The Golf Digest 50: What The Game's Biggest Stars Earn

Tiger Woods

SKINNY: Back injury resulted in the least productive cash-wise of his 19 seasons on the course and cost him major year-end appearance fees in Asia.2014 RANK: 1 | ON COURSE: $610,775 | OFF COURSE: $54,500,000 | TOTAL: $55,110,775

Phil Mickelson

SKINNY: A winning personality and broad range of interests make Lefty a likely candidate to emerge as an elder statesman in the game and extend his endorsement value deep into his golden years.2014 RANK: 2 | ON COURSE: $2,238,019 | OFF COURSE: $48,500,000 | TOTAL: $50,738,019

Rory McIlroy

SKINNY: Young, likeable and a winner. That translates into cash. For now, he's concentrating on a few high-profile, well-paying endorsement partners. The sky's the limit here.2014 RANK: 6 | ON COURSE: $14,183,976 | OFF COURSE: $35,000,000 | TOTAL: $49,183,976

Arnold Palmer

SKINNY: At age 85, The King is still The King. No name in the history of golf has ever sold as much product. Nice guys don't always finish last.2014 RANK: 3 | ON COURSE: -- | OFF COURSE: $40,000,000 | TOTAL: $40,000,000

Jack Nicklaus

SKINNY: His value only rises as Tiger gets older. As amazing as Woods has been, he still hasn't caught Jack in major wins. That's made a generation who never saw the Golden Bear at his best appreciate how great he was.2014 RANK: 4 | ON COURSE: $47,250 | OFF COURSE: $22,000,000 | TOTAL: $22,047,250

Billy Horschel

SKINNY: That $10 million FedEx Cup bonus sure jumps you up the ranking in a hurry. Now let's see if he can build on that success or is merely content with being set for life.2014 RANK: 46 | ON COURSE: $15,549,691 | OFF COURSE: $2,750,000 | TOTAL: $18,299,691

Justin Rose

SKINNY: Being a nice guy who does admirable charity work makes you very marketable. So does being on the leader board almost every time he tees it up.2014 RANK: 12 | ON COURSE: $7,228,816 | OFF COURSE: $11,000,000 | TOTAL: $18,228,816

Sergio Garcia

SKINNY: Has fewer deals than before but that could be good as he is focusing more on golf. He's getting closer to that elusive first major.2014 RANK: 11 | ON COURSE: $7,347,235 | OFF COURSE: $8,500,000 | TOTAL: $15,847,235

Adam Scott

SKINNY: Being a heartthrob who has a Master green jacket in his closet is like being handed a blank check. Let's see how he handles the last year of playing with a long putter.2014 RANK: 8 | ON COURSE: $5,756,141 | OFF COURSE: $9,500,000 | TOTAL: $15,256,141

Bubba Watson

SKINNY: Being someone who stands out in a crowd enhances your value. Being left-handed, and a little bit odd, makes Bubba bankable. And there may be more green jackets coming for him.2014 RANK: 37 | ON COURSE: $9,361,978 | OFF COURSE: $5,750,000 | TOTAL: $15,111,978

Gary Player

SKINNY: At 80, he still does 1,200 sit-ups a day. The first globetrotting player has multinational revenue streams in a wide variety of businesses, including course design. A statesman for the game.2014 RANK: 7 | ON COURSE: -- | OFF COURSE: $15,000,000 | TOTAL: $15,000,000

Rickie Fowler

SKINNY: Took huge steps last year toward being much more than just another pretty face. Played great in the majors. Year 2 of the swing refinement should be interesting and could be even more profitable..2014 RANK: 35 | ON COURSE: $5,880,284 | OFF COURSE: $8,750,000 | TOTAL: $14,630,284

Jim Furyk

SKINNY: As steady as they come. The fact that he (and his logos) is on the leader board (and TV) every time he plays make him extremely valuable. So does being a solid citizen.2014 RANK: 20 | ON COURSE: $7,822,395 | OFF COURSE: $6,250,000 | TOTAL: $14,072,395

Matt Kuchar

SKINNY: That smile is genuine, and it sells. And the game is rock solid. For a half-dozen years now he's been an on-course ATM.2014 RANK: 13 | ON COURSE: $7,006,342 | OFF COURSE: $6,250,000 | TOTAL: $13,256,342

Ernie Els

SKINNY: With power bases in South Africa, Britain and the United States, the Big Easy has an earning power that is as timeless as that swing of his which has rhythm to die for.2014 RANK: 9 | ON COURSE: $2,368,670 | OFF COURSE: $9,950,000 | TOTAL: $12,318,670

Jordan Spieth

SKINNY: At age 21 and after two years as a pro, he has $23.5 million and is on the GD 50. Not a bad start. And no reason to think he won't keep getting better.2014 RANK: 18 | ON COURSE: $6,311,404 | OFF COURSE: $5,950,000 | TOTAL: $12,261,404

