Ranking the Top 10 Golfers in the World Based on Their Net Worth

As a crazy year in golf comes to its final months, there have been plenty of changes in the hierarchy of golf’s top earners. Admittedly, the LIV Golf Series has activated an imaginary lever that has bumped the money earned by professional golfers. So how do they rank amongst themselves based on their net worth?

Here’s the list of the top 10 active golfers in the world based on their net worth.

10. Ernie Els (Net worth: $85 million)

South African golfer Ernie Els makes the list with a net worth of $85 million. The 4-time Major Championship winner was a trailblazer during his time, which fetched him a World No. 1 rank. In his prime, Els challenged the likes of Tiger Woods, with his battle at the 2003 Presidents Cup engraved into golf folklore.

Read more: Golf World Mourns the Passing of a Legendary PGA Tour Champion

The 53-year-old now plays at the PGA Tour Champions.

9. Dustin Johnson (Net worth: $100 million)

The 38-year-old has had a successful campaign in the inaugural LIV Golf Series. Johnson won the individual title for most points in the season, as well as led his team to victory in the team event in Miami.

In total, Johnson won more than $40 million in all LIV events, excluding an eye-watering contract to switch from the PGA Tour.

8. Jordan Spieth (Net worth: $110 million)

The former World No. 1 has stayed loyal to his home Tour. Spieth first won a major in the 2015 Masters Tournament. He followed it up with the 2015 U.S. Open and the 2017 Open Championship. The 29-year-old will be eyeing to complete the set of all Major Championships this season, with only the PGA Championship left in the cabinet.

7. Fred Couples (Net worth: $120 million)

Once a playing partner to Tiger Woods, Couples recently took the world by storm with his win in the 2022 SAS Championship.

The 63-year-old made his mark across a glorious golf career, which has fetched him quite a fortune. He earned around $22 million as prize money, apart from the lucrative endorsement deals outside the course.

6. Rory McIlroy (Net worth: $170 million)

The heir to Tiger Woods, McIlroy has signaled his show of strength in the last few years. While he remains without a Major Championship in the last few years, the Brit’s consistent performances have earned him the rank of World No. 1.

An unflinching voice against the LIV Golf Series, McIlroy has emerged as the face of golf in Tiger’s absence.

5. Gary Player (Net worth: $250 million)

Widely considered one of the greatest golfers outside of America, Gary Player challenged the likes of Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer in his days. He won nine Major Championships in his time while having a significant influence on the game. His ethnicity meant Player was often seen as a beacon for golf in other countries, influencing the game to greater horizons.

4. Phil Mickelson (Net worth: $300 million)

One of the more controversial figures in golf, Phil Mickelson was much-talked about during his switch from the PGA Tour to the LIV Golf Series. He has won six Major Championships in a career spanning three decades.

However, Mickelson’s staggering career has often been overshadowed by the greatness of Tiger Woods. The switch to LIV hasn’t been pleasant either, with fans singling him out for the whole situation.

3. Greg Norman (Net worth: $400 million)

Despite giving up on playing golf professionally, Norman’s adventures haven’t stopped. He is the CEO of the LIV Golf Series and has often come under fire for his leadership in the Saudi-backed league. However, the former Aussie golfer manages to pull the attention towards him, which makes him a prominent face for LIV.

2. Jack Nicklaus (Net worth: $400 million)

The 82-year-old holds the most elusive record of winning the most Major Championships in history, with 18. Though Nicklaus secured only S$5.7 million during his playing days, he has secured a fortune with sponsorship deals and endorsements in companies such as Rolex.

1. Tiger Woods (Net worth: $1.1 billion)

Last but certainly not least, Tiger Woods needs no introduction. The celebrated golfer became the only player to secure a billionaire status in the sport. Add to that, he rejected a high nine-figure contract from the LIV Golf Series.

Which player do you think will make the elusive list in the future? Comment down below.