There’s a lot money to be made in golf in the modern era and one of the ways to continue picking up a nice cheque is to continue onto the Champions Tour.
The likes of Bernhard Langer and Padraig Harrington are regular winners on the senior tour and have managed to continue their golfing careers in doing so.
Of course, Tiger Woods is able to play from next year but with injuries ruining Woods’ 2025, it seems unlikely he will commit anytime soon.
However, when it comes to another top name in golf, Rory McIlroy, it’s been made pretty clear what his stance is when it comes to playing beyond 50.
Rory McIlroy says if he’ll play on the Champions Tour
Speaking in his interview at TPC Sawgrass ahead of playing in The Players this week, McIlroy was asked if he’d be following some big names into playing on the Champions Tour down the line.
However, for McIlroy, the answer is an emphatic no.
“Absolutely not,” McIlroy quipped. “I will not play Champions Tour golf.
“Look, I’ve said a lot of absolutes in my time that I’ve walked back, but I do not envision playing Champions Tour golf. Something has gone terribly wrong if I have to compete at golf at 50.”
How much money golfers can make on the Champions Tour
Rory McIlroy doesn’t need money and so his decision is probably much easier than some who have not had the success he’s enjoyed.
Likewise, he’s been playing at the highest level since an early age and at 35, he still has plenty of years left on the PGA Tour anyway.
Still, there is money to be made out on the Champions Tour. Bernhard Langer has made a whopping $37m and counting on the senior tour, and is showing no signs of slowing down just yet.
| Player | PGA Champions Tour career earnings ($) |
| Bernhard Langer | $37,383,505 |
| Hale Irwin | $27,158,515 |
| Gil Morgan | $20,631, 930 |
| Jay Haas | $19,993,558 |
| Tom Kite | $16,303,747 |
With 15 years to potentially change his mind, it will be interesting to see if McIlroy decides to follow the likes of Langer and co.
However, with such an answer here, it very much seems like McIlroy has his semi-retirement plans sorted.
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