Rory McIlroy has landed second place among the world’s highest-paid golfers. He has collected an estimated $84 million.
Of that amount, $55 million comes from off-course activities.
McIlroy’s Financial Standing
Scottie Scheffler, despite winning seven tournaments and holding the top spot in the Official World Golf Ranking for 150 consecutive weeks, is behind McIlroy in earnings. Scheffler’s estimated earnings over the past 12 months are $81 million. He ranks third among the world’s highest-paid golfers.
Jon Rahm secured the top spot with estimated total earnings of $102 million. A significant portion of Rahm’s earnings is attributed to his contract with LIV Golf.
The Highest-Paid Golfers
The world’s 10 highest-paid golfers collectively earned $558 million over the past 12 months. This figure is before taxes and agents’ fees.
This represents a 9% decline from the $611 million earned in calendar-year 2024. The decline is largely due to the apparent end of LIV Golf’s spending.
- Jon Rahm: $102 million
- Rory McIlroy: $84 million
- Scottie Scheffler: $81 million
Changes in Golf Compensation
The PGA Tour has reshuffled its bonus structure. The $50 million Player Impact Program was replaced with the Player Equity Program following the 2024 season.
The Player Equity Program has since granted more than $1 billion worth of stakes in PGA Tour Enterprises to qualifying members. Only cash is counted among the highest-paid golfer’s compensation.
Increased Prize Money
LIV Golf raised its total pot from $405 million to $470 million for 2026.
The PGA Tour is offering a 1% lower cumulative total of prize money for this FedExCup season at $441.5 million. However, the figure is up by 5% on a per-event basis, with the schedule narrowing from 35 tournaments to 33.
Factoring in the four majors, the Tour’s fall schedule of events and nearly $100 million in available bonuses, PGA Tour players will compete for almost $700 million in 2026.
McIlroy’s profile has grown since winning the 2025 Masters and completing a career golf Grand Slam. He now ranks as the sport’s best pitchman.