Check out our comprehensive look at the Top 20 highest earning golfers of all time. This illustrious list includes names such as Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Phil Mickelson and Scottie Scheffler to name but a few.
Top 20 Highest Earnings Golfers Of All Time
Golf. A sport rich in tradition and prestige, has produced some of the wealthiest athletes in history. From lucrative tournament winnings to endorsement deals, the financial rewards for top players are immense.
This article explores the Top 20 highest earning golfers of all time, highlighting their careers and contributions to the sport.
This list includes some of the biggest and best names in world golf over the past few decades. The great Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Phil Mickelson are just some of the names that feature on this list, but who else makes the cut (pardon the pun)?
It is worth noting that this list of the Top 20 highest earning golfers of all time does not include any earnings in non PGA/European Tour events. This includes any earnings from LIV Golf and other non-PGA Tour qualifying events.
So without further ado, here is the Top 20 list of the highest earning golfers of all time, per PGA Tour.
20. Zach Johnson – $49,052,873
Zach Johnson’s steady play and strong work ethic have made him a consistent performer on the PGA Tour.
With major victories at the Masters and the Open Championship, Johnson’s career earnings reflect his ability to compete at the highest level.
19. Ernie Els – $49,385,600
Ernie Els, also know as the ‘Big Easy’, is celebrated for his smooth swing and calm demeanour. With four major championships, including two U.S. Open titles, Els has left a lasting legacy in golf.
His success across international tournaments has significantly contributed to his impressive earnings, hence why he features on this list of some of the highest earning golfers to ever live.
18. Rickie Fowler – $50,695,281
Rickie Fowler, known for his distinctive style and charismatic personality, has become a fan favourite.
While still seeking his first major victory, Fowler’s consistent performances and marketability have made him one of the top earners in golf.
17. Jon Rahm – $51,603,815
Jon Rahm, a powerhouse from Spain, quickly rose to prominence with his aggressive play and competitive spirit.
Winning the U.S. Open in 2021 marked a major milestone in his career, solidifying his status among golf’s elite and boosting his earnings. He has since won The Masters, not to mention defecting to the LIV Golf tour where he has earned multiple nine figures.
16. Sergio Garcia – $54,985,969
Sergio Garcia, a charismatic and fiery competitor, captured the hearts of fans with his long-awaited Masters victory in 2017. His resilience and skill across decades have ensured his place among the highest earners in the sport.
Since his major triumph, the Spaniard has also moved to LIV Golf, where he has continued to play some stellar golf. Although certainly past his best now, he remains one of the highest earning golfers and best players to have ever graced the course.
15. Hideki Matsuyama – $55,422,165
Hideki Matsuyama made history as the first Japanese player to win a men’s major championship at the Masters in 2021.
Known for his precision and calm demeanour, Matsuyama’s success has made him a significant figure in golf, both in terms of earnings and global influence.
14. Xander Schauffele – $57,295,645
Xander Schauffele has established himself as a consistent contender in major championships.
Known for his strong all-around game and mental toughness, Schauffele’s performances have not only earned him titles but also substantial financial rewards.
13. Justin Thomas – $59,705,364
Justin Thomas, with his explosive talent and competitive drive, has quickly become one of golf’s brightest stars.
Twice winning the PGA Championship, along with numerous other titles, Thomas’s earnings reflect his prowess and popularity on the tour.
12. Matt Kuchar – $60,228,357
Matt Kuchar, known for his consistency and sportsmanship, has been a fixture on the PGA Tour for the best part of two decades.
While a major title has so far eluded him, Kuchar’s steady performances and top finishes have kept him among the sport’s top earners. This shows that consistency week in, week out, is most definitely financially rewarded on the PGA Tour.
11. Jason Day – $61,131,363
Former world number one Jason Day has overcome personal challenges to achieve great success on the course. His victory at the PGA Championship in 2015 and strong performances in other majors highlight his career, contributing to his substantial earnings.
The Australian just misses out on the Top 10, but remains one of the highest earning golfers to have ever picked up a club. Not only that, but he has won a major and various tournaments worldwide, making it a career to remember on the golf course so far.
10. Jordan Spieth – $62,741,970
Kicking off the Top 10 highest earning golfers of all time is three-time major championship winner Jordan Spieth.
The American golf star burst onto the scene with a remarkable run of success, including victories at the Masters, US Open, and The Open Championship. Known for his clutch putting and mental toughness, Spieth’s earnings reflect his impact on the sport.
9. Justin Rose – $64,878,042
Justin Rose, an Olympic gold medallist and major champion, has been a model of consistency on the PGA Tour for over two decades. His precision and dedication to the game have earned him a place among the highest earners, with victories spanning the globe.
