Scottie Scheffler goes red in awkward chat about
Scottie Scheffler, the current world number one in men’s golf, has had an extraordinary year in 2024, amassing nearly £50 million in earnings. This impressive sum has been achieved largely through his remarkable performances on the PGA Tour, including securing his second Masters title and winning the prestigious FedEx Cup. The FedEx Cup alone contributed £19 million to Scheffler’s earnings. Despite his phenomenal financial success, Scheffler has stated that monetary rewards are not his primary motivation in the sport.
During an appearance on the “Pardon My Take” podcast, Scheffler was confronted with the staggering figure of his 2024 earnings. The amount, which totals $62 million (approximately £47 million), was something Scheffler had only recently discovered through media reports. This revelation left him visibly uncomfortable and somewhat evasive about discussing the financial aspect of his career.
“I did read that, yep, I think so. I don’t really have much to say on that,” Scheffler admitted when asked about his earnings. He went on to clarify his stance by emphasizing his focus on golf rather than the financial gains. “It’s been a fun year. I don’t really think about the money very much. I think that becomes a big deal with the FedEx and everything. At the end of the day, I’m just playing golf. The money is just a gift on top of that. It’s really all it is.”
Reflecting on his early days on the PGA Tour, Scheffler recalled his first professional event shortly after graduating from college. At that time, he finished in 40th place and received a paycheck that, while modest compared to his current earnings, felt like a significant amount to him. He reminisced about receiving a text from the tour detailing his earnings and being astonished at the sum. “I remember playing my first PGA Tour event as a pro. I didn’t play great. I finished in maybe 40th place. It was two weeks after graduating from college and I made 30 or 40 grand, something like that. You get a text from the tour after each tournament telling you how much money you’ve made. I looked at it and thought, ‘Oh my gosh, that’s how much I got paid? That’s insane’. So it’s pretty fun. I still feel like a kid. I get to go and play golf and have fun.”
Scheffler’s impressive earnings this year reflect his dominance in the sport, despite competition from other top players like Xander Schauffele, who won the USPGA Championship and the Open Championship. Nevertheless, Scheffler has maintained a significant lead in the world rankings, showcasing his exceptional skill and consistency.
Looking ahead, Scheffler is poised for another notable financial opportunity. In December, he is scheduled to participate in a high-profile exhibition match where he will team up with Rory McIlroy to face off against Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka. This match, which will pit PGA Tour players against those from LIV Golf, is set to take place in Las Vegas. Although there will be no prize money associated with this exhibition, the participants are expected to receive substantial appearance fees.
This upcoming match is indicative of the shifting dynamics between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. The PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF)—which funds LIV Golf—have been in negotiations to establish a more formal agreement since the announcement of their surprising “framework agreement” in June of the previous year. The evolving relationship between these two entities highlights the ongoing changes and realignments within professional golf.
Overall, while Scheffler’s financial achievements in 2024 are nothing short of remarkable, he remains focused on the joy and passion of playing golf, viewing the substantial earnings as an added bonus rather than the driving force behind his success.
