Is a Caddie an independent contractor?
Christopher Ramos
Updated on March 21, 2026
Caddies are frequently classified as independent contractors and not paid overtime when they are legally entitled to it. But many are actually employees, according to the criteria established by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Are golf caddies self employed?
Caddies are typically independent contractors, although some are classified as employees. Golf clubs and resorts usually pay caddies what is known as a caddy fee for each round they work, but a large portion of their income comes from tips.
Are golfers independent contractors?
For the most part, professional athletes are employees of the teams they play for and their wages are controlled by the team. But in professional golf, the players are independent contractors and the governing body could really control what they make… the amounts are outrageous.
Are accountants independent contractors?
People such as doctors, dentists, veterinarians, lawyers, accountants, contractors, subcontractors, public stenographers, or auctioneers who are in an independent trade, business, or profession in which they offer their services to the general public are generally independent contractors.
How much does a beginner caddie make?
If the caddie is a beginner or an amateur, they could be paid around $15-$20 an hour. A caddie with almost a year’s experience would be paid $25-$30 an hour. A caddie with good experience in golf as well as caddying would make $35-$40 on an hourly basis.
Do golf courses still have caddies?
Caddies aren’t just for private clubs anymore. They’ve gone mainstream into the public domain. Many of America’s best public and resort courses now offer them. And it’s not just an expected service in exotic, warm-weather destinations like California, Arizona and Florida, either.
Are golfers employees of PGA?
As independent contractors most players on the PGA TOUR have formed an LLC or Limited Liability Corporation. The prize money, endorsement dollars and appearance fees all run through the corporation and a salary is paid out to its employees. For most players those employees total exactly one.
Are pro golfers Incorporated?
Some professional golfers may even operate through a state level business entity such as a corporation or limited liability company.
Who is the highest paid caddy in golf?
Top 5 Highest paid caddies on the professional circuit 2020
- Adam Hayes (Jon Rahm) (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
- Paul Tesori (Webb Simpson) Paul Tesori and Webb Simpson (img src.
- Austin Johnson (Dustin Johnson) (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
- Jonathan Jakovac (Collin Morikawa)
- Jimmy Johnson (Justin Thomas)
How much do bev cart girls make?
Beverage Cart Girl Salaries
| Job Title | Salary |
|---|---|
| Kiddi Kollege Beverage Cart Girl salaries – 1 salaries reported | $9/hr |
| Dogwood Golf Club Beverage Cart Girl salaries – 1 salaries reported | $20/hr |
| Emerson Golf Course Beverage Cart Girl salaries – 1 salaries reported | $9/hr |
| Brenen’s Beverage Cart Girl salaries – 1 salaries reported | $8/hr |
Who is the highest paid caddy?
Jimmy Johnson
Why Do They Earn So Much?
| Rank | Caddy Name | Yearly Payout for 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jimmy Johnson | $502,851 |
| 2 | Jonathan Jakovac | $486,825 |
| 3 | Austin Johnson | $472,600 |
| 4 | Paul Tesori | $417,595 |
Who is the best caddy in golf?
15 of the Best Caddies in Golf
- Mike “Fluff” Cowan. Cowan has always looked like he is carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders, along with the bags of some of the finest players in the game.
- Billy Foster.
- Fanny Sunesson.
- Steve Williams.
- Pete Coleman.
- Jim “Bones” Mackay.
- Willie Aitchison.
- Joe LaCava.
How do PGA players get paid?
Professional Tour Player Professional golfers are paid a percentage of the purse for each tournament they play in and finish in the money. For example, the U.S. Open pays down to the 60th place finisher. On the PGA Tour, the highest money winner for all of 2011 was Luke Donald with winnings of $6.6 million.
Is the PGA of America a union?
Consisting of nearly 29,000 men and women members, the PGA of America’s undertaking is to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf.
Is golf a business expense 2020?
It’s No Longer a Deductible Business Entertainment Expense. While the federal tax reform act included a lot of new tax benefits for businesses, there were some reductions, as well. A significant one for many businesses is the loss of business entertainment expense deductions.
Do PGA players get a pension?
PGA Performance-Based Retirement The PGA has the most convoluted pension plan out of all of the major sports. The best part of the PGA’s pension plan is that successful players can accumulate millions of dollars in their retirement accounts at the end of their careers.
How do you discipline an independent contractor?
The first and easiest way to discipline contractors is to fire them. Practically, this means terminating their government contract, cutting them off from thousands (or millions) of taxpayer dollars.
What if I am misclassified as an independent contractor?
A worker misclassified as an independent contractor can sue to enforce her rights under California employment laws. That includes the right to sue to recover unpaid overtime and minimum wages, meal and rest break premium payments, business expenses, as well as the right to seek unemployment insurance payments.
