The PGA Championship is unfolding at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, drawing the world’s top golfers eager to claim the season’s second major title.
Rory McIlroy stands out as a favorite, seeking to secure back-to-back major victories, while American star Jordan Spieth pursues the elusive win that would complete his career Grand Slam.
Yet, amid all the action, the tournament is missing one of golf’s biggest names: Tiger Woods. Although absent from the course, Woods remains a significant figure in the sport and beyond, particularly in financial terms.
Thursday’s updated Forbes list of the world’s highest-earning athletes placed Woods 45th overall, with estimated earnings of $55.4 million this year.
Notably, $40 million of that sum comes from endorsements and business ventures rather than prize money. While Woods’ earning power remains impressive, it contrasts with his peak years-he was the world’s highest-paid athlete in 2002 and, in 2009, became the first athlete to surpass $1 billion in career earnings.
Among golfers, Woods ranks fourth in earnings this year. Leading the pack is Jon Rahm, with $100 million, securing 12th place on the overall athlete list. Scottie Scheffler follows at 14th with $92.5 million, and McIlroy ranks 17th with $87.9 million. Xander Schauffele also features among the top 50 highest-earning golfers.
The list’s top earner remains soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who amassed $275 million, followed by NBA star Steph Curry, boxer Tyson Fury, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, and Lionel Messi.
Tiger Woods’ enduring legacy and earnings power
Although Woods is sidelined for the remainder of the 2025 season due to an Achilles tendon rupture sustained in March, his financial clout remains strong. Longtime sponsorships with household brands such as General Motors, Titleist, General Mills, American Express, and Accenture continue to boost his income significantly.
At 49, Woods is tied with Sam Snead for the most PGA Tour wins in history, totaling 82 victories. He trails only Jack Nicklaus in major championship victories, holding 15 compared to Nicklaus’ 18. His last major triumph came at the 2019 Masters, where he earned his fifth green jacket in a celebrated comeback.
While Woods’ physical presence is missed on the PGA course, his impact resonates strongly in the sport. As McIlroy and Spieth battle for major glory at Quail Hollow, Woods’ legacy serves as a backdrop-highlighting the heights golfers aspire to reach both competitively and commercially.
The PGA Championship continues to captivate fans worldwide, with emerging stars challenging legends and the game’s richest history casting a long shadow over the unfolding drama.
Read the full article here
