Professional Sport Psychology Retainers
- Dr Paul McCarthy
- Aug 26
- 3 min read
TYPICAL RETAINER STRUCTURES
STANDARD TIER STRUCTURE
Tier Level | Monthly Fee | Annual Fee | Typical Client |
Platinum | $8,000-15,000 | $75,000-150,000 | Top 50 world-ranked players |
Gold | $5,000-8,000 | $50,000-80,000 | PGA/LPGA Tour established players |
Silver | $3,000-5,000 | $30,000-50,000 | Tour players/Korn Ferry Tour |
Bronze | $1,500-3,000 | $15,000-30,000 | Developmental tours/Elite amateurs |
Foundation | $800-1,500 | $8,000-15,000 | Qualifying school/Elite collegiate |
SERVICES INCLUDED BY RETAINER LEVEL
PLATINUM RETAINER
Unlimited 24/7 access (calls, texts, video consultations)
Full tournament support (15-25 events annually)
Weekly scheduled sessions (in-person or virtual)
Customized mental skills program with quarterly reviews
On-site tournament preparation (practice rounds)
Pre-shot routine development and refinement
Tournament strategy mapping for all venues
Crisis management and immediate intervention
Coordination with player’s team (coach, caddie, manager)
Family integration sessions (work-life balance)
Exclusive relationship (no work with direct competitors)
Major championship intensive preparation
Biofeedback and advanced technology integration
Quarterly performance reviews and program adjustment
GOLD RETAINER
Priority access (response within 2 hours)
Tournament support (10-15 events annually)
Bi-weekly scheduled sessions
Customized mental skills program with semi-annual reviews
Tournament preparation (limited on-site availability)
Performance routines development
Strategy planning for priority tournaments
Team integration (monthly coordination calls)
Semi-annual performance reviews
Major championship preparation
Limited exclusivity (category protection)
SILVER RETAINER
Scheduled access (response within 24 hours)
Tournament support (5-8 events annually)
Weekly scheduled sessions
Standardized mental skills program with customization
Remote tournament preparation
Basic routine development
Quarterly performance reviews
Limited major championship preparation
No exclusivity guarantee
BRONZE RETAINER
Regular access (scheduled communication)
Tournament support (2-4 events annually)
Bi-weekly scheduled sessions
Standardized mental skills program
Remote support during competitions
Basic performance routines
Semi-annual performance reviews
FOUNDATION RETAINER
Scheduled access only
Remote tournament support only
Monthly scheduled sessions
Basic mental skills development
Annual performance review
Group workshops (with other clients)
PAYMENT STRUCTURES
ANNUAL PAYMENT OPTION
Full payment in advance
Typically offers 5-10% discount
Most common with established players
Often aligned with season planning
QUARTERLY PAYMENT OPTION
Four equal payments
May include small premium (2-5%)
Popular with mid-tier players
Allows for quarterly program adjustments
MONTHLY PAYMENT OPTION
Twelve equal payments
May include premium (5-10%)
Common with developing players
Provides flexibility for both parties
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
PERFORMANCE BONUSES
Tournament Wins: Additional 5-15% of winning purse
Major Championships: Additional 3-10% of winning purse
World Ranking Improvements: Tiered bonuses for reaching ranking milestones
Season-Long Performance: Year-end bonus for achieving pre-determined goals
CONTRACT TERMS
Duration: Typically 1-3 years
Renewal Options: Often include automatic renewal clauses
Termination Clauses: 30-90 day notice periods
Exclusivity Provisions: Preventing work with direct competitors
Confidentiality Agreements: Standard in all contracts
Travel Expense Handling: Usually separate from retainer fees
SCOPE LIMITATIONS
Clear definition of services included/excluded in sport psychology retainers
Additional fee structures for services beyond retainer
Emergency support protocols
Off-season availability specifications
Substitute provider arrangements if primary psychologist unavailable
FACTORS AFFECTING RETAINER RATES
Sport Psychologist’s Reputation & Experience
Track record with elite players
Published work and research
Media presence and industry standing
Years of experience in professional golf
Player’s Status & Requirements
World ranking and tour status
Career stage (developing vs. established)
Competitive schedule intensity
Specific mental performance needs
Scope of Services
Number of tournament days
Availability requirements
Exclusivity demands
Technology integration needs
Geographic Considerations
Travel requirements
International tournaments
Home base proximity
Time zone accommodations
Market Conditions
Demand for elite sport psychologists
Industry standard rates
Economic factors in golf industry
Competitor pricing
EXAMPLE SPORT PSYCHOLOGY RETAINERS AGREEMENT OUTLINE
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
BETWEEN:
[Sport Psychologist Name/Company]
AND
[Professional Golfer Name]
TERM: January 1, 2026 - December 31, 2026
RETAINER FEE: $75,000 annually
PAYMENT SCHEDULE: Quarterly payments of $18,750
SERVICES INCLUDED:
- Weekly video consultation sessions (52 annually)
- On-site support at 12 tournaments (3 days each)
- 24/7 phone/text access during competition weeks
- Monthly performance reviews and program adjustments
- Major championship preparation (all 4 majors)
- Coordination with coaching team (monthly calls)
- Custom mental skills development program
- Pre-tournament strategy planning
PERFORMANCE BONUSES:
- Tournament Win: 5% of winner's purse
- Major Championship Win: 7% of winner's purse
- Year-End World Ranking Improvement: [Tiered Structure]
EXPENSES:
- Travel, accommodation, and on-site expenses billed separately
- Monthly expense reports and approval process
CONFIDENTIALITY:
- All sessions and information strictly confidential
- Media discussion limitations
- Data security provisions
TERMINATION:
- 60-day written notice by either party
- Pro-rated refund for prepaid services
