Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, two titans of golf, have not only dominated the sport with their remarkable skills but have also amassed substantial fortunes through their successes on the course. However, when it comes to tipping, their approaches couldn’t be more different.
Despite Phil Mickelson’s transition from the PGA Tour to the LIV Golf circuit in 2022, his earnings have only soared. As the second highest all-time earner on the American-based circuit, Mickelson has raked in a staggering £75.9 million ($96.6m) in prize money. His move to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf saw his earnings skyrocket even further, with reports indicating a mind-boggling £160 million ($200m) signing deal. Despite some struggles to find his top form post-transition, Mickelson has remained generous, often leaving generous tips, such as $100 bills at children’s lemonade stands and for car valets. His acts of kindness, like hugging employees of Augusta National Golf Club after winning his first Masters green jacket in 2004, have left lasting impressions.
In stark contrast, Tiger Woods, despite his unparalleled success and immense wealth, has a reputation for being frugal with tips. With a net worth estimated at £864 million ($1.1bn) by Forbes, Woods has amassed a fortune through his numerous tournament victories, lucrative sponsorships, and off-course ventures. Despite earning more prize money (£95 million or $121m) than any other player in PGA Tour history, and reaping substantial benefits from endorsements, including a reported £393 million ($500m) from his partnership with Nike Golf, Woods has been criticized for his tipping habits. In fact, he was even ranked as the No. 1 worst celebrity tipper by the Miami New Times in 2011. The reason? Woods claims he doesn’t carry cash, providing an excuse for his lack of generosity.
In essence, while both Mickelson and Woods have enjoyed immense success and wealth in the world of golf, their approaches to tipping reveal stark differences in their attitudes towards generosity and appreciation for service.