Bryan Kopsick, Ben Silverman's caddie, reveals how much money he makes. (Photo: Getty)
The prize money in golf has risen rapidly, especially in recent years. Provided they are successful, golfers win millions in winnings. But they don’t earn them alone: they are always accompanied by their caddies, who are also entitled to a share of the winnings. As a rule, the caddies are entitled to a fixed share of the prize money: ten per cent if they win, seven per cent for the top 10 and five per cent if they make the cut. Bryan Kopsick, PGA Tour caddie, has now revealed what he earned and what he spent last season.
This is how the caddie’s earnings are made up
Bryan Kopsick works as a caddie for Ben Silverman, a 36-year-old Canadian who is coming off his best season on the PGA Tour and is ranked 110th in the money list with earnings of more than $1.2 million. On X (formerly Twitter) he wrote: ‘How much are PGA Tour caddies paid?’ His calculation includes Silverman’s earnings, which amount to 1,262,599 US dollars from 24 events played. According to his calculation, he is entitled to eight per cent of the prize money per event, which in this case is 101,007.92 US dollars. In addition, he earns 2,000 US dollars per event. His total income is therefore 149,007.92 US dollars. He adds: ‘This does not include sponsorships/off course income OR travel expenses.’
How much are PGA Tour caddies paid?
Ben’s 2024 earnings – $1,262,599
Events played – 24
$1,262,599 x .08 = $101,007.92
24 events x $2,000 = $48,000.00
Total on course earnings $149,007.92
This does not include sponsorship/off course income OR travel expenses
The fact that Kopsick is not paid according to the 5/7/10 per cent rule is due to the fact that Ben Silverman is a ‘great guy’. At the end of the day, it is up to the players what they want to pay their caddies. However, he has to deduct around 50,000 US dollars in travelling and professional expenses from the approximately 150,000 US dollars. In turn, he can add income that he generates through sponsorship. However, there is no exact figure here.
‘We don’t do it for the money’
Kopsick also admits that the figures mentioned are from a very good year. In previous years, Silverman was still at home on the Korn Ferry Tour and had far lower profits (2021 – 74,890 US dollars, 2022 – 23,936 US dollars, 2023 – 522,828 US dollars). The shares Kopsick was entitled to can be easily calculated based on his presentation above: Significantly lower earnings.
If he worked on a first-class golf course, he could also earn up to 100,000 US dollars. However, if the conditions here are not ideal, it would quickly remain at 40,000 to 60,000 US dollars. The caddie also argues: ‘It’s hard, but we don’t do it for the money. It’s extremely rewarding to try and help someone succeed at what they’re truly good at.’ He also says he has ‘the coolest job in the world’ and can eat ice cream the night before a competition despite his job in sport.
Pierce Brosnan (2 on the left) and his fellow actors pay a visit to Golfclub Feldafing. (Photo: Instagram/@gc_feldafing)
Feldafing Golf Club on Lake Starnberg in Bavaria (Germany) played host to a number of high-profile guests: Pierce Brosnan visited the golf club on 1 November to take a break from his current film shoot in Munich. The film actor and producer has made a prestigious name for himself in Hollywood over the past few decades and caused quite a stir at the Bavarian golf club. Brosnan has been playing golf since he was a child: his handicap is estimated at 5.
Pierce Brosnan: A rare visit to Feldafing Golf Club
Pierce Brosnan is an Irish actor, born on 16 May 1953, who became known worldwide for his role as James Bond in the films of the 1990s and early 2000s, in which he impressed as an elegant and charismatic secret agent. In addition to Bond, he also starred in the musical film ‘Mamma Mia!’, where he showed his musical side. Brosnan is also a producer and is actively involved in environmental and human rights projects. His versatility and charisma make him a perennial star in the film industry.
Graduation the Bavarian way
The 71-year-old is currently in Germany for a new film production, as the Feldafing Golf Club reported on Instagram: ‘Brosnan teed off punctually at 10:30 a.m. with three fellow actors in bright sunshine and pleasant autumn temperatures.’ Brosnan enjoyed his time out on the golf course: ‘The actor was delighted with our golf course and praised its excellent condition, especially at this time of year.’ He will not have been surprised that the film star would not remain completely incognito: ‘After the round of golf, some members of the golf club had the opportunity to take photos with the likeable and charismatic actor.’
