THE PGA Championship gets underway this week, with golf’s finest competing for the eye-watering $15million purse.
The tournament takes place on Oak Hill’s East Course in Rochester, New York, which has previously hosted the US Open and the Ryder Cup.
Justin Thomas is returning to the PGA Championship to defend his title
Last year’s champion Justin Thomas will return to defend his title, while Jordan Spieth will be hoping he can complete a career Grand Slam.
Meanwhile Brit Rory McIlroy will be hoping his form improves so that he can chase his fifth major title, having won the competition twice before.
Tiger Woods will miss the PGA Championship, having undergone ankle surgery last month.
But it’s not like he needs the cash, as our ultimate golf rich list reveals…
Tiger Woods – £878million
Tiger is known for exploits off the course as well as achievements on it
Woods often posts lavish holiday snaps including vacations on board yachts
As arguably the most famous golfer on the planet, it’s no surprise Tiger, 47, is top of our rich list.
In June 2022, Forbes estimated his net worth to be around $1.1billion – only ever achieved by two other sportsmen; LeBron James and Michael Jordan.
According to Forbes, less than 10 per cent of his fortune came from golf.
The majority has come from lucrative sponsorship deals with the likes of Nike, Rolex, TaylorMade, Monster Energy and Gillette helping make him a household name.
Woods owns a stunning mansion that has a huge swimming pool
Woods’ glamorous house was built in 2010 – just as his divorce with ex-wife Elin Nordegren was finalised
The 15-time major winner also founded the golf design firm TGR Design, and co-owns PopStroke, a family-orientated entertainment facility that combines mini golf with food and drink.
Woods is well known for his exploits off the course; his split from Elin Nordegren following his notorious cheating allegations is said to have been one of the most expensive celebrity divorces in history.
His ex-wife received a lump sum of around £80million as well as their £4.8million home in Windermere, Florida. Woods lost a fortune in endorsements, but still lives in their £41million mansion on Florida’s exclusive Jupiter Island.
The stunning property boasts a huge swimming pool, world-class gym, a four-hole practice area complete with six bunkers, a private cinema, an oxygen therapy room and a large mooring for his boats.
Greg Norman – £320million
Greg is the second richest golfer in the world thanks to his winnings and savvy investments
Greg has spent some of his earnings on his very own superyacht
Greg likes to fly in style, normally on a private jet when he can
Greg with his third wife, interior designer Kirsten Kutner
Australian Greg, 68, is the second richest golfer in the world after winning 91 professional tournaments during his career, which earned him the nickname ‘Great White Shark’.
Back in 1987 savvy Greg, then 32, helped set up Greg Norman Golf Course Design, which has built more than 100 courses worldwide.
It became the foundation of a mini-conglomerate, with a multitude of businesses under its umbrella including wineries, property, food, eyewear and clothing.
In 1991 he invested £1.4million in Cobra Golf, which turned into £32million profit when the company was bought out five years later – according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Greg is currently the CEO and face of the controversial Saudi-backed LIV Golf League, rumoured to earn him £40million a year.
He walked away as CEO of Greg Norman Company to take on the role, but insists he “didn’t do it for my bank account”.
His net worth is estimated to be between £240million and £320million. In 2021 he “downsized” from a £44m pad to a £9.7million home in Palm Beach.
Jack Nicklaus – £320million
Jack is making the most of his golden years by spending his fortune from golf
He’s kept a relatively low profile when it comes to his spending unlike other golfers
Retired American pro Jack has certainly made sure his bank balance doesn’t suffer as he enjoys his golden years.
The 83-year-old – known as The Golden Bear – won 113 tournaments, netting him millions in prize pots.
In 2016, Forbes estimated he earned £930million throughout his career, including brand deals with the likes of Perry Ellis and Rolex, and merchandise – but that has now dropped to a reported £322million.
Jack used his experience as a player to establish and run one of the world’s largest golf course design companies – Nicklaus Design, which has created over 420 courses worldwide, open for play in 45 countries and 40 US states.
He also receives incomes from his writing work and contributes to instructional golf videos and books.
From 2004 to 2007 Gold Inc. magazine branded Jack the most powerful person in the sport.
Jack is generous with his millions, having donated to various charities over his career. The largest was £48million to the Miami Children’s Health System in 2015.