Rose has been an ever-present over the years at the top end of leaderboards, not to mention some sensational performances at the Ryder Cup. His Olympic Gold Medal was also a historic one, becoming the first golfer in history to achieve the feat.
8. Adam Scott – $67,956,165
Adam Scott, renowned for his smooth swing and impeccable style, made history in 2013 as the first Australian to win the Masters. His consistent performances across top tournaments have ensured his place among golf’s elite earners.
Although in the later stages of his career now, Scott remains a consistent performer and continues to feature at the top of leaderboards on the PGA Tour on a regular basis.
7. Vijay Singh – $71,281,216
Vijay Singh, a dominant force in the early 2000s, is known for his work ethic and powerful game.
With three major victories and numerous PGA Tour wins, Singh’s career earnings highlight his long-standing impact on the sport.
6. Jim Furyk – $71,507,269
Jim Furyk, famous for his unorthodox swing and gritty determination, has been a consistent presence on the PGA Tour. His steady play and major championship victory at the US Open in 2003 have cemented his place among golf’s top earners.
Furyk is of course a previous winner of the season-long FedEx Cup too, hence why he features so far up this list of the highest earning golfers of all time.
5. Scottie Scheffler – $71,793,586
Scottie Scheffler has quickly made a name for himself with his dynamic play and strategic brilliance. His recent successes on the PGA Tour have catapulted him into the ranks of the highest earners, showcasing his potential for future dominance.
Do not be surprised to see Scheffler continue to climb this list in the coming years. Some golf fans are talking about him as the new Tiger Woods, and you certainly wouldn’t put it past him overtaking the 15-time major champion in prize money by the end of his own career.
4. Dustin Johnson – $75,466,806
Dustin Johnson, known for his athleticism and long drives, has achieved remarkable success, including major victories at both the US Open in 2016 and the Masters in 2020. His dominance on the course is reflected in his impressive earnings, making him one of the sport’s leading figures.
Johnson’s earnings have dried up on the PGA Tour over the past few years since his move to LIV Golf. He only plays in the majors now on the PGA Tour, but continues to earning multi-millions on the Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour.
3. Rory McIlroy – $90,989,348
Rory McIlroy, with his explosive talent and charismatic presence, has captivated golf fans worldwide. He is widely regarded as one of the most naturally gifted players to ever pick up a golf club, as well as being one of the most famous and highest earning golfers of all time too.
With multiple major victories and a penchant for dramatic performances, McIlroy’s earnings showcase his influence and success in the sport. It comes as no surprise to see him kick off the Top 3 highest earning golfers of all time.
2. Phil Mickelson – $96,644,310
Phil Mickelson has enjoyed a legendary career. The American is renown for his daring play and engaging personality, and is arguably the greatest left-handed player in the history of the sport.
With six major titles and a record-breaking longevity, Mickelson’s earnings reflect his status as one of golf’s greatest players. If it wasn’t for one man, Mickelson would be the highest earning golfers to ever live. However, he falls short of just one person…
1. Tiger Woods – $120,999,166
Topping the list of the highest earning golfers of all time is of course Tiger Woods. Woods is arguably the most iconic figure in golf history, having won 82 PGA Tour events across his illustrious career.
The American revolutionised the sport with his extraordinary talent and determination, which helped him dominate the sport in the 2000s. With 15 major championships and countless records, Woods’s earnings are a testament to his unparalleled impact and legacy in golf.
Top 20 Highest Earning Golfers Of All Time – Breakdown
| Rank | Golfer | Career Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Tiger Woods | $120,999,166 |
| 2. | Phil Mickelson | $96,644,310 |
| 3. | Rory McIlroy | $90,989,348 |
| 4. | Dustin Johnson | $75,466,806 |
| 5. | Scottie Scheffler | $71,793,586 |
| 6. | Jim Furyk | $71,507,269 |
| 7. | Vijay Singh | $71,281,216 |
| 8. | Adam Scott | $67,956,165 |
| 9. | Justin Rose | $64,878,042 |
| 10. | Jordan Spieth | $62,741,970 |
| 11. | Jason Day | $61,131,363 |
| 12. | Matt Kuchar | $60,228,357 |
| 13. | Justin Thomas | $59,705,364 |
| 14. | Xander Schauffele | $57,295,645 |
| 15. | Hideki Matsuyama | $55,422,165 |
| 16. | Sergio Garcia | $54,985,969 |
| 17. | Jon Rahm | $51,603,815 |
| 18. | Rickie Fowler | $50,695,281 |
| 19. | Ernie Els | $49,385,600 |
| 20. | Zach Johnson | $49,052,873 |
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