Essential Golf: A passion for the Game

Who Are Golf’s Biggest Spenders?

Who Are Golf's Biggest Spenders?

Golf is most times considered a sport of the wealthy. From purchasing custom-made gear and equipment from top brands like TaylorMade and Ping to owning private jets, you can’t entirely miss out on the affluent aspect of the golfing world, even in movies. Pro golfers score millions of dollars from winning top tournaments and attract more revenue from endorsements by top-tier companies offering products like energy drinks and sporting equipment.

No wonder renowned golfers live lavishly, owning sprawling mansions and vast real estate portfolios, driving high-end cars, collecting expensive art and watches, and even owning wineries. Below we look at some of golf’s biggest spenders and wealthiest players and how they choose to splash their mega millions. Their luxury lifestyles will make you want to improve your swing and take a shot at the big league.

5 of the World’s Richest Players

Tiger Woods (PGA TOUR Earnings: $120,895,206)

Ever since Tiger Woods went pro in 1996, he has smiled to the bank, from his countless tournament wins and high-level endorsements from companies like Nike, Titleist, Gatorade, Gillette, and American Express. For instance, in two separate deals, Tiger earned $140 million from his partnership with Nike from 1997 to 2005. The sports drink company Gatorade also developed a custom drink for the star, “Gatorade Tiger, ” which saw the golfer earn $100 million in 5 years.

Woods is worth billions, which sees him enjoy luxuries that many athletes only imagine. Some of the golfer’s investments include a massive oceanfront estate sitting on 12 acres of land in Jupiter, Florida, valued upwards of $70 million. The magnificent property boasts a practice golf course, four swimming pools, and an oxygen-therapy room, among other amenities. Tiger’s other assets include a Gulfstream G550 private jet worth $54 million, a $25 million yacht named “Privacy,” and a lucrative worldwide course design business earning him at least $10 million per golf course designed. This makes him one of golf’s biggest spenders.

Dustin Johnson (PGA TOUR Earnings: $74.900,000)

Known for being one of the most skilled golfers the game has ever seen, Dustin Johnson has collected several victories that have aided his rise in the sport and become one of the highest earners in the history of the game. Victories in tournaments including the 2016 U.S. Open and the 2020 Masters have boosted his reputation and overall worth.

Johnson has recently joined the Saudi-backed LIV Golf league and that has only sky-rocketed his earnings. It was reported that he was paid $125 million to join the league. Off the course, Johnson has continued to gain wealth through a number of endorsements. Companies sponsoring Johnson include Adidas, BodyArmor, Hublot, and TaylorMade and it is believed that the American roughly earns $11 million through all his sponsors.

Jim Furyk (PGA TOUR Earnings: $71,507,269)

After turning pro in 1992, Jim Furyk has been one of the most consistent and popular golfers in recent generation. His 20 career victories on the PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions means he has racked up millions of dollars through prize money. Nicknamed by many of his fans as “The Businessman”, Furyk has a number of properties in the U.S. Mainly situated in Florida, he has properties in Tampa Bay and Miami worth approximately $5 million.

In terms of earnings, the 2005-06 season was his peak, after he earned a total of $7,213,316 in prize money. He has also gained riches through a large amount of high-level sponsorships and endorsements. Over the years, he has linked up with companies including Oak Brook, Constellation Energy, Johnny Walker and 5-Hour Energy, all of which has helped increased his wealth significantly.

Vijay Singh (PGA TOUR Earnings: $71, 236,216)

The Fijian is one of the most wealthiest non-American PGA TOUR golfers to come from the sport. His 34 career victories, including three major championships has helped him attain millions. His most successful years in terms of earnings came in 2003, 2004 and 2008 where he was the leading PGA TOUR earner. In addition to his achievements on the course, he has supplemented his golf income with millions of dollars from various brand endorsements.

Singh has spent his earnings on various things but his main focus outside of the sport has been real estate. In 2008, Vijay purchased a 50+ acre compound on Hawaii’s Big Island for $5.5 million. The estate features a mile of oceanfront, 10 acres of Macadamia nut trees, and never-ending lawns. In June of 2022 Vijay put this home up for sale for $23 million. In 2009, it was reported that Singh had bought a condo in Lincoln Square, New York. The residence cost $5.675 million. The four-bedroom condo spans 3,369 square feet and features highlights such as a wood-burning stove and a 1,463-foot terrace.

Rory McIlroy (PGA TOUR Earnings: $68,064,549)

One of the game’s best players in recent times, Rory McIlroy was destined to be on this list. He has had one of the most successful careers of any golfer meaning he has earned a stunning amount of money. McIlroy’s biggest payday of his career came recently following his victory at the 2022 Tour Championship where he received more than $100 million in on-course earnings.

And it is not just the course where he has been accumulating his money. Another reason why he is one of the most recognizable names in golf is due to the plethora of sponsorships he’s part of. It is estimated that he makes $34 million a year in endorsements alone with the list including high-profile companies such as Nike, TaylorMade, and Omega. His deal with Nike was rumored to be worth as much as $200 million.