The PGA Tour launched the $40 million Player Impact Program this year in an effort to reward the top 10 golfers who drive fan and sponsorship engagement, regardless of PGA Tour performance.
The very first winner? Phil Mickelson — at least according to his tweet. The PGA Tour plans to reveal the final results at the end of the year.
As part of the Player Impact Program, $40 million is distributed between the 10 players who are chosen based on their Google search popularity, Meltwater mentions (global media exposure), MPV Index (social media reach), Nielsen score, and Q-score.
Some reports suggest the program was made in response to the Premier Golf League, which is funded by the Saudi Arabian regime and looking to recruit top golfers away from the PGA Tour with large prize money.
Mickelson’s Popularity
This year, “Lefty” won his sixth career major title at age 50 and four of six starts on the Champions Tour while making a number of other appearances along the way.
- Played in “The Match” against Bryson DeChambeau, Aaron Rodgers, and Tom Brady
- Joined as an analyst for DeChambeau’s match against Brooks Koepka
- Served as non-playing vice captain on the winning U.S. Ryder Cup team
The win will grant Mickelson $8 million pending participation in an extra event in 2022. Tiger Woods reportedly came in second, winning $6 million. The other winners aren’t yet known.
