Ever wondered how to crack into the elite billionaire club? Well, being a master on the golf greens is a pretty good start. In 2022, pro golfer Tiger Woods etched his name into financial history books, racking up a net worth of at least $US 1 billion (AUD$1,538,604,000). And this is before turning down a jaw-dropping ‘high nine digits’ offer to join a Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour.
With news that the golf legend has officially severed ties with Nike after one of the most lucrative partnerships in sports history, it’s worth looking at Tiger Woods’ net worth figure. Woods’ career has been a rollercoaster of triumph, injury, scandal, setbacks, and remarkable comebacks. Through highs and lows, Woods has remained a titan in the sports world, amassing over $1 billion from earnings, endorsements, and other ventures in his 27-year career. That’s a record-breaking feat. Wondering how he got there? Because FYI – just 10% of Tiger Woods’ net worth comes from golf winnings.
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How Much is Tiger Woods Worth 2023?
Over his 27-year career, Forbes estimates Tiger Woods has amassed a staggering $1.7 billion, before taxes and agents’ fees. While he’s the highest earner in professional golf history with $121 million in prize money, it’s even more incredible that these winnings form less than 10% of his total income.
The majority of Woods’ wealth stems from his endorsements with major brands like Nike, TaylorMade, and Monster Energy. Beyond the golf course, Woods is a savvy businessman. He runs a successful golf course design company and has a partnership with Discovery’s GolfTV for streaming content.
Not to mention his highly-rated memoir Tiger Woods by Jeff Benedict and Armen Keteyian published by HarperCollins. There’s no accurate data available on how many books have been sold since it was published in April 2023, but no doubt he’s made some nice coin from it.
TLDR: Tiger Woods is a prime example of an athlete who has extended his influence and success beyond his sport.
Who is Tiger Woods?
Tiger Woods, born Eldrick Tont Woods is – for lack of a better term – a global sports icon. Bursting onto the professional greens scene in 1996, Woods quickly became a household name, not just for his skill with a golf club but for his intense focus and fierce competitive spirit. Known for his remarkable consistency and ability to perform under pressure, Woods has clinched 15 major championships, including five Masters titles.
But what’s more impressive is his legacy has extended beyond the fairways. He’s a trailblazer who’s reshaped golf, bringing it to a wider, more diverse audience. His impact is seen in the surge of interest and participation in the sport since his rise to fame. Off the course, he’s equally influential, with his business ventures and charity work. The TGR Foundation, for example, focuses on providing resources for youth education.
Woods is also well known for his numerous affairs of the years, which came to light in late 2009. Numerous women claimed affairs with Woods, leading to intense media scrutiny and a pretty tarnished public image. Fair enough.
Woods admitted to his infidelities, apologised to his family and fans, and took a break from golf to focus on personal issues. The scandal had significant repercussions, however, including the loss of sponsorships and a hit to his reputation. It also led to his divorce from Elin Nordegren in 2010.
Tiger Woods Earnings
1. Golf
Tiger Woods has had an exceptional career in golf, with 82 PGA Tour wins, tying the record held by Sam Snead, and 15 Major wins. His most recent Major victory was the 2019 Masters Tournament. Throughout his career, Woods has earned a remarkable $121 million in prize money from golf tournaments, making him the highest-earning golfer in history in terms of prize money. However, these winnings account for only about 10% of his total career earnings.
2. Endorsements/Sponsorships
The larger portion of Woods’ income comes from his endorsements and sponsorship deals. He has long been associated with some of the world’s most prominent brands, including Gatorade, Monster Energy, Rolex, and Nike. His ability to appeal to both traditional and casual fans has made him a highly sought-after endorser.
In 2022 alone, he earned $68 million from endorsements. His relationship with Nike, one of his most significant sponsors, began in 1996. Woods’ endorsement deal with Rolex, which started in 1997 with a 5-year, $7 million contract, was one of the first major partnerships to be renewed after his cheating scandal.
In January 2024, however, Woods confirmed that his 27-year partnership with Nike had come to an end. In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), the 15-time major champion expressed gratitude to the sporting goods giant for their support, reminiscing about signing with the brand as a 20-year-old in 1996. While there’s no news on if and who Tiger will sign with next, he has assured fans that “there is another chapter” ahead.
3. Business Ventures
Tiger Woods isn’t just a master on the golf course; he’s also swinging big in the business world. He’s established a golf course design company named TGR Design and runs TGR Live, an event production business. He also owns a restaurant, The Woods Jupiter.
In addition to his own businesses, Tiger Woods is also making strategic moves with TGR Ventures (his overarching company). He’s invested in Full Swing, a company specialising in cutting-edge golf technology. Then there’s Heard, a startup focusing on hospitality software, tapping into the tech side of service and accommodations. Woods also backs PopStroke, a luxury mini-golf chain.