Pierce Brosnan with the juniors of the Feldafing Golf Club. (Photo: Instagram/@gc_feldafing)
His day off was rounded off with a typical Bavarian dish, as the golf club revealed: ‘The former James Bond actor was looking forward to a culinary speciality after his day of golf: a delicious Wiener Schnitzel. In a brief conversation after the game, Brosnan revealed that he can only rarely enjoy this delicacy at home as his wife is a vegetarian.’
Real Club de Golf Sotogrande (Photos Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Decision on the ninth extra hole
More excitement is not possible. After 18 holes on the final day of the DP World Tour tournament, it goes into extra time at the Real Club de Golf Sotogrande. After accompanying John Rahm for several holes on the round at the final of the tournament, I place myself directly behind the 18th green. Less than five metres apart from it, I experience unique and unforgettable golfing moments with a permanent view of the winner’s trophy.
Tension on the 18th hole and volunteer for a single moment (Photos Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Neither of the two players takes a risk, but hopes for a mistake by his opponent. The two switch back and forth between the 18th and 17th hole and offer us spectators a finale that is unrivaled in its crackling tension.
In the end, the 39-year-old Frenchman is the luckier one, finally celebrating his first DP World Tour tournament victory after many years and taking home the coveted trophy. Nine pars in a row are enough for his victory in extra time.
Tour Scramble as the format of the invitational tournament
I was particularly impressed by the pros’ shots into the lightning-fast greens and their putts. The following day, I have the pleasure of getting to know them myself as part of an invitational tournament. We start early in the morning and enjoy the special atmosphere that prevails on the course at this time of day. The dew on the tee boxes and fairways lends it a mystical atmosphere against the rising sun.
The early bird catches the worm (Photo Juergen Linnenbuerger)
In the chosen format, only birdies are scored, taking into account the individual HCP. So scoring is not easy.
But for me, it’s not primarily the score that counts, but the unique experience of being able to play on this extremely well-kept world-class course under competitive conditions. It is ranked number two in Spain and number nine in continental Europe. That has its price. If you get the opportunity to tee off at the private club, you have to pay € 400,- for the green fee.
The course, designed by Robert Trent Jones more than 50 years ago, completely captivates me. The routing through the partly extremely hilly, partly flat terrain fascinates me just as much as the old trees and the huge palm trees.
The fairways are like walking on carpet. The state of maintenance cannot be surpassed. The greens are extremely fast and the putts seem never-ending, but they stay on track. This experience alone makes the round unique. The shots over the water and into the partly elevated greens also have their own special charm.
Impressive layout of the Real Club de Golf Sotogrande (Photos Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Sunshine galore and fantastic golf courses
The sun shines more than 300 days a year in the southern Spanish province of Andalusia. This makes it Spain’s leader among the regions with the most hours of sunshine, ahead of the Canary Islands and the Balearics. Due to its more than 70 golf courses, this stretch of coast is also known as the Costa del Golf.
Unobtrusive luxury
Sotogrande is the largest privately owned residence in Andalusia. It is located in the municipality of San Roque in Cádiz and extends over an area of 20 square kilometres from the Mediterranean 25 km east of Gibraltar to the foothills of the Sierra Almenara.
The community was founded 62 years ago by the Philippine-born visionary Joseph McMicking. As one of the most prestigious residential residences in Europe, today it offers exclusivity and privacy at its finest. Maintaining the rich Andalusian culture, it embodies a charm of elegance and luxury. Security is also a top priority.
Sotogrande is divided into four areas: Alto, Marina, Costa and La Reserva. A total of around 7,000 people currently live here. New properties are being built in La Reserva alone. Some of the properties currently available for purchase are located in the exclusive Village Verde apartment complex, some of which are still under construction. It interprets itself as a unique lifestyle location with perfect integration into the natural surroundings.
