	Individual golfer
Double-bag caddie	Same as single-bag, per golfer	Each golfer individually
Forecaddie	$20 to $50 per player, or $80–$200 total for a foursome	Split among the group

According to GolfPass, a common forecaddie tip sits around $20 to $25 per player. The PGA Professionals panel recommends the group split a total of $50 to $100 for a forecaddie, though rates at higher-end venues can run well above that range.

One common mistake with double-bag caddies: some golfers reduce their tip because the caddie is carrying two bags. The accepted etiquette is that each golfer tips the full amount, since the caddie is doing twice the physical work.

Related Golf Terms

Caddie — A person who carries a golfer’s bag and provides advice on the course.
Bunker —A sand-filled hazard on the course, also called a sand trap.
Forecaddie — A course assistant who works ahead of a group to spot balls and maintain the pace of play, without carrying clubs.
Cabbage — Very thick rough or heavy vegetation off the fairway.
Caddie master — The staff member at a golf club who manages the caddie program, assigns caddies to golfers, and can advise on tipping customs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is $20 a good tip for a caddie?

For a full-bag caddie, $20 is generally considered low. Most guidelines suggest a minimum of $40 to $50 for a standard round, with $80 to $120 as the norm at higher-end courses. For a forecaddie, $20 per player is closer to the accepted range.

Do you tip a caddie in cash?

Cash is the preferred method at most courses. It ensures the caddie receives the full amount immediately. Some clubs allow adding the tip to a bill, but cash handed directly to the caddie after the round is standard.

Should you tip a caddie at a private club?

It depends on the club’s policy. Some private clubs prohibit tipping, while others expect it. Golfers should ask the host or caddie master before the round to understand local customs.

When do you tip the caddie?

The most common time is right after the round ends, either on the 18th green or at the bag drop when the caddie finishes cleaning clubs.

Sources

PGA of America. “Guide to tipping on the golf course.” PGA.com. Accessed April 2026.
The Caddie Network. “The definitive guide for tipping a caddie.” Brian Mull. Accessed April 2026.
GOLF.com. “A complete guide to tipping (and how much) at the golf course.” Josh Sens. Accessed April 2026.
GolfPass. “Here’s a tip on tipping at the golf course: When in doubt, be generous.” Mike Bailey. Accessed April 2026.
CaddieHQ. “What Is an Appropriate Tip for a Golf Caddy?” Spencer Lanoue. Accessed April 2026.
SCGA. “How to Properly Tip at a Golf Course.” SCGA Blog. Accessed April 2026.
Colorado Golf Association. “How Should I Tip at the Golf Course.” Accessed April 2026.