He currently lives with his wife Barbara in a 15,332sq ft property on 1.6 waterfront acres in North Palm Beach, Florida, worth an estimated £6.9million.
Phil Mickelson – £240million
Phil has shown off his skills all over the world netting him brand deals
Phil shows off his well-earned luxury holidays when off the pitch
Phil Mickelson’s California Ranch
Phil with his glam wife Amy
American pro Phil, 52, known as ‘Lefty’, has three Masters titles, two PGA Championships and one Open Championship to his name.
Phil is thought to take home up to £40million a year in endorsement deals – though some sponsors have recently terminated their relationship with him due to him signing with LIV Golf.
As a result it’s tricky to estimate his current wealth; Celebrity Net Worth has it at £240m, down from £320m. In 2022, Forbes claimed he was the highest paid sportsperson with earnings of £110million.
His largest sponsorship deal was with Barclays bank, which lasted for 15 years before ending in 2016. It has never been disclosed how much it made him.
Mickelson also has a eponymous golf course design business, and owns six golf courses in Arizona with several other private investors.
He is currently building a home in Florida tax haven and golfer’s hotspot Jupiter Island, having bought land there in 2020.
Previously, he lived in Rancho Santa Fe with wife Amy and their children Evan, Sophia and Amanda, in a stunning £4.5million 9,100sq ft home.
Car fan Lefty has a snazzy car collection including a £160,000 Bentley Continental GT and a £200,000 Aston Martin.
Gary Player – £200million
Gary is considered one of the best golfers of all time thanks to his record wins
South African golfer Gary, 87, is widely considered one of the best golfers ever thanks to winning 165 tournaments.
While he made a lot of money from the sport, he has also ventured into writing and designing which has proved lucrative.
He has designed over 400 courses through Gary Player Design and written books on subjects ranging from golf to philosophy and fitness.
During his career he had brand endorsement deals with Callaway, Coca-Cola, BMW, Sun International South Africa and Rolex.
In 2021 he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Donald Trump.
Gary is a big fan of luxury cars and is thought to own a Ford Customline, Austin-Healey 3000, Lincoln Continental Convertible, Cadillac Coupe De Ville, 2017 Mercedes GLE 350d and Mercedes S-class.
His wife of 64 years, Vivienne Verwey, passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2021.
Rory McIlroy – £135million
Rory is known for his big hits on the pitch – and he has an even bigger bank balance
Rory showed off his mansion during Covid along with his football skills
Rory in his trophy room
Northern Irish Rory, 34, is the youngest on this list and still has plenty of time to eclipse the other golfers with his earnings.
Currently he is thought to earn £30-40million a year from golf and endorsement deals.
The four-time Major winner has established himself as a force in the golf world; by 2012 he had earned around £8million on the PGA Tour.
It got him noticed by big brands and a year later he was understood to have signed a deal with Nike worth between £80million and £200million.
In 2017 he officially signed an extended 10-year deal with Nike worth £159million before the company stopped producing golf gear. He then signed a deal with TaylorMade worth £80million to endorse their equipment.
In 2019 he took home £12million by winning the Tour Championship and FedEx Cup.
The golfer now resides in a £10million mansion in Florida complete with a giant swimming pool in the back yard.
Rory is used to travelling in luxury since earning his millions
Rory on a private jet in 2014
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you improve your golf game in a matter of hours?
The best way to improve your golf game overnight is to practice for 20 minutes per day, three times a week. If you want to be able to play well at any tournament, then you need to practice consistently. Practice makes perfect!
Is it possible that a professional Golfer can make a living from the game?
Yes, you can make money as a professional golfer. It requires dedication and hard work. Pros can make millions each year.
What is the average score for a weekend player?
The average golf score for a beginner is around 100. As you get better at golf, your scores improve. You’ll likely begin by playing 9 holes, then progress to 18 holes.
How can I improve my game of golf without having to practice?
Practicing is essential to improving your game. However, if you don’t possess the time or resources to consistently perform drills, you can still improve. You must remember to always put your best foot forward and practice what it is you are trying to do. This means if you wish to play faster, then you should focus on playing fast. You should focus on hitting the target farther if you want to hit the shot faster.
How do I improve my golf score?
