Jon Rahm vs Gary Player: Has $540M Contract Made LIV Golfer Richer Than 88YO Legend? 2024 Net Worth Comparison

Golf’s financial landscape has undergone a seismic shift. The sport’s transformation into a billion-dollar industry has been fueled by astronomical prize purses introduced by LIV Golf. At the forefront of this revolution is Jon Rahm, who made headlines in December 2023 with a reported nine-figure deal with LIV Golf—a staggering $540 million switch that left golf legend Gary Player calling the amount “excessive.” 

As the golf world grapples with the implications of such vast financial sums, we explore how Rahm’s earnings compare to those of golf’s all-time greats, like the iconic Gary Player.

Gary Player and Jon Rahm: 2024 Net worth comparison

Gary Player and Jon Rahm are two golfing greats with distinct career paths, ages, and financial profiles. As per Celebrity Net Worth, Player, the 88-year-old and loyal PGA Tour legend, boasts a net worth of $250 million, accumulated over a storied seven-decade career. With 18 major championships, 9 on the PGA Tour and 9 on the PGA Tour of Champions, and over 150 professional tournament wins.

His on-course success, combined with his golf course design business, has cemented his status as one of golf’s wealthiest figures. In contrast, Jon Rahm, one of the world’s top golfers, has a net worth of around $100 million. However, his multi-year deal with LIV Golf, reportedly worth $540 million, will significantly boost his earnings over the coming years, potentially propelling him to even greater financial heights.

Moreover, the Spanish golfer boasts $202 million in salary and winnings and $20 million in endorsement deals with brands like Callaway, Mercedes-Benz, and Rolex. Rahm has already achieved remarkable success, including two major wins and a record-breaking 60 weeks as the world’s top amateur golfer. While the 2x major champ’s financial trajectory is on an uptrend, he still trails Player’s net worth by a significant margin.

However, with his ongoing success and savvy business deals, Rahm is poised to continue closing the gap. Now a question arises: where does the LIV golfer stand amongst his peers and cross-sport athletes in terms of the salary paid?

Jon Rahm is soaring to the heights of the world as the top-paid golfer

At just 29, Rahm has landed a spot on Forbes’ list of the highest-paid golfers and athletes. The Spaniard has earned the top spot among the world’s highest-paid golfers and ranks second among the world’s highest-paid athletes as of August 2024. 

Moreover, Rahm’s impressive earnings have him trailing only one person—the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo, who boasts a whopping $260 million in earnings so far this year. A $40 million sum separates him from the top spot. Meanwhile, in the golfing world, Rahm’s earnings leave even the great Rory McIlroy behind. McIlroy’s $83 million, comprised of $38 million from on-course wins and $45 million from off-course endorsements, is a notable distance behind the Spaniard’s total.

The contrast between the golfing pair highlights the evolving financial landscape of professional golf. Moreover, when compared to legends like Gary Player, Jon Rahm needs to prove his worth in terms of getting past the 88-year-old legend’s net worth. Will Jon Rahm get past the legendary player? Only time will tell.