The world of professional golf has seen remarkable changes recently, especially regarding player earnings and the growing financial stakes in the sport.
In 2022, Scottie Scheffler made history by earning a record $14 million during the PGA Tour regular season, which was a significant leap from Jon Rahm’s $7.7 million the previous year.
Scheffler didn’t stop there—his subsequent season saw him surpass $21 million, and as of now, he has exceeded $24 million with much of the season still left to play.
The overall prize money for the PGA Tour has also seen a considerable increase, driven by lucrative broadcasting deals and competition from leagues like LIV Golf, which has changed the golf landscape and its economics dramatically.
This article will explore who the top-earning golfers of 2024 are, highlighting their extraordinary achievements and the financial trends impacting the sport.
Jon Rahm
Jon Rahm currently holds the title of the top-earning golfer in 2024, with total earnings of $218 million as of the summer. Of this, $198 million comes from his performances on the golf course, while $20 million is generated off the course through sponsorships and endorsements.
At 29 years old, Rahm is making waves in the golf world, largely thanks to his switch to LIV Golf, a multi-year deal worth more than $300 million. This move left him without several key sponsors, but he recently extended his partnership with Blue Yonder, a digital supply chain company.
While Rahm continues to navigate his career in LIV, which includes a reduced schedule, he will get to play in all four major championships in the near future thanks to his Masters win in 2023.
Rory McIlroy
Rory McIlroy is the second-highest-earning golfer in 2024, with total earnings of $83 million. Out of this, $38 million comes from his on-course performances, while the remaining $45 million is from off-course ventures.
At 35 years old, McIlroy remains a prominent figure in golf, especially with his strong support for the PGA Tour amidst the divisions caused by LIV Golf. He recently expressed regret for his deep involvement in the ongoing issues surrounding the tours.
However, his business acumen shines through as he co-founded TMRW Sports alongside Tiger Woods and Mike McCarley, aiming to launch an innovative virtual golf league by 2025.
Additionally, his investment venture, Symphony Ventures, has backed promising companies like Puttery, Hyperice, and Whoop, showcasing his commitment to both the sport and business.
Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods ranks as the third-highest-earning golfer of 2024, with total earnings reaching $67 million. Out of this, only $12 million comes from his on-course performances, while an impressive $55 million is generated off the course through various endorsements and business deals.
At 48 years old, Woods remains a significant name in golf despite not playing as much golf as he used to. This year, he set a new record by making the cut at the Masters for the 24th time in a row, surpassing legends Gary Player and Fred Couples. However, his quest for a sixth Masters title did not go as planned, as he finished in 60th place this time around.
While Woods still would like to break Jack Nicklaus’ record of 18 major championships, most believe at his age and given his recent injuries, it is likely out of reach. However, Woods needs just one more PGA Tour win to break the all-time record for most victories. Woods and Sam Snead currently share the record with 82 PGA Tour wins.
Scottie Scheffler
Scottie Scheffler is fourth on the 2024 earnings list, bringing in a total of $61 million. He earned $41 million from his impressive play on the course and $20 million through endorsements and other off-course activities. On top of that, Scheffler just recently won the Fed Ex Cup, where he earned an additional $25 million in earnings and bonuses. Those earnings should be made official soon.
At just 28 years old, Scheffler holds the top spot in the World Golf Ranking. Although he faced some controversy this year—a traffic incident leading to an arrest during a trip to the PGA Championship—those charges were dropped after two weeks and have been all but forgotten. Outside of that, he dominated golf this year, winning the Masters, Olympics gold medal, Players Championship, and Tour Championship. With seven PGA Tour wins in six months, he is almost certain to be named the PGA Tour Player of the Year.
Scheffler remains focused on his game with many experts eyeing him when looking at golf odds for upcoming tournaments. Scheffler’s goal in 2025 is to continue to rack up major championships.
Cameron Smith
Cameron Smith is the fifth-highest earning golfer in 2024, with total earnings of $47 million. Of this, $43 million comes from his outstanding performances on the course, while $4 million is generated through off-course activities.
At just 31 years old, Smith’s decision to join LIV Golf has proven to be a smart financial move. He reportedly received a $100 million guarantee to switch tours, and in just three seasons with LIV, Smith has already earned nearly $40 million from prize money.
This amount is about $5 million more than his total career earnings on the PGA Tour over the past decade, showcasing his impressive success in the newer format of the game.
