The PGA Championship is underway at Quail Hollow in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The world’s top golfers are chasing the second major of the season. All eyes are on Rory McIlroy as he looks to win back-to-back majors.
If not McIlroy, then perhaps Jordan Spieth is drawing attention. The American needs just a PGA Championship win to complete his career Grand Slam.
READ: The real reason Tiger Woods met with President Donald Trump this week
But one major name is missing from the field — Tiger Woods. Despite his absence, Woods continues to be a prominent figure in the sport.
On Thursday, Forbes published an updated list of the richest athletes in the world, based on both on-field and off-field earnings.
Woods came in at No. 45 overall, earning an estimated $55.4 million — $40 million of which came off the course. He remains one of the highest-paid golfers in the game. While this is still impressive, in 2002, Woods was the highest-paid athlete in the world. In 2009, Woods was the first athlete to top $1 billion in career earnings.
Among golfers, Woods ranks fourth in earnings on this year’s list. Leading the group is Jon Rahm with $100 million, placing him 12th overall. Scottie Scheffler (14th) follows at $92.5 million, while Rory McIlroy is 17th at $87.9 million. Woods is next at 45th, and Xander Schauffele rounds out the five golfers in the top 50.
Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo topped the overall athlete earnings list with $275 million, followed by NBA star Steph Curry, boxer Tyson Fury, Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott and another soccer star, Lionel Messi.
Woods’ long-standing partnerships with brands such as General Motors, Titleist, General Mills, American Express and Accenture continue to bolster his income.
Now 49 years old, Woods is tied with Sam Snead for the most PGA Tour wins in history (82) and ranks second in major championships to Jack Nicklaus’ record of 18. Woods’ last major victory came at the 2019 Masters, his fifth green jacket and 15th major title.
Woods has confirmed he will not play again for the rest of the 2025 season after rupturing an Achilles in March.
