Golfer Paying $926,698 Price to Keep PGA Tour Career Afloat Has Fans Boiling With Rage

In the past, we have seen golf enthusiasts voice their opinions with the Tour’s administration. Fans have openly expressed dissatisfaction with the 2026 season rules, but this time it is something monetary that has caught their attention. A recent revelation by 2018 John Deere Classic winner Michael Kim has exposed the eye-watering travel expenses of PGA Tour pros.

Kim posted a screenshot of his travel expenses for this year on X, which came to an alarming $926,698.11. Even more startling is the fact that this sum simply covers airfare and hotel costs as the PGA Tour does not cover its players, since players are considered independent contractors.

To put this into perspective, Kim revealed that he had played in 30 tournaments this year, racking up a significant amount of travel miles. “Zero dollars spent on private flights, and rarely business class,” he added, highlighting the fact that he, like many other pros, has to bear the brunt of these expenses out of pocket.

Kim also shared how his expenses were a little more last year given that he had played 2 more events, and in the 2023 Open Championship which was held at Royal Liverpool GC. He further said, “Can’t imagine some of the top guys’ costs… At least I’m racking up some CC points!”

A fan suggested to Kim that he should opt to fly privately in a small plane. In return, the golfer could offer tickets to the tournament to the pilot. To this, Kim replied, “Uhh I’m not sure if you know the costs of flying even a small private plane. But if anyone is willing, I’d gladly give the person multiple tix to any event he wants haha.” 

Another fan suggested Kim to get a sponsorship with NetJets. To everyone’s amazement, the golfer revealed, “That would only increase my costs haha. Everyone that flies private still pay a lot. Logos only give you a discount.” 

Many players like Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Jack Nicklaus, and others have their own private jets which they often use to fly to various tournaments. This gives them the freedom to travel at their convenience and with leisure. This also allows them to avoid any equipment-related fiasco that often happens on commercial airlines. Other players like Scottie Scheffler who does not own a jet but at times flies private.

Michael Kim’s disclosure of his high travel costs has triggered a larger discussion on the financial difficulties faced by PGA Tour pros. Let us see what fans had to say about the disclosure.

Fans boil in rage listening to the PGA Tour pro’s high expenses

For some time now, the PGA Tour has been the subject of scrutiny for many things. To make matters worse, top players have joined Greg Norman’s LIV Golf in the last two years. And it hasn’t been unseen by the fans as well. As they pointed out, “One of the reasons why the PGA Tour is having a lot of issues with athletes leaving. Travel and hotel cost of golfers shouldn’t be an expense that’s solely on them.”

Kim joined the Tour in 2017. And while the 2018 John Deere Classic winner has earned $7,191,550 from the PGA Tour in 7 years, the tour’s Commissioner Jay Monahan is earning millions every year. In 2023, he made $23 million, according to the tour’s most recently filed tax return. Pointing to this, a fan noted, “Take some of Jay’s $23M!”

“Players were loyal to the PGA and didn’t sell out to LIV, then the PGA itself sold out to LIV, and the players who remained loyal to the PGA got shafted and still don’t get any sort of travel stipend or guaranteed money for playing,” said another fan. Unlike the PGA Tour, all the golfers who compete in an event get a share of purse in LIV Golf. This guarantees that a golfer would be going home with an increased bank balance. The American Tour does not follow this system, and only players who make the cut, get money.

Fans are now calling for change. One suggestion is for the PGA Tour to cover travel expenses or provide a stipend to help players offset these costs. As one fan commented, “Players should be given a travel allowance and food/accommodations allowance. Part of the perks. Imagine LeBron paying for his travel, hotels, meals, etc.”

What do you think is a fair solution to this issue? Should the PGA Tour cover travel expenses or provide a stipend to its players? Share your insights with us in the comment section below!