In the world of professional golf, wins on the course can define careers—but increasingly, it’s the deals made off the course that build lasting fortunes. As the sport continues to evolve, the endorsement game has become a fierce arena of its own. In 2025, a combination of talent, brand savvy and global reach is determining who’s truly winning the off-course game.
We delve into the current state of golf endorsements, the big earners, rising stars, brand shifts, and LIV Golf’s impact on how players monetize their personas.
The Top Earners in 2025
The top tier of endorsement earners in golf is still dominated by a few familiar names but the numbers behind the deals are getting bigger.
Tiger Woods – The Timeless Icon
Even in 2025, no golfer has a bigger off-course presence than Tiger Woods. Though his on-course appearances are limited due to age and injury, Woods’ endorsement empire is massive. With lifetime deals from Nike and TaylorMade plus equity stakes in Full Swing and PopStroke his annual off-course earnings are estimated to be over $70 million. His involvement in TGL (Tomorrow’s Golf League) and business ventures keeps him relevant in sports and entertainment circles.
Rory McIlroy – The Face of Traditional Golf
Rory is a powerhouse on the leaderboard and in the boardroom. His long-standing partnerships with Nike, Omega and TaylorMade are still going strong and his public stance on the PGA Tour during the LIV controversy has made him even more marketable to legacy brands. McIlroy’s endorsement portfolio estimated at $40-50 million a year benefits from his articulate media presence and global appeal.
Scottie Scheffler – Dominance Converts to Dollars
Scheffler’s dominance over the last two seasons – including multiple major wins – has translated into big endorsement money. With deals from Nike (which resumed full golf apparel production in late 2024), Titleist (for his wedges) and Rolex he’s become a go-to guy for premium brands. Scottie’s clean-cut image and calm demeanor is what sponsors are looking for in a steady, family-oriented ambassador.
New Blood: Rising Stars in the Endorsement Game
Ludvig Åberg – Europe’s New Star
He’s been a sensation since 2023. With a swing that’s picture perfect and fluent English he’s a darling for European and global brands. Deals with Adidas, Titleist and Rolex have propelled him up the ranks while Swedish companies like H&M and Volvo are said to be looking at long term partnerships. His youth and global profile make him a great candidate for brand storytelling and social media activation.
Nelly Korda – Women’s Golf and Branding
On the women’s side, Nelly Korda is the queen of endorsements in 2025. She’s not just winning tournaments—she’s getting attention from blue chip brands like Nike, Delta and Rolex. With a swing as smooth as her camera presence, Korda’s star power has raised the profile of women’s golf. She now earns over $10 million off the course, a record for the LPGA.
Tom Kim – Youth and Global
The South Korean phenom is getting traction with brands targeting Gen Z. Known for his personality and high energy, Tom Kim has deals with Nike, Samsung and Beats by Dre. His social media following especially on TikTok and Instagram has grown rapidly and he’s a magnet for brands looking to reach younger, more diverse golf fans.