Revealed: which golf stars rank in the 11 highest paid athletes of all-time?
The world of sports is one of the most lucrative, with mammoth contracts, prize purses and eye-watering endorsements.
When it comes to the highest-paid athletes in the world, most people think of footballers, American basketball stars or heavyweight boxers.
But golf? It’s becoming more now than ever, a serious moneymaker.
Trophies are not the sole motivation for the modern golfer, with monster cheques, sponsorships, and global exposure current benefits of success in the sport.
The modern commercial value of the sport is jaw-dropping, with personality and charisma on the course now profitable in social media fame and appearances.
So, which golfers have made their way into the top 11 earners in sport?
Let’s dive in and take a closer look…
11. Phil Mickelson – £1.12B
One of golf’s most successful figures and the one iconic ‘lefty’. Phil Mickelson has earned £1.12B through tournament winnings courtesy of six Major titles and 45 PGA Tour wins, as well as a wide array of endorsements.
His jump to LIV Golf also significantly added to his wealth, and his brand has remained strong thanks to his appeal and media canniness.
10. Roger Federer – £1.20B
One of tennis’s most recognised and graceful players, Federer’s endorsements with Uniqlo, Nike, Rolex and Wilson have far outstripped his tennis tournament earnings.
Quiet business moves and equity deals helped him become a billionaire and a model for post-career success.
9. Floyd Mayweather – £1.22B
Undefeated boxing champion, Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather, was famously in charge of his own promotions, allowing him to keep the bulk of his pay-per-view revenue.
His blockbuster fights and late career exhibitions were instrumental in earning his more than adequate post-boxing retirement fund.
8. David Beckham – £1.28B
David Beckham’s skills were strong, but his global appeal was the cash cow, his globetrotting career making him a hero around the world.
Beyond his huge Manchester United, Real Madrid and MLS salaries, he cultivated a brand built upon style and luxury. His earnings came through endorsements, business ventures and his ownership of Inter Miami CF.
7. Jack Nicklaus – £1.36B
Another golfing legend on the list, Jack Nicklaus, won a record 18 Major titles and a consequent business brand.
Since his retirement, golf course design has been at the centre of his business ventures, with licensing deals under his name.
He earned his fortune while maintaining a towering presence as one of the greats in golf.
6= Arnold Palmer – £1.44B
Long before athlete endorsements were mainstream, golf legend Arnold Palmer was a pioneer in sports athlete branding.
Beyond his wins on the course, Palmer created a business empire with licensing deals, a successful drinks company and, like Nicklaus, course design.
The two stand out in the list as making large earnings in a time when sport was not as lucrative as today.
6= Lionel Messi – £1.44B
One of the greatest footballers ever, Lionel Messi, earned huge salaries at Barcelona and now at Inter Miami.
He has long been the face of Adidas Football and Pepsi, as well as countless global brands cashing in on his marketability.
6= LeBron James – £1.44B
LeBron James is not only a four-time NBA champion but also a proven businessman.
Endorsements from Nike and investments in companies like Blaze Pizza and a stake in Spring Hill Entertainment and Liverpool FC, his off-court moves have been as successful as his basketball career.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo – £1.76B
Ronaldo’s immense football talent, marketability and massive social media following turned him into a huge global brand.
Massive contracts from Real Madrid and Al-Nassr have made him a commercial powerhouse in sport.
2. Tiger Woods – £2.16B
Tiger Woods revolutionised golf with his utter dominance and charisma, earning millions in tournament wins and endorsements.
Major deals with Nike and global brands and the introduction of his new Sunday Red have contributed to his staggering wealth while remaining active on the PGA Tour.
1. Michael Jordan – £3.28B
Often regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, Jordan built his fortune not just through NBA contracts but mainly through endorsements.
His famous Nike Air Jordan brand and previous ownership stake in the Charlotte Hornets made him the first athlete to surpass £3 billion in career earnings.
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