Rory McIlroy has made history by becoming the second golfer ever, following the legendary Tiger Woods, to exceed $100 million (£77 million) in career earnings on the PGA Tour. This remarkable milestone solidifies McIlroy’s position as one of the top golfers of his generation.
The Northern Irishman reached this significant achievement by earning an impressive $338,000 for his performance, where he finished tied for fifth in a competitive four-way tie at last week’s Houston Open. This latest addition to his earnings contributes to a career that has already seen him amass 28 victories over 262 events since his debut on the Tour in 2010.
Tiger Woods, a name synonymous with excellence in golf, surpassed the $100 million mark in prize money back in 2012 and currently holds a career total of approximately $120 million. Woods’ accolades are adorned with 82 victories across 378 events, showcasing his remarkable consistency and dominance in the sport.
In terms of the all-time earnings list, Phil Mickelson ranks third with a total of $97 million. However, Mickelson made headlines in 2022 when he departed from the PGA Tour to join the Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour, reportedly signing a lucrative deal worth around $200 million. Dustin Johnson, another high-profile golfer who transitioned to LIV in 2022, finds himself fourth on the earnings list with $76 million. Completing the top five is world number one Scottie Scheffler, whose earnings stand at $75 million.
The influence of LIV Golf prompted the PGA Tour to act in 2022 by increasing the prize money at 12 select events, aligning with the financial incentives offered by the breakaway tour. This strategic move demonstrates the PGA Tour’s commitment to maintaining its prestige and competitive allure in the face of new challenges.
Furthermore, discussions have been ongoing since June 2023 between the PGA Tour, the European-based DP World Tour, and the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), which oversees LIV, regarding a potential merger. This developing situation could have significant implications for the future of professional golf.
Among the most exciting aspects of the golfing calendar are the four major championships: The Masters, US PGA Championship, The Open Championship, and the US Open. These elite events provide a rare opportunity for players across rival tours to compete against one another, elevating the stakes and excitement for fans and players alike.
Rory McIlroy’s impressive record includes three out of the four major titles; however, the last major win he achieved was at the 2014 Open Championship. As he prepares for the upcoming Masters at Augusta National, commencing on April 10, McIlroy will be vying not only for victory but also to join an elite group of players who have completed a career Grand Slam, winning all four majors. The anticipation surrounding this endeavor adds another layer of intrigue to his already illustrious career.
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