He has also stepped into the financial world as a partner in a Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) announced earlier this year. And, he’s investing in the NEXUS Luxury Collection, a group of clubs and resorts, alongside notable figures like Joe Lewis, Ernie Els, and Justin Timberlake.
4. Philanthropy
While not a direct source of income, Woods’ involvement in philanthropic activities, like founding the Tiger Woods Learning Center in Anaheim, California, has contributed to his public image and brand value. This centre, which was built at a cost of about $18 million, not only focuses on education for underprivileged children but also teaches golf, intertwining his charitable efforts with his professional expertise.
What Does Tiger Woods Spend His Money On?
Tiger Woods, with his billion-dollar fortune, enjoys a lavish lifestyle, splurging on some of the most luxurious items. Here’s a quick rundown of what he spends his money on.
A Luxury Yacht
Bought for around USD 20 million in 2004, this 47.2-meter luxury yacht costs Woods about USD 2 million annually in maintenance. It’s equipped with an eight-person jacuzzi, a decompression chamber, a gym, a theatre, and more. The yacht is often seen at major golf tournaments around the world.
Dive Boat “Solitude”
Reportedly purchased for Woods’ ex-wife as a peace offering, this 18.5-meter dive boat cost between USD 2 and 3 million and took two years to build.
Gulfstream G550 Private Jet
Woods travels in style in his Gulfstream G550, a private jet he bought for around USD 54 million. It’s equipped with a bedroom, dining area, spacious bathrooms, and full internet connectivity.
Luxury Cars
His garage houses several high-end vehicles, including a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Edition and a Porsche Carrera GT. These cars are known for their speed and exclusivity, with the McLaren Edition being particularly rare and valuable.
Real Estate
Tiger’s property portfolio is impressive. He sold his Windermere mansion for USD 2.2 million in 2013, but his most famous property is the Jupiter Island estate in Florida, valued at around USD 40-55 million. It boasts a private golf course, multiple pools, and other luxurious amenities. He also owns land in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and has a condo in Corona Del Mar, California.
Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea Watch
Part of his luxury watch collection, Woods was spotted wearing this Rolex, valued at around USD 10,000, after his 2019 Masters Tournament win.
Tiger Woods Car Accident
In the world of golf, Tiger Woods is a legend, but on February 23, he made headlines for a different reason. Woods found himself in a serious car crash in Southern California. Woods was clocked at a staggering 135-140 kilometres per hour, nearly doubling the 45 miles per hour speed limit on a notorious downhill stretch known for its share of wrecks.
The accident was chalked up to Woods’ excessive speed and loss of control. The report following the accident revealed Woods didn’t even attempt to brake – possibly mistaking the accelerator for the brake. Post-crash, Woods was laid up with a laundry list of injuries to his lower right leg, undergoing surgeries that put rods, screws, and pins in place.
Is Tiger Woods Still Able to Play Golf?
Woods is on a steady but challenging path to recovery following his car accident and subsequent surgeries. He said he’s pain-free in his right ankle, which underwent fusion surgery, but it’s the rest of his leg that’s still catching up.
The big question on everyone’s mind is when he’ll swing his clubs in a tournament again. Two years ago Woods got the golf world buzzing by posting a video of his swing, hinting at progress.
As for his future, it’s still a wait-and-see situation. Woods’ last competitive appearance was at the Hero World Challenge in Albany back in December 2023. He finished in 18th position and hasn’t played competitively since then
Tiger Woods Reaches New Career Low in World Rankings (2023)
After withdrawing from this year’s Masters, Woods’ ranking dropped from No. 1,291 to No. 1,307, a new career low for the pro golfer. Woods, who debuted in the rankings at No. 720 back in 1994, has held the No. 1 spot for a record 683 weeks, including an uninterrupted streak from 2005 to 2010. His ranking notably dipped to No. 1,199 in November 2017, but he made a remarkable comeback to win the 2019 Masters, briefly climbing back to No. 5.
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Tiger Woods Net Worth FAQs
Tiger Woods is 47 years old. He was born on December 30, 1975. As a golfer who turned professional in 1996, Woods has had a career spanning over two decades, filled with remarkable achievements and comebacks
As of 2023, Tiger Woods holds the title of the richest golfer in the world. His net worth, which stands at an impressive USD 1.7 billion, is a testament to his success both on and off the golf course. His wealth is a combination of tournament winnings, endorsements and sponsorships, and various business ventures.
Tiger Woods, along with basketball greats LeBron James and Michael Jordan, makes up the exclusive club of billionaire athletes. This group isn’t just known for their impressive achievements in sports but also for their financial success. Their rise to billionaire status comes from a mix of their sports earnings, significant endorsement deals, and smart investments in various business ventures.
