05 November 2023 , 22:10
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The top 10 highest-paid players in golf have been revealed with LIV Golf star Talor Gooch sensationally out-earning the best the PGA Tour has to offer.
Since the controversial arrival of the Saudi-backed breakaway tour, golf has seen an incredible influx of millions into the sport. The lucrative LIV Golf forced the PGA Tour to significantly increase their own prize pots, ensuring players have never earned so much money.
The list of the top 10 highest-earning players across the two rival tours - according to CBS - makes for interesting reading. The numbers are made up from prize money made from majors, PGA Tour or LIV Golf events, and year-end bonuses.
Despite LIV Golf offering huge sums to its players, the top PGA Tour stars are still making a handsome sum. In fact, the top 10 list features more PGA Tour players (six) than LIV Golf rebels (four).
However, money earned from certain contracts, sponsors and PIP (Player Impact Program) bonuses are not included, while money banked throughout the season on the DP World Tour and Asian Tour is also not taken into consideration. It leaves Gooch sitting atop the list, even though he is ineligible for majors in 2023.
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Gooch, who starred for the Range Goats GC team in LIV Golf, made over $36 million (£29m) in prize money alone. The American won three of the 14 events in the 2023 LIV Golf season, before claiming an $18 million (£14.5m) bonus as the league’s individual champion.
Ultimately, his major record was disappointing. Gooch only made the cut at the Masters back in April, sliding down to 231st in the world rankings as a result given his success in LIV Golf is unrecognised by the OWGR.
Unless the framework peace deal between PIF and the PGA Tour changes his situation, Gooch must enter Open and US Open qualifying to have a chance of competing in the prestigious tournaments in 2024. The 31-year-old likely does not mind; he took home a healthy amount for his efforts.
Meanwhile, Viktor Hovland claimed an $18 million (£14.5m) bonus from his FedEx Cup triumph en route to breaking the PGA Tour record for the highest-earning season. Two 2023 major winners, Brooks Koepka and Jon Rahm, also both earned more than $20 million each for their successful seasons.
Viktor Hovland took home a healthy paycheque after winning the lucrative FedEx Cup (AP)List of the 10 highest earners in golf in 2023:
1. Talor Gooch - $36.2m (£29.3m) - LIV Golf
2. Viktor Hovland - $33.5m (£27m) - PGA Tour
3. Scottie Scheffler - $26.0m (£21m) - PGA Tour
4. Brooks Koepka - $22.7m (£18.3m) - LIV Golf
5. Jon Rahm - $21.2m (£17.1m) - PGA Tour
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6. Rory McIlroy - $20.3m (£16.4m) - PGA Tour
7. Cameron Smith - $19.8m (£16m) - LIV Golf
8. Wyndham Clark - $17.8m (£14.4m) - PGA Tour
9. Bryson DeChambeau - $15.7m (£12.7m) - LIV Golf
10. Xander Schauffele - $14.9m (£12m) - PGA Tour