Tiger Woods: Golf’s unmatched star power

Tiger Woods remains golf’s biggest draw, as evidenced by the PGA Tour’s Player Impact Program (PIP). Despite competing infrequently since his 2021 car accident, he participated in only ten official PGA Tour events, including majors.

Nevertheless, Woods earned an impressive $45 million from the PIP. This program, introduced in 2020, aimed to reward top players for attracting attention to the Tour amidst competition from LIV Golf.

Critics labeled the PIP a popularity contest, allowing the Tour to reward its star players without appearing to distribute cash arbitrarily. The program’s algorithm considers various factors like internet searches, social media activity, and TV exposure.

Tiger Woods was recently named the 2024 PIP winner, earning a $10 million prize and surpassing Scottie Scheffler.

Despite Scheffler’s nine victories, including the Masters and Olympics, and a dramatic jail incident before the PGA Championship, Woods claimed the top spot.

Xander Schauffele, with two major wins, finished fourth, trailing Rory McIlroy. Throughout the PIP’s four years, Woods only lost the top spot once, to McIlroy in 2023.

Woods has averaged a remarkable $4.5 million per PGA Tour event from PIP earnings over the last four years. At 49, he shares the record for most PGA Tour wins, totaling 82 and earning $120 million throughout his career.

Woods’ PIP earnings constitute over a third of his lifetime winnings, achieved simply by being himself. Unlike football, golfers earn based on tournament performance and endorsements rather than a fixed salary.

Some argue that stars like Woods and McIlroy deserve more compensation, even if they miss cuts, due to their drawing power. The financial landscape shifted dramatically in 2022 when LIV Golf began offering lucrative contracts to professional golfers.

In response, the PGA Tour revamped the PIP into the Player Equity Program (PEP), rewarding players based on career achievements and future participation to foster loyalty.

Woods and McIlroy are also innovating by creating a new golf league with sports executive Mike McCarley, named TGL. This league debuted on January 7, with Woods set to compete for Jupiter Golf Links against Los Angeles Golf Club.

After undergoing another back surgery in 2024, Woods continues to manage the effects of his 2021 accident. Fans remain hopeful for a more extensive schedule from him in 2025.

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