We only need to check out the various international tours’ money lists to determine what the top pros earn. Then, of course, add varying sums for endorsements, ranging from Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s multi-million contracts to more modest apparel and equipment sponsorships for the journeymen (and women) players.
What isn’t such a clear matter of public record are the amounts other key people in the world of golf earn. Fortunately, Golf Digest is able to help out, at least in the United States, thanks to the magazine’s biennial report, “What People In Golf Make”.
According to the magazine, golf in the United States is nearly a $70-billion industry. “There are roughly 24 million golfers and 15,000 courses. The game employs about two million people and pays out $55.6 billion in annual wage income. From the richly compensated executives at golf's leading associations to the minimum-wage workers who keep America's courses in playing shape, we offer a peek into the paychecks of people in golf.”
Heading the list is recently retired US PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem with a whopping $5,655,352. To put that into perspective, on last season’s Tour only five players earned more than Finchem: Dustin Johnson ($9,365,185), Jason Day ($8,045,112), Adam Scott (6,473,090), Rory McIlroy ($5,790,585 – plus his $10 million FedEx bonus) and Patrick Reed ($5,679,575).
FInchem’s successor as commissioner, Jay Monaghan, is fourth with a “mere” $2,116,875, behind Wally Uihlein, president and CEO of Acushnet (owner of Titleist and FootJoy) with $4,978,638 and Oliver (Chip) Brewer III, president and CEO of Callaway Golf with $4,305,268.
Another nine PGA Tour, Champions Tour or PGA of America officials also earn over $1 million each, then US LPGA Tour commissioner Michael Whan comes in at $966,742.
Some other interesting figures, according to the Golf Digest list:
Jay Seawell Men's head golf coach, University of Alabama $287,735
Course design (US) Design-fee estimate for a leading architect $500,000
Gregory McLaughlin President & CEO, Tiger Woods Foundation $459,662
General manager Prominent private club near Washington, D.C. $308,483
Tournament director Mid-level PGA Tour event $200,000
PGA Tour caddie What you might expect to make if your player finished 40th on the money list $161,332
Carrie Forsyth Women's head golf coach, UCLA $155,250
Director of golf National average, private course $100,318
Course remodel (U.S.) Design-fee estimate for a leading architect $100,000
Director of golf National average, public course $96,334
General manager National average, public course $92,544
Head golf professional National average, private course $73,488
Teaching professional National average $53,717
LPGA Tour caddie What you might expect to make if your player finished 40th on the money list $53,000
Locker-room attendant Estimate for private club $30,000, plus tips
Mower Midwest public course $18,000 (works four days a week and may play golf for free weekdays after 1 pm)
"Larry the Looper" Caddie at Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield since 1976 $80 a bag today (versus $8 a bag in 1976)