These simple tips will help you improve your game of golf quickly and easily.
- Practice more, play less. If you want to get better at something, practice more. Playing too much means you’re practicing bad habits.
- Play when you feel good. There are days when you just don’t feel like playing. Don’t force you to do things that are not enjoyable. Instead, find ways that golf can be made more enjoyable.
- Take breaks. Golfers often take breaks during their round to stretch, walk around, eat lunch, etc. You can relax your body and stay focused while on the course by taking breaks.
- Drink water! It’s easy not to keep track of how many drinks were consumed while you are out on the course. Make sure you drink enough water so that you aren’t dehydrated. A good way to feel refreshed is to drink lots of water before, while, and after your game.
- Healthy eating is key. Eat healthy foods such fruits, vegetables, lean meat, whole grains and low-fat dairy products to give you energy, so you can perform well at the course.
- Keep hydrated. The best way to stay hydrated is to drink lots of water. Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily. This includes water that is made from beverages, such as coffee, as well plain water.
- Get warm. Begin by warming up with a walk or jog for five minutes before you hit the first shot of a round. Then, you should be able to move freely and feel limber.
- Keep your head down. Keep your head down when you tee off. It’s important to not focus on the ball or watch where it falls. Instead, focus your attention on the hole.
- Proper form is key to a smooth and graceful swing. Proper form can mean different things to different people. You want to avoid hitting the target. Instead, strike the ball towards the center of the club.
- Keep your eyes on the process. Focusing on the process is key to developing a golf swing that is successful. There are many factors that can contribute to a good swing. Try relaxing your grip if you struggle to hold your hands still. If balance is difficult for you, then work on improving your posture.
How can I reduce my golf score by five strokes
The first thing you must do is to improve your swing mechanics. While you might be proficient at holding the club correctly, your body will not feel the same way. Once you’ve learned how to hold the club correctly, you can focus on strengthening your flexibility and strength. Begin slowly and gradually increase your distances. As you work towards better scores, you’ll notice that your game will become more consistent.
Statistics
- By adding 10 more yards to all their golf shots amateurs will increase the percentage of greens they hit by 8 – 10%. (golfinsideruk.com)
- Or that, on the greens, some 84% of putts over five feet also finish short of the hole? (todaysgolfer.co.uk)
- If you have 14 attempts and convert as little as 50% of them into Pars – you can double bogey the remaining 4 holes and still shoot 87 for your round. (golfmadesimple.com)
- The blade aim at impact controls 92% of the ball’s start line, so prioritise face aim as a place to start (todaysgolfer.co.uk)
- Shot Scope’s mapping data reveals 72% of danger is at the front of the green (sand or water), whereas there’s only 28% behind. (todaysgolfer.co.uk)
External Links
nicklaus.com
shotscope.com
troy.golf
collegeofgolf.keiseruniversity.edu
How To
How to Improve Your Golf Swing
How to improve your golf swing
You can improve your golf swing by practicing. Practice makes perfect! Practice every day to improve your golf swing. You must work hard if you want to see improvements. At least five practice sessions per week are recommended. It’s important to do this consistently so that you get results.
Learning how to play the game of golf should be slow. You can start by learning how to play short shots. Then, you can move on to more difficult shots. This will help you build strength and endurance. You may struggle to hit the golf ball straight when you first start playing. You will improve your golf swing if you work hard.
You can swing from many different positions and stances. The ball can be hit while you are standing still. Next, move forward and back. Next, you can walk backwards while hitting the ball. Next, you can run and hit the ball. Each swing requires a unique stance and position. These exercises will allow you to discover the right stance for you. When you are confident in your stance or position, you can start playing actual games.
Keep track of your progress. It is important to keep track of your progress so you can see areas that need improvement. Keep track of everything you do. Keep track of the number of times you practice and record your score. Use this data to determine whether or not you are making progress.
A professional instructor can help you improve your golf swing. A qualified instructor can show you how to improve your game and teach you proper technique. They can also help you choose equipment that is right for you. Your chances for success are significantly increased when you have someone who knows the ropes.
Golf is today’s most favorite sport. The sport is enjoyed by millions every year. There are many things you could do to improve your playing of golf. These tips include learning how the greens are read, practicing your swing, and improving your short game.
