How Rupert Murdoch Changed Sports Media Forever
Tiger Woods has found himself at the top of professional golf once again.
The 15-time major champion has reportedly claimed the top bonus in the PGA Tour’s Player Impact Program — implemented to reward players who drive positive interest in the PGA Tour.
Woods receiving the top bonus of $15 million was revealed by Rory McIlroy when he told the Associated Press that he finished second to Woods in the PIP bonus pool, which totals $100 million.
The top bonus was claimed by Woods despite the 46-year-old only playing nine rounds in three major tournaments this past season.
Jordan Spieth finished third in the PIP bonus pool behind McIlroy — the No. 1 ranked golfer in the world with career earnings of $109.7 million — at $9 million. Justin Thomas rounded out the top four at $7.5 million.
This year’s PIP pool saw a record 23 players receive at least $2 million.
The PGA Tour has touted projected earnings for its members as it competes with controversial upstart LIV Golf. The tour created a document that details estimated earnings for a group of players — which includes some of the world’s best — if they started their careers in 2022.
It estimates a 4% year-over-year growth in comprehensive earnings, per Golf Digest.