Greg Norman

SKINNY: From design to wine and now as a Fox Sports TV personality, Shark has done a brilliant job of building his brand. Has one of the most-recognized logos in the game.2014 RANK: 10 | ON COURSE: $80,000 | OFF COURSE: $12,000,000 | TOTAL: $12,080,000

Henrik Stenson

SKINNY: He's come back from the dead a couple of times. And he still could become the first Swedish male to win a major.2014 RANK: 5 | ON COURSE: $6,935,615 | OFF COURSE: $4,400,000 | TOTAL: $11,335,615

Martin Kaymer

SKINNY: The last time he won a major he didn't build on it. Can he do better this time around? Not a flashy personality but the U.S. Open performance at Pinehurst No. 2 sure was.2014 RANK: NR | ON COURSE: $6,114,169 | OFF COURSE: $5,000,000 | TOTAL: $11,114,169

Bernhard Langer

SKINNY: This guy gives no indication of slowing down. He's just dominating the Champions Tour. A rock-solid image as an endorsement partner.2014 RANK: 36 ON COURSE: $4,520,314 OFF COURSE: $5,600,000 TOTAL: $10,120,314

THE REST OF THE GOLF DIGEST 50

21. Jimmy WalkerThere is no substitute for winning. He tripled on the course what he made off it. There aren't too many who can say that.2014 RANK: NR | ON COURSE: $7,184,623 | OFF COURSE: $2,450,000 | TOTAL: $9,634,62322. Dustin JohnsonThis will be an interesting year for him. How will his six-month leave of absence affect his earning power on and off the course?2014 RANK: 19 | ON COURSE: $4,599,180 | OFF COURSE: $5,000,000 | TOTAL: $9,599,18023. Chris KirkWhen you are No. 2 in the FedEx Cup standings, it's going to fatten your wallet. Made more last year than the three previous years combined.2014 RANK: NR | ON COURSE: $8,271,110 | OFF COURSE: $1,300,000 | TOTAL: $9,571,11024. Colin MontgomerieThe grumpy Scotsman is having a ball winning the majors on the Champions Tour he didn't win on the regular tour. Smart and outspoken. That sells.2014 RANK: 42 | ON COURSE: $2,969,991 | OFF COURSE: $6,500,000 | TOTAL: $9,469,99125. Graeme McDowellA very likeable business partner for some big name companies. Few interact with the public and the media as genuinely as he does.2014 RANK: 16 | ON COURSE: $4,194,228 | OFF COURSE: $5,200,000 | TOTAL: $9,394,22826. Hunter MahanA dozen years on tour and a half-dozen wins show both longevity and productivity. A solid guy to bank on.2014 RANK: 33 | ON COURSE: $4,510,416 | OFF COURSE: $4,450,000 | TOTAL: $8,960,41627. Lee WestwoodDon't count this guy out of winning a major just yet. Turns 42 in April but still puts himself in position to win often. Still time to cash in really big.2014 RANK: 17 | ON COURSE: $2,641,702 | OFF COURSE: $6,250,000 | TOTAL: $8,891,70228. Jason DayIf this guy ever figures out the Sunday thing his earnings will jump enormously. Should have more than two wins in 153 PGA Tour starts. But always cashes a check.2014 RANK: 29 | ON COURSE: $6,073,741 | OFF COURSE: $2,800,000 | TOTAL: $8,873,74129. Zach JohnsonTalk about reliably getting valuable TV exposure. Has 11 consecutive seasons of at least $1.6 million in tour earnings. What's not to like?2014 RANK: 24 | ON COURSE: $4,767,584 | OFF COURSE: $4,000,000 | TOTAL: $8,767,58430. Luke DonaldHe's been No. 1 in the world and still hasn't won a major. A new swing coach might change that. And that would bump him up on the GD 50.2014 RANK: 14 | ON COURSE: $2,995,849 | OFF COURSE: $5,150,000 | TOTAL: $8,145,84931. Keegan BradleyPowerful, productive and quirky, almost annoyingly so. He's like that painting of Kramer on Seinfeld. You just can't look away. Plays with a healthy chip on his shoulder.2014 RANK: 21 | ON COURSE: $3,602,138 | OFF COURSE: $4,500,000 | TOTAL: $8,102,13832. Ryo IshikawaHe seems to be going backward. Has not produced the wins in the U.S. that would make him a worldwide star.2014 RANK: 26 | ON COURSE: $2,029,943 | OFF COURSE: $6,000,000 | TOTAL: $8,029,94333. Tom WatsonHis Ryder Cup flop aside, when you have eight majors, a highly recognizable face and a singular personality, you are always going to be marketable.2014 RANK: 40 | ON COURSE: $471,690 | OFF COURSE: $7,500,000 | TOTAL: $7,971,69034. Fred CouplesGee, handsome, cool and a swing to envy. How hard is it to sell that? Does a great job in those TV ads also. He's simply Freddy.2014 RANK: 22 | ON COURSE: $1,400,607 | OFF COURSE: $6,500,000 | TOTAL: $7,900,60735. Nick FaldoHis wit, charm and insight on TV have made him a personality you either love or hate. And most love him. Also keeps a high profile with his junior programs.2014 RANK: 31 | ON COURSE: $72,615 | OFF COURSE: $7,500,000 | TOTAL: $7,572,61536. Hideki MatsuyamaIn his first full-season on the PGA Tour the 23-year-old had a win and four top-10s. He could become Asia's first true superstar. Then oh how the cash will roll in.2014 RANK: NR | ON COURSE: $4,989,820 | OFF COURSE: $2,500,000 | TOTAL: $7,489,82037. Miguel Angel JimenezThe Sean Connery of golf: He's aging nicely like one of those fine wines he loves. Over 50 but still a force on regular tour. And talk about standing out in a crowd!2014 RANK: 39 | ON COURSE: $2,480,531 | OFF COURSE: $5,000,000 | TOTAL: $7,480,53138. Ian PoulterInstantly recognizable as soon as he comes into view. Another of those guys whose earning power is awaiting the boost from a major championship.2014 RANK: 23 | ON COURSE: $3,659,799 | OFF COURSE: $3,750,000 | TOTAL: $7,409,79939. Davis Love IIIA fixture on tour since 1986. Being stylish, dependable and a winner gives him enduring earning power. He's 50 but likely will be on this list for years to come.2014 RANK: 34 | ON COURSE: $657,414 | OFF COURSE: $6,500,000 | TOTAL: $7,157,41440. Webb SimpsonNo substitute for success. Four wins and a major in last four years makes him a dependable business partner.2014 RANK: 30 | ON COURSE: $4,165,468 | OFF COURSE: $2,500,000 | TOTAL: $6,665,46841. Stacy LewisBeing the first dominant American woman in a generation has brought her a wide range of endorsement partners. Not only smart but also savvy. Great with clients.2014 RANK: NR | ON COURSE: $2,720,750 | OFF COURSE: $3,900,000 | TOTAL: $6,620,75042. Michelle WieAt 25, it just may be that the best is yet to come for Wie. If the most recognizable name in women's golf builds on last year's success her already considerable value will skyrocket.2014 RANK: NR | ON COURSE: $2,024,796 | OFF COURSE: $4,350,000 | TOTAL: $6,374,79643. Patrick ReedThe dude lives to prove his doubters wrong. That's what fuels his engine. Winning brings value with it even if you aren't warm and fuzzy.2014 RANK: NR | ON COURSE: $4,740,276 | OFF COURSE: $1,400,000 | TOTAL: $6,140,27644. Victor DubuissonOh, to be young, good looking and French. The Match Play and the Ryder Cup made him a celebrity. A couple of wins will make him really rich.2014 RANK: NR | ON COURSE: $3,954,287 | OFF COURSE: $1,800,000 | TOTAL: $5,754,28745. Ryan MooreWith a win already in the wraparound season, he has 10 consecutive $1 million seasons. Has proven that being a grinder can pay off.2014 RANK: NR | ON COURSE: $4,426,763 | OFF COURSE: $1,250,000 | TOTAL: $5,676,76346. Brandt SnedekerA smart, interesting guy who televises well. After five wins in three years was slowed by injuries last year. Could really cash in on a bounce-back year.2014 RANK: 25 | ON COURSE: $2,168,573 | OFF COURSE: $3,500,000 | TOTAL: $5,668,57347. Paula CreamerGot first win last year since 2010 U.S. Women's Open but still one of the most recognizable names and faces in the women's game. The Pink Panther personna sells well in Asia.2014 RANK: 48 | ON COURSE: $764,270 | OFF COURSE: $4,500,000 | TOTAL: $5,264,27048. Padraig HarringtonThe lesson here for young players is that being a nice guy gives your earning power legs. Having three majors doesn't hurt either.2014 RANK: 27 | ON COURSE: $714,258 | OFF COURSE: $4,250,000 | TOTAL: $4,964,25849. Kevin NaHis struggles with performance anxiety and dreadful pace of play has actually earned him some respect. And for better or worse, fans know who he is.2014 RANK: NR | ON COURSE: $3,961,774 | OFF COURSE: $1,000,000 | TOTAL: $4,961,77450. Seung-yul NohAt 23 and with a PGA Tour win he could challenge Matsuyama as the best of the Asians, a crown that will carry a lot of cash with it.2014 RANK: NR | ON COURSE: $2,142,534 | OFF COURSE: $2,750,000 | TOTAL: $4,892,534NR: Not ranked among the Golf Digest 50 in February 2014.SOURCES: Figures for the list were compiled through Golf Digest interviews with agents, players, executives of companies involved with endorsements, industry analysts and through the official money lists of the professional tours.

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