Net Worth: $1.3 billion (source)
As the titan of the golfing world, Tiger Woods stands tall with a net worth of over $1 billion. Dominating the sport, Woods has 110 career wins and spent 683 weeks as No. 1 in the world. Accumulating wealth through numerous contract deals and high-profile endorsements with giants like Nike, his 2019 Masters victory marked a major comeback. Despite rejecting a lucrative "high nine digits" offer from LIV Golf, Woods achieved billionaire status in 2022. With his thriving business empire under TGR, encompassing ventures from golf course design to upscale dining, he continues influencing both the greens and the business scene.
- Birthplace: Cypress, California
- Nationality: American
Net Worth: $1 billion (source)
Acknowledged as the first true superstar of golf, Arnold Palmer's career amassed him a net worth of $1 billion. With 62 PGA Tour titles and seven Majors under his belt, he became a trailblazer for enormous endorsement deals. Known as "The King," he earned just $3.6 million in tournament winnings but built upon that through sponsorships, licensing, and his Arnold Palmer Design Company. Even posthumously, his estate earned $40 million in 2017 alone. As part of the iconic "Big Three" - alongside Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player - Palmer's influence forever transformed professional golf into the lucrative sport it is today. (He also lent his name to a refreshing iced tea-lemonade drink!)
- Birthplace: Latrobe, USA, Pennsylvania
- Nationality: United States of America
Net Worth: $400-$900M (source)
Elevating his status as a golf legend, Phil Mickelson (AKA "Lefty") boasts a net worth near $900 million. His career includes six Major titles and 45 PGA Tour wins. The golf superstar raked in over $96 million in prize money and a staggering $9 million from the "Tiger vs. Phil" showdown. His enormous wealth is further amplified by lucrative endorsement deals from brands like Rolex and ExxonMobil, including a reported $200 million bonus from joining the LIV Tour. Establishing pre-tax career earnings exceeding $1 billion, Mickelson continues to secure his place as one of golf's wealthiest and most influential figures. Despite a hiccup with insider trading allegations, his charm and skill make him a timeless icon in golf’s golden realm.
- Birthplace: USA, California, San Diego
- Nationality: United States of America
Net Worth: $400M (source)
With a net worth of $400 million, Jack Nicklaus's career is legendary. He cemented his place in golf history with 18 Major wins, including six coveted Masters titles. Despite earning millions from tournament prizes, his true fortune lies in endorsement deals and business ventures, like his mega-successful golf course design company Nicklaus Design. The Golden Bear's numerous sponsorships, from Rolex to Arizona Beverage Company, coupled with his literary pursuits and ventures in clothing and wine, have further solidified his wealth. Nicklaus's impact isn't just in past victories, but in a legacy that continually shapes the sport.
- Birthplace: Upper Arlington, USA, Ohio
- Nationality: United States of America
Net Worth: $400M (source)
Dubbed the "Great White Shark," Greg Norman boasts a net worth of $400 million, a testament to his impressive career and sharp business acumen. Despite clinching only two Major victories, his 331-week reign as world No. 1 further solidified his legend. Norman's riches aren't just from the greens; his entrepreneurial ventures through the Greg Norman Company span real estate and golf course design. Post-retirement, his ventures - including a namesake apparel line and wine production - have thrived. Endorsements with brands like Cobra Golf and contracts with LIV Golf Investments further bolster his financial empire. In 2021, Norman became CEO of LIV Golf Investments, a pivotal role in the Saudi-backed tour.
- Birthplace: Mount Isa, Australia
- Nationality: Australia
Net Worth: $250M (source)
Amassing a net worth of $250 million, Gary Player's career transcends the sport itself. Known as "The Black Knight," he conquered the golf world with over 150 professional tournament wins, including all four Majors. His 60-year career, though only netting $14 million in prize money, saw exponential growth through shrewd business moves. His Gary Player Design company has crafted nearly 400 golf courses globally. Off the greens, his brand partnerships include heavyweights like Callaway, Rolex, and SAP. His businesses, all under Black Knight International, range from golf academies to real estate, perpetuating his influence far beyond the fairway.
- Birthplace: Johannesburg, South Africa
- Nationality: South Africa
