In a significant turn of events for PGA Tour players, a recent infusion of funds totaling $1.5 billion into PGA Tour Enterprises by a consortium led by Fenway Sports, including Mets owner Steve Cohen, has paved the way for substantial payouts. The Telegraph reports that players who resisted offers from the rival LIV Golf league are now receiving their share of the windfall, with notable figures such as Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy leading the pack.
Tiger Woods emerges as the biggest beneficiary, pocketing a staggering $100 million, closely followed by Rory McIlroy with approximately $50 million. The distribution of funds, totaling around $1 billion, is based on players’ career-long achievements, highlighting the enduring impact of their contributions to the sport.
While the exact breakdown of payouts has been a closely guarded secret by PGA Tour officials, it is revealed that the top 36 players are set to split a sizable portion of approximately $750 million. The next tier of players, comprising the top 100, will share $75 million, with an additional $30 million allocated to the subsequent 57 players. Notably, $75 million is designated for 36 retired players considered living legends.
Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas are among those expected to receive around $30 million each, reflecting their esteemed positions within the sport. This financial injection coincides with ongoing negotiations between the PGA Tour, including Woods, and PIF—the financial arm of the Saudi government backing LIV Golf.
Despite the substantial payouts, the disparity remains evident compared to the lucrative offers extended to top stars by LIV Golf. Notable figures such as Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Phil Mickelson, and Bryson DeChambeau reportedly received nine-figure sums or close to it to join the rival league. Jon Rahm’s eye-watering $450 million deal with LIV Golf in December marked a significant moment, fueling speculation of an impending merger between the two entities.
However, five months down the line, negotiations between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf remain in a nebulous state, leaving the future landscape of professional golf uncertain.