Despite golfers earning millions, only a handful have broken into the highest-paid athletes of all time.
Tiger Woods, of course, is an icon of global sports and one of the most famous names in history.
However, when compared to basketball, American football and soccer, golf has typically been bumped down the financial pecking order.
That was the case until the emergence of LIV Golf.
The Saudi-backed venture somewhat ‘changed the game’ after offering lucrative signing-on fees to some of the game’s most prominent players.
Jon Rahm’s season earnings are now well in excess of $300 million after his Individual Championship win in Chicago. Now, perhaps unsurprisingly, the Spaniard ranks among the highest-paid athletes in 2024.
Jon Rahm ahead of Lionel Messi, Lebron James and Tiger Woods in 2024 rich list
According to Forbes’ 2024 list of the highest-paid athletes, LIV star Rahm is the second highest-earning sportsman behind Al-Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo.
Rahm’s total earnings are $218 million, although this figure has likely increased after his recent win at Bolingbrook Golf Club.
The two-time major winner is an astonishing $82 million better off than Lionel Messi and $96 million ahead of NBA all-timer Lebron James.
Woods, despite playing sporadically, is 23rd in the rich list, banking $67 million.
Scottie Scheffler could jump above Rory McIlroy in the 2025 rich list
Scottie Scheffler just made the top 30 when the 2024 list was published. But, after his incredible PGA Tour season and Tour Championship title, the American will likely shoot up the list in 2025.
Rory McIlroy is currently 19th and could well be caught by Scheffler if the world number one’s form continues into the start of 2025.
More high-profile golfers will likely emerge on this list as the years go on. The injection of cash from LIV has shifted the goalposts and could see golfers soon rank among some of the wealthiest athletes sport has ever seen.
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