Sam Burns' Caddie Identity Revealed
A Glimpse Into the Successful Partnership of Sam Burns and Travis Perkins
Fueled by passion and shared expertise, the dynamic duo of Sam Burns and Travis Perkins has been shining on the PGA Tour since Burns turned pro in 2019. A former golfer himself, Perkins, hailing from Lewis Center, Ohio, found his calling as Burns' caddie.
Driven by his childhood heroes Jack Nicklaus and Fred Couples, Perkins was an avid golfer from a young age. He showcased his talents at Florida Southern College before earning his PGA Tour card in 2008. Although his journey on the tour was marked with challenges, Perkins had a remarkable breakthrough as DA Points' caddie, helping him secure the victory at the 2013 Shell Houston Open.
Perkins' extensive experience extends to caddying for notable players such as Scott Piercy, Aaron Wise, Brandt Snedeker, and Cameron Tringale. He joined forces with Burns when the latter turned professional in 2017, and the partnership has proven fruitful.
The first major milestone for the duo came at the 2021 Valspar Championship, where Burns clinched his maiden PGA Tour win. Perkins attributed Burns' triumph to his exceptional play and outstanding putting skills, stating that his job was "just get him on the green."
Building on this victory, the pair secured two more wins that year at the Sanderson Farms Championship and two in 2022. In 2023, Burns added yet another trophy to their collection at the WGC-Match Play held at Austin Country Club.
Burns' success continued to grow, culminating in his wildcard selection for the US Ryder Cup team in 2023, where he had a record of 1-2-0. Despite a temporary dry spell in victories, Burns never wavered in his loyalty to Perkins, and the trust was well-placed as Burns began to shine in major events.
At the 2024 Open at Royal Troon, Burns secured a T9 finish, and at the 2025 US Open held at Oakmont, he held a one-shot lead heading into the final round.
The chemistry between Burns and Perkins is evident, with many praising Perkins' knowledge of the game and strategic mindset. A former college teammate of Perkins highlighted his capabilities, stating that "He really knows the game. I'm not surprised he is so successful as a caddie. Great players need a caddie who is detailed and calculated with a strong work ethic. He has all of those. Bottom line - he has everything to partner well with world-class PGA Players."
As the partnership between Burns and Perkins continues to evolve, it's clear that the best is yet to come for this dynamic duo.
Insight: Although specific earnings for Travis Perkins aren't publicly available, the generally accepted earnings structure for PGA Tour caddies places the average annual income from prize money at around $75,000, with some top performers taking home over $150,000. However, occasional bonuses for significant wins can significantly boost this figure.
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In addition to their PGA Tour success, Travis Perkins' earnings as a caddie are influenced by the structured prize money, with the average annual income estimated at around $75,000, and potential bonuses for significant wins augmenting this figure.
Off the course, Perkins' golfing journey began as a passionate player, emulating heroes Jack Nicklaus and Fred Couples, before securing his own PGA Tour card in 2008.
