Golf is a trillion-dollar trade in 2025, with a few of its prime athletes raking in 8-figures each on and off the course prior to now yr alone. Due to profitable sponsorships, contracts, and mammoth prize purses, gamers like Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Brooks Koepka have secured their place among the many world’s highest-paid athletes.
In 2023, as an example, the PGA Tour noticed revenues surpass $1.8 billion, with the 2024 Masters providing a complete prize pot of $20 million, of which Scottie Scheffler walked away with $3.6 million and the coveted inexperienced jacket.
One huge change within the panorama has been the rise of the LIV Golf League, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Funding Fund. This breakaway league, which began in 2022, has considerably altered the economics {of professional} golf. With a typical match purse now reaching $25 million, LIV’s deep-pocketed backing has pressured the PGA Tour to match these figures, pushing prize cash to new heights.
The truth is, the influence of LIV Golf is plain. By 2024, the league may have distributed almost $1.1 billion in prize cash and invested over $1 billion in participant ensures. Because the 2025 Masters tees off any day now, it’s clear that golf’s monetary scene has dramatically shifted.
In response to Forbes‘ annual record of the highest-paid athletes, the highest 10 golfers for 2024 earned a collective whole of $678 million earlier than taxes and agent charges.
It’s not simply the gamers who’re quids in relating to golf, both. These golf followers who’re accustomed to CardPlayers information to protected UK betting platforms will know that the betting scene surrounding golf is flourishing as effectively. Bettors routinely have entry to a spread of dependable on-line platforms for all main golf tournaments, giving them the chance to win huge, due to some profitable odds, all whereas following the type of their favorite gamers.
These gamers, who proceed to dominate each on and off the course, are a testomony to the spectacular monetary ecosystem surrounding the golf world.
So, with out additional ado, let’s take a look at them.
10. Dustin Johnson
Dustin Johnson, a two-time Main winner, made headlines when he moved to the LIV Golf League in 2022. With a reported $150 million contract, his yearly earnings have hovered round $37 million. Johnson has 24 PGA Tour victories underneath his belt.
9. Phil Mickelson
Mickelson, who joined the PGA Tour in 1992, has accrued over $1 billion in earnings all through his profession. In 2024, regardless of a quieter presence on the course, he earned $38 million. Mickelson has diversified his investments, together with co-founding the espresso firm For Wellness.
8. Viktor Hovland
The Norwegian golfer Viktor Hovland has seen his profession take off with a standout victory within the 2023 FedEx Cup, which earned him an $18 million bonus. His whole earnings for 2024 amounted to $40 million, with $7 million coming from off-course ventures.
7. Brooks Koepka
Brooks Koepka’s transfer to LIV Golf in 2022 has been profitable. The five-time main champion earned $43 million in 2024, with round $8 million coming from endorsements with manufacturers like Nike and Srixon.
6. Bryson DeChambeau
One other LIV golfer, DeChambeau has whole earnings of $44 million for 2024. Though his endorsement portfolio has shifted, he has grown his on-line presence, particularly along with his YouTube channel, which has almost 1.8 million subscribers.
5. Cameron Smith
Australian golfer Cameron Smith earned $47 million in 2024. Recognized for his victory on the 2022 Open Championship, Smith’s success continues each on the PGA Tour and LIV, the place he has made a major influence.
4. Scottie Scheffler
Scottie Scheffler, at present ranked because the world’s primary golfer, earned $61 million in 2024. With two main championships underneath his belt, together with the 2022 and 2024 Masters, Scheffler is among the highest-earning gamers on tour.
3. Tiger Woods
Though Woods has seen his prime years come and go, his earnings stay substantial. In 2024, he earned $67 million, bringing his whole profession earnings to almost $1.8 billion. Tiger Woods stays one of the vital recognizable names in golf.
2. Rory McIlroy
McIlroy earned $83 million in 2024, placing him in second place on the wealthy record. His profession earnings have exceeded $100 million, and his endorsement offers with main manufacturers like Nike and TaylorMade contribute considerably to his wealth.
1. Jon Rahm
Jon Rahm’s earnings for 2024 have reached $218 million, greater than doubling McIlroy’s earnings. His transfer to LIV Golf and the rumored $300 million deal have solidified his place because the highest-paid golfer of the yr.
