How Much Money Do People In Golf Make?

The business of golf is routinely one of the most talked-about aspects of the game. How many people are playing each year, how often and how much are they spending? Is golf dying, why or why not? These questions are the topic of debate and articles on a daily basis all over the world, but one that routinely flies under the radar is the cost of working in the industry.

According to a recently released Golf Digest report, golf in the United States is nearly a $70 billion per year industry with over $55 billion paid out in annual wages. From some of the top executives at global organizations such as the PGA Tour, PGA of America and USGA, to the average salary for a club pro, a superintendent and even the guys in the bag room, here are some highlights of what their reporting showed about who gets paid what in golf. 

Compensation figures are a mix of 2014 and 2015 and in some cases include bonuses and benefits. Compiled using the latest organizational tax returns available, salary surveys conducted by the PGA of America and Golf Course Superintendents Association of America and interviews.


Tim Finchem
Outgoing Commissioner, PGA Tour
$5,655,352

Wally Uihlein
President and CEO, Acushnet (owner of Titleist and FootJoy)
$4,978,638 (includes base salary of $995,200, plus bonus and other incentive pay)

Oliver (Chip) Brewer III
President and CEO, Callaway Golf
$4,305,268 (includes base salary of $750,000, plus stock awards and other incentive pay)

Jay Monahan
Incoming Commissioner, PGA Tour
$2,116,875

 

Pete Bevacqua
CEO, PGA of America
$1,444,331

Ty Votaw
Chief Marketing Officer, PGA Tour
$1,252,536

Michael Whan
Commissioner, LPGA Tour
$966,742

Mike Davis
Executive Director, USGA
$854,803

Kerry Haigh
Chief Championships Officer, PGA of America
$744,260

Tournament director
Mid-level PGA Tour event
$200,000

PGA Tour caddie
What you might expect to make if your player finished 40th on the money list
$161,332

Superintendent
National average, private course
$103,359

Director of instruction
National average, private course
$82,841

Head golf professional
National average, private course
$73,488

Teaching professional
National average
$53,717

LPGA Tour caddie
What you might expect to make if your player finished 40th on the money list
$53,000

Mower
Midwest public course
$18,000 (works four days a week and may play golf for free weekdays after 1 p.m.)

Groundskeeper
National average
$10.41 per hour

Golf-club cleaner
Private club
Minimum wage, plus tips

Tournament volunteer
PGA Tour
$0 (Typically free admission, food and sometimes a free round after the tournament.)

[GolfDigest.com]

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