Golf is among the richest sports in the world providing fans with the conception of every golfer earning 6 figures easily, but is that the reality? While Tiger Woods has proved everything true with his whopping earnings throughout his exceptional career. But that is also due to him winning the highest number of tours in his career, sharing first place with Sam Snead with 82 titles, including 15 majors. But what about other players on the PGA Tour, do they earn enough? This question has been with the fans for a long time now.
PGA Tour players make enough money, but when compared to Tiger Woods, it is something that would shock everyone. PGA Tour players are paid enough, but at times it is seen that players when asked about their earnings have shown disappointment. Andrew Coltart, a former professional, shared the details about some players’ disappointed tone. However, when looking at the top earnings of the players, it has been pretty high. For example, Scottie Scheffler’s 2022 earnings were more than $10 million. Even Jon Rahm topped the list in 2021 with more than $7 million. Talking about the disappointment of players Rory McIlroy said, “anyone that says we’re underpaid ‘needs their head examined.”
As compared to the year’s earnings toppers, Tiger Woods has surpassed everyone in earnings and even gave a reality check to other players about the earning potential of being a PGA Tour player. Now, with the Player Impact Program rewarding players to generate interest in the tour, the earnings have increased multiplefold. Unlike the old times, players are now paid much more than before the program.
Tiger Woods had been playing way before the Player Impact Program; without it, he earned a whopping $12.2 million in 2007. The major contributor to his earnings is PGA Tour wins. He has surpassed every other golfer due to his exceptional performance during the peak of his career. Even after the program, in 2022 Tiger Woods earned $15 million.
According to a social media post shared by Golf Digest, he earned $4,180 per shot in 2008. This is not a regular earning figure per shot, he peaked his earnings in 2008 but on average, he earned more than $1500 per shot (As per the chart of 1996-2017). His great winning career has helped him with a net worth of $1.3 billion. Though, after 2020, he could only earn no more than $100,000. He has still managed to keep the money flowing with endorsement deals. As compared to other golfers his earnings are still way higher.
PGA Tour player earnings compared to Tiger Woods
PGA Tour players’ earnings widely depend upon their performance on the tour. If you look at the list of players earning, it cannot be judged by just the winner’s money. In 2021, the average earnings were $1,485,055. The figure looks healthy but has a shady side as well. If the players are not finishing well in the tournament, they will be getting way less than compared to the toppers list. For reference, Parker McLachlan, in 2021 played nine tournaments but earned only $6,090.
The PGA Tour offers great earnings if the players manage to secure a position in double digits. As per the data shared by Golf Monthly, more than 200 players have earned six figures or above and even 124 players made more than $1 million. The amount that is being offered with each tour or even at the Majors is decent for every player. However, it will depend on the performance. The success and earnings of the player come down to the performance. Yet, as compared to Tiger Woods, it is still unmatched. It would be great to watch if anyone could surpass him. Will there be any player who could match the earnings of Tiger Woods? What do you think about the PGA Tour players earning? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
