The arrival of LIV Golf helped accelerate the PGA Tour’s increase in prize money, with modern events now offering record-breaking purses. The introduction of ‘signature’ events sees players competing for higher stakes, many events upwards of $20 million. Here is a rundown of the top 10 PGA Tour earners of all time.
10. Vijay Singh – $71,312,738
During a remarkable stretch in his 40s, Vijay earned the bulk of his fortune and was considered one of the game’s most dominant players. He finished his career with three major victories, 34 wins, alongside a FedEx cup title. Vijay will be remembered by some as one of Tigers biggest rivals during the early 2000s.
9. Jim Furyk – $71,507,269
A player not known for his overpowering distance, rather his consistency on the tour, Jim’s longevity and steady top 10 finishes (188) turned him into one of the richest golfers in PGA Tour history. He still claimed a US Open Championship and 17 wins, while also recording the lowest round in PGA tour history (58).
8. Justin Thomas – $72,085,305
JT has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of golf’s soaring prize funds in recent years. Accumulating multiple major championships, FedEx Cup success and solid performances in elevated events has helped him break into the top 10 before the age of 35.
7. Adam Scott – $72,741,635
Known for his aesthetically silky swing, the Australian superstar has enjoyed one of the most durable careers in modern golf. The 2013 Masters champion has remained a steady force on the PGA circuit for almost two decades.
6. Dustin Johnson – $75,816,566
The combination of DJ’s incredible length off the tee and a short game that is often overlooked, made him a money machine during the modern purse era. His on-course success took him to world no.1 for 64 weeks, while managing to claim a win in 13 consecutive seasons.
5. Justin Rose – $77,130,503
It is well documented that Justin has invested heavily to extend his career as far as it will take him. That longevity has placed him 5th on the list of all time earners. Known for his precision and consistency, Rosey has become one of the most reliable golfers of his generation. Interestingly, Rose missed 21 consecutive cuts turning professional after the 1998 Open Championship. He is also one of the few golfers to add an Olympic gold medal to his CV.
4. Phil Mickelson – $96,727,968
Despite leaving the tour to join LIV, the short game king remains one of the highest earners in history. He won his first PGA Tour event in 1991 while still having amateur status at Arizona State University. Similar to Justin Rose, Mickelson’s longevity has been extraordinary. He became the oldest major champion ever at the age of 50 in 2021. 45 wins next to 6 major championships places him just outside the top three.
3. Scottie Scheffler – $110,019,566
No golfer in history has accumulated money faster than Mr. Scheffler. His current earnings trajectory suggests that he will challenge Tiger for the all-time lead. Scottie passed the $100 million mark thanks to the new signature events, despite possessing one of the most unconventional swings in modern golf.
2. Rory McIlroy – $114,938,741
After turning pro in 2007, the Northern Irish star has maintained elite form for more than 15 years, from the Tiger Woods era to the Scottie Scheffler generation. McIlroy claimed his first PGA Tour victory at Quail Hollow in 2010, the beginning of what would become one of golf’s greatest modern careers. One of six golfers to complete the career grand slam, a significant portion of Rory’s earnings has come through his record-breaking FedEx Cup success (~$62 million).
1. Tiger Woods – $120,999,166
Tiger Woods remains the benchmark for PGA Tour earnings with his huge total of official prize money. Just as Tiger couldn’t seem more impressive, it is astonishing to learn he earned the majority of his winnings before golf’s purse explosion. His CV speaks for itself, 15 major wins and 82 tour wins (tied all-time record). Over a 10-year period from 1999 to 2009, Woods produced arguably the most dominant stretch in sports history. Studies suggest players paired with him scored worse on average due to his presence alone.
Honourable mentions:
Jordan Spieth – $68,194,226
Jason Day – $66,665,117
There we have it, the top 10 all-time money earners on the PGA Tour. This list highlights not only the greatest golfers in history, but also how dramatically the sport has evolved financially. Earnings alone do not define greatness, the players on this list combined elite talent, longevity, consistency, and the ability to perform under pressure on golf’s biggest stages. With tournament purses continuing to rise, today’s stars may eventually rewrite the record books, but Tiger’s impact on both the PGA Tour remains the standard against which every generation is measured.

Will Buttleman is VPAR’s Social Media and Events Manager.
A former professional cricketer, Will played for Essex County Cricket Club from 2018 to 2023 before joining the VPAR team in 2024. During his cricket career, he competed in First Class, List A, and T20 matches, contributing to the club’s recent successes.
Now, Will’s focus has shifted to golf. He plays off a VPAR Handicap of 4.5 and is aiming to reach scratch in the near future. His favourite course is Poppy Hills, a hidden gem just above Pebble Beach, and his top venue to work at is Waterville Golf Links in County Kerry, Ireland.
Whether you’re seeking top golfing destinations, a fresh perspective on the ever-changing professional game, or betting tips for major events, Will offers valuable insights. For him, golf is more than just a sport – it’s a lifestyle, and he loves sharing that passion with the VPAR community.



