Tiger Woods set for enormous PGA Tour payday despite playing just two events this year

Tiger Woods is poised to reap substantial benefits from his steadfast loyalty to the PGA Tour, even amidst his limited participation this season. Thanks to the newly established PGA Tour Enterprises fund, backed by a significant $3 billion investment from the Strategic Sports Group (SSG), Woods and other PGA Tour members stand to become stakeholders in a pioneering for-profit venture. This innovative program aims to distribute over $1.5 billion in current and prospective equity among nearly 193 PGA Tour members.

Within this framework, Woods is expected to receive the highest grant valuation in Group 1 of the new investment fund. Group 1 comprises 36 players who have amassed considerable Career Points, a metric reflecting their success on the PGA Tour over the years. Woods, with an impressive Career Points tally of 528, is positioned to secure a substantial share of the $750 million allocated among Group 1 players. His involvement as one of the six PGA Tour policy board player directors further underscores his pivotal role in shaping the PGA Tour’s future and commercial endeavors through PGA Tour Enterprises.

Comparatively, other top players like Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth, and Justin Thomas, though also expected to be included in Group 1, have accumulated fewer Career Points. McIlroy, with 199 points, trails behind Woods, indicating that Woods is likely to receive the largest payout, followed by McIlroy.

While the exact allocation for Woods remains undisclosed, the potential earnings for players range from tens of millions to nothing. The PGA Tour intends to maintain the confidentiality of the recipients, although Woods is anticipated to belong to the top-tier group.

Despite participating in only two PGA tournaments this season—the Genesis Invitational and the Masters—Woods’ impact remains significant. Though beset by back spasms and flu-like symptoms that led to his withdrawal from The Genesis Invitational, and a challenging performance at the Masters, where he finished 60th, Woods’ influence and contributions to the PGA Tour are undeniable.