Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, two of the biggest stars in golf, have been rewarded for their loyalty to the PGA Tour with hefty paydays from the newly created PGA Tour Enterprises. Woods, a 15-time major champion, will receive $100 million, while McIlroy, the world number one, will earn $50 million.
The money is not being given in a lump sum. The Telegraph reported that after four years, 50% of their equity will be vested, with another 25% two years later and the remaining amount two years after that. They will also have to fall in line with the rules, which as well as not decamping, involve meeting the minimum requirements for Tour membership and, if not, providing services such as sponsors meets and media appearances.
Rumors had swirled that McIlroy had been offered, and was considering, a $850 million deal to join LIV Golf, but he squashed such speculation.
“I’ve never been offered a number from LIV, and I’ve never contemplated going to LIV,” McIlroy told Golf Channel’s Todd Lewis ahead of the 2024 RBC Heritage last Tuesday. “I think I’ve made it clear over the past two years that I don’t think that it’s something for me. Doesn’t mean that I judge people that have went and played over there.
“I think one of the things I’ve realized over the past two years is that people can make their own decisions for whatever they think is best for themselves, and who are we to judge them for that? But, personally for me, my future is here on the PGA Tour, and it’s never been any different.”
Woods, who recently shot his worst-ever score at Augusta National at The Masters earlier this month with his third-round 82, has said he is interested in returning to the PGA Tour Policy Board after resigning in November.
