Golf's Top Ten Earners Collected $536 Million Over Past Year

Forbes estimates the ten highest-paid golfers earned a combined $536 million in the 12 months ending June 2026, down 12 percent from the prior year and 29 percent from the 2023 peak. The decline followed the expiration of several large LIV Golf contracts and reduced prize money for some PGA Tour players.

Rahm, 31, of Spain, ranked first with $111 million, including an estimated $101 million from on-course earnings and $10 million from off-course sources. Scottie Scheffler, 29, of the United States, placed second with $79 million, of which $49 million came from tournament play.

Rory McIlroy, 37, of Northern Ireland, ranked third with $77 million, including $50 million from endorsements and appearances. Bryson DeChambeau placed fourth with $52 million. Tommy Fleetwood, 35, of England, entered the top ten for the first time at sixth place with $36 million after winning the Tour Championship.

Joaquin Niemann tied for seventh with $34 million.

Public Investment Fund announced it would end financial support for LIV Golf after the current season. Several players, including Brooks Koepka, returned to the PGA Tour under conditions that excluded them from equity grants and certain bonuses. Patrick Reed applied for PGA Tour reinstatement but remains on the DP World Tour until next year.

The PGA Tour expanded its player equity program, granting more than $1 billion in value to nearly 200 players since 2024. Eight signature events now offer $20 million purses, and the Comcast Business Tour Top 10 bonus pool reached $40 million in 2025.