You won’t believe how much Tiger Woods’ historic 2000 season would have earned him in 2024 money
Scottie Scheffler’s recent performances have sparked comparisons to the legendary Tiger Woods, and for good reason. With his second green jacket secured, Scheffler has emerged as the most dominant World No. 1 since Woods, boasting impressive world ranking points and strokes gained stats reminiscent of the golf icon. However, it’s the comparison in prize money…
Scottie Scheffler’s recent performances have sparked comparisons to the legendary Tiger Woods, and for good reason. With his second green jacket secured, Scheffler has emerged as the most dominant World No. 1 since Woods, boasting impressive world ranking points and strokes gained stats reminiscent of the golf icon. However, it’s the comparison in prize money earnings that truly highlights the evolution of golf’s financial landscape.
In today’s golfing era, significant changes have occurred, with players now earning substantially more than in Woods’ prime. Acknowledging Woods’ immense contribution to the sport’s financial growth, it’s evident that adjusting for inflation yields staggering results.
Our own Jamie Kennedy conducted a fascinating analysis, recalculating what Woods’ historic 2000 season would have earned him in 2024 prize money. In 2000, Woods set a record with over $10.7 million in earnings, but by contemporary standards, that figure pales in comparison.
When factoring in the expanded prize purses and additional player incentives such as those from the FedEx Cup and the PGA Tour’s Player Impact Program, the projected earnings for Woods’ 2000 season skyrocket to over $92 million. This eye-popping figure underscores the magnitude of financial growth in the sport over the years.
Kennedy’s analysis acknowledges certain adjustments, such as crediting Woods with solo prize money when tied for a particular place. While Woods’ tournament schedule spanned both January and December, the impact on earnings was minimal.
It’s reasonable to assume that Woods would have secured top bonuses from both the FedEx Cup and the PIP, given his exceptional performance in 2000, where he clinched nine PGA Tour titles, including three majors.
In contrast, Scheffler’s 2024 earnings trajectory is equally impressive. With over $15 million earned in just nine events, he stands poised to potentially claim the $25 million FedEx Cup bonus and a $4 million AON bonus. Despite his remarkable achievements, Scheffler has yet to clinch the top spot in the final FedEx Cup standings, a feat that eluded even Woods during his illustrious career.
Excluding bonuses, Scheffler’s $21,014,032 from the previous season stands as the tour’s record for the most prize money earned in a single season. This achievement underscores the significant financial rewards available to today’s top golfers, thanks in part to the groundwork laid by Woods.
While Scheffler’s accomplishments are noteworthy, the article concludes with a nod to Woods’ enduring legacy. Regardless of the comparisons made, it’s evident that when discussing the greatest players of the modern era, Tiger Woods remains in a league of his own.