Trendy lifestyle oasis
The top hotel in the region is the SO/Sotogrande Spa & Golf Resort, which opened in 2021. Sotogrande’s only five-star hotel is located at the westernmost point of the Costa del Sol. It is part of the French Accor SO/Hotels & Resorts Group, the largest hotel group in the world. From here, we can reach the region’s top golf courses in a short time.
The hotel is located on a hillside, secluded and in complete tranquillity. It is surrounded by the southern Spanish landscape, characterized by cork oak forests and pine groves. It offers views to the sea in the distance, the gardens and the Almenara golf course.
A former cortijo in new splendour (photos SO/ Sotogrande and Juergen Linnenbuerger (right))
Avant-garde in a refreshing design
Natural colours and extravagant, bold shapes characterize the style of Spanish designer Dolores Cortes, who is responsible for the interior. It runs through the entire hotel, whose lightness and playfulness catch the eye as soon as you enter the lobby.
Hotel lobby and restaurant SoCiety (Photos Juergen Linnenbuerger)
These attributes continue throughout the hotel complex and apply to every area of the former cortijo, a Spanish farmhouse. Conviviality, joie de vivre, wellness and indulgence are the top priorities and are met with a high-quality offering.
The management places particular emphasis on a sustainable and contemporary Andalusian lifestyle. With a simple white exterior, the shady arcades, manicured gardens and harmonious color palette in the interior areas and rooms contribute to a good mood from the very first moment. Everything is spacious and generously laid out.
152 stylishly designed rooms and studios as well as 36 spacious suites are arranged in terraces around the pool and restaurant areas. My 34 square meter modern SO Comfy King double room, has, like most of the rooms, its own balcony. Others have a terrace. I sleep heavenly in the comfortable bed.
In the 2,800 sqm Spa & Wellness Club Sotogrande, guests can relax in the sauna or in the indoor pool, work out 24/7 in the gym on state-of-the-art equipment or be pampered in the health and wellness centre.
Families with children are just as welcome at the resort as golfers. The SO/KIDS Club is the perfect place for the little ones. They can splash around happily in the family pool without disturbing any adults. The separate adults-only pool is available to them.
Adults-only pool (Photo Juergen Linnenbuerger)
The hotel also knows how to impress with its delicious food. This starts with the superb breakfast in the SoCiety Club House or on its terrace. The Cortijo Santa Maria 1962, located on the upper floor of the main building, and the IXO tapas bar below it impress with tasty snacks, light lunch menus and modern interpretations of traditional Andalusian dishes.
The service throughout the hotel is extremely professional, attentive and friendly.
An evening at the Trocadero Sotogrande, a beach club and restaurant located directly on the beach with a fantastic view of the Rock of Gibraltar, are a feast for the palate. The Patatas Bravas are the best I have ever had. We share the huge snapper with four people and savor every bite of the fresh catch. Alternatively, you can spend the end of the day at KE Sotogrande, one of the trendiest restaurants in Sotogrande Marina. We love the typical Andalusian dishes and can’t get enough of the famous Jamôn Ibérico.
From the hotel directly onto the golf course
The Almenara golf course is located directly on the SO/Sotogande Hotel grounds. It was designed by the British golf course architect Dave Thomas and redesigned by the legendary Spanish player Manuel Piñero. It is one of the most extensive on the Costa del Sol and borders Los Alcornocales NaturalPark. Its clubhouse towers over the tee of the first hole.
Pro shop and terrace (Photo Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Its paths run through the very hilly terrain in complete tranquillity. They are surrounded by mature trees. Two large lakes provide the golfing and visual highlights. It is fair, fun to play and allows for a good score. The green fee for hotel guests for 18 holes in the low season is € 100 including buggy.
Varied holes at the Almenara Golf Club (Photos Juergen Linnenbuerger)
The club’s latest project is the Almenara Golf Academy, which is currently under construction and scheduled for completion in April 2025. It will include a 9-hole par 3 course, a driving range with grass tees, a trop tracer, a putting green and chipping area as well as a pro zone with practice holes. A halfway bar, a fitting centre and a floodlight facility will round off the golf offer perfectly and set a new benchmark for training opportunities in the region.
