The Reality of Earning $100K in Professional Golf
The Reality of Earning $100K in Professional Golf
Eight years ago, I wrote an article analyzing what it takes to earn $100K USD in professional golf. Recently, I revisited this topic using the 2024 season’s Order of Merit standings across major tours worldwide.
Comparing Earnings Across Tours
Below is a breakdown of how players fared (roughly) across different tours in 2024 to reach the $100K earnings mark.
While $100K USD might sound like a solid income, it barely covers the costs associated with playing professional golf. These figures represent gross earnings—before accounting for expenses like:
- Entry fees: Free on the PGA Tour but up to $400 USD on the DP World Tour
- Travel & accommodation: Flights, hotels, and meals
- Caddie fees: A percentage of earnings or a weekly salary
- Miscellaneous costs: Coaching, equipment, and physiotherapy
Depending on the tour and location, a golfer’s expenses can range from $1,500 to $3,000 per week. Over 20 weeks, that’s up to $60,000 in costs, significantly reducing a player's actual take-home income.
Some tours provide support, such as waived entry fees, on-site physiotherapy, and sponsored meals. However, earning $100K USD alone is not enough to sustain a professional golf career.
Earnings Trends: Then vs. Now
Comparing 2017 to 2024, it's clear that breaking into the top earnings bracket remains just as difficult—if not harder. While the PGA Tour has increased prize purses, the benefits are mostly concentrated at the top. The same trend is evident in Japan and Australia, where mid-tier players are struggling to keep pace with rising costs.
The PGA Tour is the most challenging, with players needing to be a further 35 spots higher in the Order of Merit ranking required to earn $100K USD. We know the prize funds have significantly increased, especially since LIV Golf entered the arena; therefore, the increased prize funds are loaded onto the top players.
The Struggles of the Australian Tour
The Australian Tour is particularly concerning. The standard of play is high, but the financial rewards are limited, making it difficult for players to earn a living. Many use it as a stepping stone to more lucrative tours.
Historically, prestigious events like the Australian Open and New Zealand Open attracted top global players. Unfortunately, the tour has struggled to maintain its international appeal. LIV Golf’s success in South Australia shows that there is potential for growth—perhaps by revitalizing marquee events to increase exposure and prize money.
The Bottom Line
The professional golf landscape remains as tough as ever. Shooting between 70 and 71 on tournament-caliber courses is no easy feat, yet many of these players are barely breaking even.
There is a lot of talk about growing the game of golf worldwide, yet the financial structure makes it increasingly difficult for up-and-coming players to sustain their careers. While there is plenty of money at the top, lower-ranked professionals struggle to cover their costs. If some of the prize money were filtered down more effectively, professional golf would be in a much healthier place, ensuring that talent development isn’t stifled by financial barriers.
Ultimately, tours need to do a better job distributing prize funds to give more players a realistic chance at making a living. Increasing prize pools at lower tiers, securing better sponsorships, and improving financial support for players could all make a difference.
It would be great to hear your thoughts, what do you think?
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