The 2022 Arnold Palmer Invitational had a dramatic finish, with Scottie Scheffler winning the event with a score of -5. Notably, Scheffler was trailing by 8-strokes going into the final round. However, the then leaders had an atrocious round four, as most of them remained over par for the day. And surprising all just then, Scottie emerged as a winner with his even-par finish for the day.
Not to mention, the golf course was intimidating with diabolic rough. It was penalizing players heavily, even for a tiny mistake; which explains why the winning score was just five under. To add to it, with this victory, Scottie Scheffler has achieved something even more incredible.
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Scottie Scheffler crosses Arnold Palmer’s career earnings
Arnold Palmer is one of the most legendary golfers of all time. When it commenced initially, this event was named the Florida Citrus Open Invitational. However, in honor of the golf icon, the event was renamed to Arnold Palmer Invitational in 2007. Ever since, the API is played each year on a daunting Bay Hill golf course.
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In a rather outstanding achievement, with his win at this year’s API, Scottie Scheffler now has won more money than Arnold Palmer did in his entire PGA Tour career. Truly, this only goes to show how far golf has evolved in terms of prize money.
Notably, Arnold Palmer’s career earnings owned up to around $2 million. In his latest victory, Scheffler took home $2,160,000. And that is almost more than Palmer’s entire career earnings.
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Scottie Scheffler won more money today than Arnold Palmer did in his entire career on the PGA TOUR
— Amanda Rose (@AmandaGolf59) March 6, 2022
But it is also imperative to note that earlier prize money purses weren’t as strong as they are now. Hence, the players did not receive enormous amounts upon winning an event. They had a decent number, which has increased drastically over the years, thanks to the efforts of many, including Tiger Woods. Regarded as the GOAT, Tiger is often credited for bringing widespread viewership from around the world and revolutionizing the game with his skills.
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Another testament to the same is the prize money for the soon-approaching Players Championship; $20 million. This is the highest prize money purse for any event on the PGA Tour. Certainly, every player will hope to win this flagship event and take home the maximum share from the $20 million prize money purse.