Elite courses in the immediate neighborhood
The resort offers various attractive stay and play packages, which also include playing, besides Real Club de Golf Sotogrande, other top Spanish golf courses in the neighborhood. These include Spain’s golf flagship, Real Golf Club Valderrama and La Reserva Club. This the youngest but longest of the Championship courses in Sotogrande.
The very hilly course was founded in 2003. Our round there leads uphill and downhill through two idyllic valleys, surrounded by dense, old trees. It has been the venue for European Tour Tournaments since 2014.
The layout is impressive. The fairways are wide, its greens are large, extremely fast and well protected by large bunkers. Their white sand shines in the sun. Water also comes into play.
The clubhouse in the style of a hacienda sits enthroned at the highest point of the course behind the 18th green. The green fee including buggy costs from € 250 in the low season, depending on the season and course utilization.
(View on the La Reserva Golf Club (Photo Juergen Linnenbuerger)
After a round of golf, you can relax in the avant-garde The Beach, which is located directly below the clubhouse. An artificial lagoon with a beach for families, a separate garden with an adults-only pool and a lake for water sports are just as much a part of it as a restaurant.
Here, too, we encounter the finest lifestyle: Sotogrande leaves nothing to be desired.
The World Wide Technology Championship is set to take place at the El Cardonal at Diamante in Los Cabos, Mexico. Part of the PGA Tour, this tournament offers a $7.2 million prize purse with Erik van Rooyen as the reigning champion. The course has a par of 72.
Martin Laird, representing Scotland, will tee off in the opening round at 06:30 alongside David Skinns from England and Carl Yuan from China. Their second round is scheduled for 11:05. Luke Donald, hailing from England, begins his first round at 07:36 with Troy Merritt from the USA and Seung-Yul Noh from South Korea. In the second round, they will start at 112:11. Ben Taylor, another player from England, starts his first round at 07:47 accompanied by Vincent Whaley from the USA and Brandon Wu from the USA. Their second round is set for 12:22. Danny Willett from England begins his tournament at 11:05 along with Tim Wilkinson from New Zealand and Rico Hoey from the USA. Their morning round is scheduled for 06:30 the next day. Harry Hall, also from England, tees off at 11:38 with Cameron Young from the USA and Austin Eckroat also from the USA for the first round. Their second round tees off at 07:03.
Matt Kuchar at the World Wide Technology Championship. (Photo: Getty)
The World Wide Technology Championship is set to take place at El Cardonal at Diamante in Los Cabos, Mexico. This tournament on the PGA Tour features a par-72 course and offers a prize purse of $7.2 million. The current titleholder is Erik van Rooyen.
PGA Tour Tee Times of American Players
Matt Kuchar will start alongside Luke List and Ryan Brehm, both from the USA. Their first round is scheduled for 07:14, followed by the next round at 11:49. Hayden Springer, paired with South Africans Garrick Higgo and Chandler Phillips from the USA, tees off at 06:30, with the second round at 11:05. Joseph Bramlett, alongside fellow Americans Josh Teater and Zac Blair, begins his tournament at 06:41, with a follow-up round at 11:16. Kevin Tway will be accompanied by Sam Ryder and Pierceson Coody, both from the USA. Their opening round is at 06:52, and they will continue at 11:27. Chez Reavie teams up with J.J. Spaun and Adam Schenk, all from the USA, with their initial tee time at 07:03, followed by a second round at 11:38.
The DP World Tour Tee Times for the Abu Dhabi Championship at Yas Links, UAE, are set. With a Par of 72 and a $9 million prize fund, the tournament is part of the DP World Tour. The titleholder is Victor Perez. Sky will broadcast the event starting Thursday to Saturday from 8:00 AM and Sunday from 7:30 AM.
DP World Tour Tee Times
Rory McIlroy begins his first round at 9:23 AM on Thursday alongside Thriston Lawrence from South Africa and Rasmus Højgaard from Denmark. His second round begins at 11:50 AM on Friday.
