Golf is a trillion-dollar industry in 2025, with some of its top athletes raking in 8-figures both on and off the course in the past year alone. Thanks to lucrative sponsorships, contracts, and mammoth prize purses, players like Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Brooks Koepka have secured their place among the world’s highest-paid athletes.
In 2023, for instance, the PGA Tour saw revenues surpass $1.8 billion, with the 2024 Masters offering a total prize pot of $20 million, of which Scottie Scheffler walked away with $3.6 million and the coveted green jacket.
One big change in the landscape has been the rise of the LIV Golf League, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. This breakaway league, which started in 2022, has significantly altered the economics of professional golf. With a typical tournament purse now reaching $25 million, LIV’s deep-pocketed backing has forced the PGA Tour to match these figures, pushing prize money to new heights.
In fact, the impact of LIV Golf is undeniable. By 2024, the league will have distributed nearly $1.1 billion in prize money and invested over $1 billion in player guarantees. As the 2025 Masters tees off any day now, it’s clear that golf’s financial scene has dramatically shifted.
According to Forbes‘ annual list of the highest-paid athletes, the top 10 golfers for 2024 earned a collective total of $678 million before taxes and agent fees.
It’s not just the players who are quids in when it comes to golf, either. Those golf fans who are familiar with CardPlayers guide to safe UK betting platforms will know that the betting scene surrounding golf is thriving as well. Bettors routinely have access to a range of reliable online platforms for all major golf tournaments, giving them the opportunity to win big, thanks to some lucrative odds, all while following the form of their favourite players.
These players, who continue to dominate both on and off the course, are a testament to the impressive financial ecosystem surrounding the golf world.
So, without further ado, let’s look at them.
10. Dustin Johnson
Dustin Johnson, a two-time Major winner, made headlines when he moved to the LIV Golf League in 2022. With a reported $150 million contract, his yearly earnings have hovered around $37 million. Johnson has 24 PGA Tour victories under his belt.
9. Phil Mickelson
Mickelson, who joined the PGA Tour in 1992, has accumulated over $1 billion in earnings throughout his career. In 2024, despite a quieter presence on the course, he earned $38 million. Mickelson has diversified his investments, including co-founding the coffee company For Wellness.
8. Viktor Hovland
The Norwegian golfer Viktor Hovland has seen his career take off with a standout victory in the 2023 FedEx Cup, which earned him an $18 million bonus. His total earnings for 2024 amounted to $40 million, with $7 million coming from off-course ventures.
7. Brooks Koepka
Brooks Koepka’s move to LIV Golf in 2022 has been lucrative. The five-time major champion earned $43 million in 2024, with around $8 million coming from endorsements with brands like Nike and Srixon.
6. Bryson DeChambeau
Another LIV golfer, DeChambeau has total earnings of $44 million for 2024. Although his endorsement portfolio has shifted, he has grown his online presence, especially with his YouTube channel, which has nearly 1.8 million subscribers.
5. Cameron Smith
Australian golfer Cameron Smith earned $47 million in 2024. Known for his victory at the 2022 Open Championship, Smith’s success continues both on the PGA Tour and LIV, where he has made a significant impact.
4. Scottie Scheffler
Scottie Scheffler, currently ranked as the world’s number one golfer, earned $61 million in 2024. With two major championships under his belt, including the 2022 and 2024 Masters, Scheffler is one of the highest-earning players on tour.
3. Tiger Woods
Although Woods has seen his prime years come and go, his earnings remain substantial. In 2024, he earned $67 million, bringing his total career earnings to nearly $1.8 billion. Tiger Woods remains one of the most recognizable names in golf.
2. Rory McIlroy
McIlroy earned $83 million in 2024, putting him in second place on the rich list. His career earnings have exceeded $100 million, and his endorsement deals with major brands like Nike and TaylorMade contribute significantly to his wealth.
1. Jon Rahm
Jon Rahm’s earnings for 2024 have reached $218 million, more than doubling McIlroy’s earnings. His move to LIV Golf and the rumored $300 million deal have solidified his place as the highest-paid golfer of the year.
