World’s highest-paid golfers revealed in new rich list

No fewer than eight golfers are inside the top 50 highest-paid athletes in the world, according to new data.

Sportico has released its latest sports rich list, comparing the wealthiest athletes of all time through the end of 2024.

The list combined for $53.2 billion when adjusted for inflation and $37.7 billion on a nominal basis and is made up of athletes from eight different sports and 16 countries.

Whilst basketball legend Michael Jordan leads the way, Tiger Woods ranks next best – and heads the golfers – with his $1.91 billion fortune.

Woods’ inflated-adjusted earnings of $2.79 billion rank him second, however, with Arnold Palmer sixth ($1.82 billion) and Jack Nicklaus seventh ($1.75 billion) the only others inside the top ten.

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Phil Mickelson ranks 11th ($1.49 billion) and Greg Norman ranks 15th ($1.14 billion) before a whole host of sports stars conclude the top 20.

Next is new Masters champion and one of only six players to complete the career grand slam, Rory McIlroy. He banked $4.2 million for his Green Jacket win this month, a mere bonus towards his total of $770 million, which ranks him 24th.

South African pair Ernie Els and Gary Player complete the eight-strong lineup, with earnings of $685 million and $670 million, respectively. It places Els 35th and Player 37th.

With eight players on the list, golfers accounted for the second highest amount from one sport. Only basketball, with 13, featured more.

Sportico’s top 50 doesn’t factor in investment income or equity stakes, while it says estimates are based on conversations with industry insiders, Sportico research and historical estimates.

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Earnings include salaries, bonuses, prize money, purses, endorsements, licensing, royalties, memorabilia, book deals, media, appearance fees and golf course design fees.

The earnings were included during playing careers and in retirement through 2024 and adjusted them for inflation.

For Arnold Palmer, his earnings were calculated up until he died in 2016.

“Golfers benefit from decades-long careers, and the sport’s biggest stars remain popular pitchmen long after their biggest victories,” the report said.

“Arnold Palmer still earned nearly $40 million a year off his name and brand when he died in 2016 at 87.

“Woods has only won three golf tournaments since 2013, with the last in 2019, but he still earns more than $60 million per year.”

You can see the full list here.

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Tryst Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.