Incredible Tiger Woods prize money stat puts astonishing Scottie Scheffler season in perspective
Incredible Tiger Woods prize money stat puts astonishing Scottie Scheffler season in perspective
Scottie Scheffler’s 2024 golf season stands as a testament to his remarkable skill and dominance on the fairways. Winning the season-ending Tour Championship on September 1st, Scheffler capped off an exceptional year in which he triumphed in seven tournaments. In addition to his Tour Championship victory, the 28-year-old also secured the gold medal in men’s golf at the Paris Olympics for the United States, a feat that, while not contributing to his prize money, added a prestigious accomplishment to his already impressive resume.
Scheffler’s extraordinary season not only highlighted his prowess but also significantly impacted his earnings. According to the PGA Tour’s official site, Scheffler amassed £22.2 million ($29.2 million) in prize money out of a possible £43.5 million ($57.3 million). This substantial sum does not include the £6 million ($8 million) bonus he received for winning the FedEx Cup. Remarkably, Scheffler’s earnings for the year represented 51.02 percent of the total potential prize money, underscoring his dominance throughout the tournaments he entered.
Despite Scheffler’s standout year, a comparison with Tiger Woods’ illustrious career serves as a poignant reminder of Woods’ unparalleled greatness in the sport. Woods, widely regarded as the greatest golfer of all time, boasts a career marked by a staggering 15 major championships. Throughout his career, Woods has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to capitalize on prize money opportunities, with three distinct seasons where his earnings constituted 50 percent or more of the potential prize money.
In 1999, Woods’ impressive performance included winning eight tournaments, one of which was his second major title at the PGA Championship. That year, Woods earned £5 million ($6.6 million) from a total potential prize pool of £9.9 million ($13 million), achieving 50.54 percent of the possible earnings. The following year, Woods continued to excel with nine tournament wins, three of which were majors. In 2000, his earnings amounted to £7 million ($9.2 million) from a possible £11 million ($14.6 million), translating to 63 percent of the potential prize money won. Another notable season came in 2006 when Woods won eight tournaments, earning £7.5 million ($9.9 million) from a total potential of £12.8 million ($17 million), which equaled 58.63 percent of the possible earnings.
Although Woods’ earnings in specific seasons were significant, it is essential to recognize the broader context of prize money in professional golf. The evolution of prize money has been substantial over the years, partly due to the competitive pressure from the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series. In response to the challenge posed by LIV Golf, the PGA Tour introduced signature events, which feature limited fields and increased prize money, aimed at enhancing the quality of competition and elevating the stakes.
Before these events were designated as signature events, the winners of tournaments such as The Sentry, Pebble Beach, Genesis Invitational, and the Arnold Palmer Invitational received £1.3 million ($1.7 million) in 2021. By 2024, the prize for winners at The Sentry and Pebble Beach had risen to £2.7 million ($3.6 million), with the Genesis Invitational and Arnold Palmer Invitational offering £3 million ($4 million) to their champions. This increase in prize money reflects the growing financial stakes in professional golf and highlights the significant rewards available to top players.
Given Scheffler’s extraordinary performance this year, there is a strong possibility that he will continue his dominant form into the next season, potentially adding even more to his impressive earnings. As of now, Woods remains the all-time leader in career money on the PGA Tour, with nearly £92 million ($121 million) in on-course earnings. Scheffler, however, has made notable progress, currently standing third on the all-time earnings list with £55 million ($72 million). Only Rory McIlroy and Woods rank ahead of him, underscoring Scheffler’s remarkable rise in the world of professional golf.
In summary, while Scottie Scheffler’s 2024 season has been one of exceptional success and significant earnings, the legacy of Tiger Woods serves as a reminder of the extraordinary heights that can be achieved in the sport. Woods’ career earnings and achievements remain a benchmark of greatness, but Scheffler’s remarkable performance and growing success indicate that he is well on his way to making his own mark in golf history.
