Last year, there was an interesting lawsuit against the PGA Tour. More than 80 PGA Tour caddies were demanding share of profits from the sponsored bibs, together with “damages and disgorgement” for wearing the bibs in the past. Since then, I have not heard about the outcome/verdict of this lawsuit, but it shows clearly that golf clubs and event organizers should revise the renumeration of caddies.
At the very same time, top caddies can make seven-figures and 10 of them made at least $600,000 in 2014 according to Forbes. Most established players pay around 8% of winnings and 10% for a win to their caddie. Caddies also make $1,500 to $2,500 per event in base pay. Jordan Spieth’s caddie Michael Greller earned in 2015, approximately $866,534. However, the majority is not as much lucky as the top caddies.
Association of Professional Tour Caddies’ 1st sponsorship deal
A little joy in the midst of difficulties. The Association of Professional Tour Caddies (APTC) yesterday has signed its 1st ever sponsorship deal with Kentwool. As part of the deal, KENTWOOL will provide its popular Men’s Tour Profile and Men’s Tour Standard socks for professional Tour caddies to wear each week in competition. Both the Men’s Tour Profile and Tour Standard socks are constructed from a proprietary blend of Super Fine Merino Wool and other natural and high-tech performance fibers. Kentwool will offer a lifetime “Blister-Free Guarantee” with the purchase of every pair.
To help raise the profile of professional tour caddies, KENTWOOL will roll out several new programs tied to the APTC sponsorship, including a “Caddie Corner” on its website (is not ready yet). “Caddie Corner” will serve as a resource for caddie insights, stories and a unique perspective on the lives of Tour players.
The KENTWOOL – APTC partnership will officially kick off this week at the 2016 Sony Open in Honolulu, with nearly 100 caddies in the field expected to don KENTWOOL socks during the event.
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