Despite his recent troubles centered around his relationship and sponsorship, Tiger Woods remains one of the highest-earning golfers in the world. He saw his career take a hit following a publicized divorce due to infidelity, losing multiple endorsement deals as a result, having a few run-ins with the law, and enduring a string of injuries.
Nonetheless, he managed to put those dark days behind him and proved his doubters wrong. Described as one of the greatest comebacks in sporting history, he won his fifth Masters title at the Augusta National in 2021, making it his first major victory in 11 years.
And he has since not looked back, emerging as the third-highest-paid golfer in the world. As per Forbes, the world’s 10 highest-paid golfers earned an estimated $678 million over the past 12 months before taxes and agents’ fees. The figure, the magazine noted, is a 10% decrease from $752 million in 2023.
Jon Rahm, a LIV golfer, was ranked No. 1 as the highest-paid golfer in the world, with a total earnings of $218 million. Rory McIlroy, a stalwart PGA Tour player, trails Rahm with a total earnings of $83 million.
Woods pulled in an estimated $67 million to rank No. 3, ahead of fourth-place Scottie Scheffler at $61 million. According to Forbes, Woods made $12 million on-course and $55 million off-course.
“Woods may no longer be the major-winning machine he once was, but he still found a way to break another record this year. In April, he made the cut at the Masters for the 24th consecutive time, passing Gary Player and Fred Couples. Unfortunately, his pursuit of a sixth green jacket came up far short. Woods finished 60th at Augusta,” Forbes noted about the golfer.
Meanwhile, Woods ended his more than two-decade partnership with Nike this year. The legend first partnered with Nike in 1996 and renewed it repeatedly in one of the most lucrative endorsement deals in sports history, according to CBS News. The platform also reported that his last deal was a 10-year pact in 2013 worth $200 million.
“Over 27 years ago, I was fortunate to start a partnership with one of the most iconic brands in the world. The days have since been filled with so many amazing moments and memories; if I started naming them, I could go on forever,” the 15-time major champion said.
Forbes said Woods’ partnership with Nike helped him become a billionaire, as he netted $500 million through his deal with the sportswear giant.