Matthew Jordan starts at 7:39 AM on Thursday with Daniel Brown, also from England, and Ugo Coussaud from France. He will tee off at 10:06 AM on Friday for his second round.
Tyrrell Hatton will start his first round at 8:01 AM on Thursday alongside Matteo Manassero from Italy and Adam Scott from Australia. His second-round tee time is 10:28 AM on Friday.
Grant Forrest will play at 8:39 AM on Thursday with Joseph Dean from England and Frederic Lacroix from France. His second round starts at 11:06 AM on Friday.
Robert MacIntyre’s first round is set for 11:50 AM on Thursday. He will play alongside Shane Lowry from Ireland and Tommy Fleetwood from England. His second round begins at 9:23 AM on Friday.
The DP World Tour Tee Times for the Abu Dhabi Championship hosted at Yas Links in Abu Dhabi, UAE, are now available. This event, part of the DP World Tour, features a par of 72 and offers a total prize pool of 9 million USD. Reigning champion Victor Perez will aim to defend his title. Tune in to Sky for live coverage beginning Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 8:00 am, and Sunday from 7:30 am.
DP World Tour Tee Times for American Players
Sean Crocker, representing the USA, begins his first round teeing off at 7:17 AM alongside Adrien Saddier from France . Their second-round tee time will be at 9:44 AM. Johannes Veerman, also from the USA, will start his first round at 9:44 AM. Joining him are Alfredo Garcia-Heredia from Spain and Jayden Trey Schaper from South Africa. Veermans’s second round is scheduled for 7:17 AM.
Rory McIlroy retains his third place in the world golf rankings. He remains unchanged and has an average score that remains stable. Tommy Fleetwood follows him as the second best British player and also maintains his position in 10th place with constant points.
Robert MacIntyre, in 16th place, maintains his position from the previous week with a consistent score. Aaron Rai improves to 20th place, showing a positive change of one place compared to the previous week. Tyrrell Hatton, on the other hand, dropped from 20th to 21st place.
Top 10 of the world golf rankings
The leading position in the World Golf Ranking is still held by Scottie Scheffler from the USA. Xander Schauffele remains in second place and Rory McIlroy in third, with no changes from the previous week. Places four to nine show no movement in the rankings, while Tommy Fleetwood completes the top 10.
The latest update of the World Golf Ranking shows no changes at the top positions for American players. Scottie Scheffler holds his ground at rank 1 with an unchanged average point score. Xander Schauffele follows closely as the second-best American player at position 2, also with no change from last week.
Other American positions in the world golf rankings
The third, fourth, and fifth positions among American players are maintained by Collin Morikawa, Wyndham Clark, and Bryson DeChambeau, holding ranks 4, 6, and 9, respectively. Their positions show consistency with no movement compared to the previous week.
Top 10 of the current world golf rankings
Scottie Scheffler leads the world rankings, followed by Xander Schauffele and Rory McIlroy. The rest of the top 10, namely Ludvig Aberg, Viktor Hovland, Hideki Matsuyama, and others, show no shifts in their rankings, maintaining the status quo from the last update.
Charley Hull secured a victory on the LET using a full set of TaylorMade clubs. (Photo: flickr)
Starting the day two shots behind the overnight leader, and fellow Team TaylorMade staffer Pia Babnik, Hull continued her sparkling form for the event. Hull began her charge sinking five birdies in the first seven holes to continue her dominance of the front nine. Once Hull reached the summit of the leaderboard, she never looked like relinquishing control.
With a vital birdie on 12 and two further birdies on the back nine Hull concluded on the best round of the day (66). Throughout the tournament Hull showcased incredible shot making and total control with her TP5x golf ball and Qi10 LS driver in the breezy conditions, whilst also slotting in a number of clutch putts throughout the event with her TP Juno putter. This hot streak in Riyadh represents Hull’s second win an Aramco Team Series event following her success in New York in 2021 and has found her back at the top of the podium following a series of near misses over the past couple of seasons.
