Forbes: Tiger Woods is first athlete to reach $1 billion
It's good to be Tiger Woods. Forbes.com is reporting that Woods is the first athlete to reach $1 billion in earnings, beating out Michael Jordan and Michael Schumacher.
Woods earned more than $10.5 million in giant cardboard checks this year on the PGA Tour and added another $10 million last weekend by winning the FedEx Cup. According to Forbes, that little bonus was enough to push Woods over the $1 billion mark.
Forbes has been tracking athlete earnings since before Tiger turned pro. Woods had earned a cumulative $895 million going into 2009, by our estimates, from prize money, appearance fees, endorsements, bonuses and his golf course design business. If you add his $10.5 million in 2009 prize money, the FedEx bonus and his take so far this year from his more than $100 million in annual off-the-course earnings, Woods' career earnings are now 10 figures.
The article points out that only Woods's accountant truly knows if he's a billionaire, but one thing is certain: Tiger's money-making potential won't slow down anytime soon.
The most stunning part is that Woods is only 33 years old--he might have 15 years of competitive golf left in him, and 30-plus years of designing courses. This is only the first billion for Woods.
Woods has been the highest-paid American athlete for years, and the competition isn't even close. In this year's Fortunate 50, SI's annual ranking, Woods's estimated total earnings were nearly $100 million, far exceeding Phil Mickelson in second ($53 million) and LeBron James in third ($42.4 million). Amazingly, Woods made even more the year before, according to SI -- $128 million.
More on Tiger: How Tiger Makes his Millions | Tiger Tracker | Family Album | SI Covers
Posted by: Hes a great golfer and deserves it all | Oct 5, 2009 1:03:19 PM
Top class player a joy to watch. http://www.justgolf4u.co.uk with tips to improve your game
Posted by: The real chaz | Oct 5, 2009 12:07:54 AM
(Tiger haters)Tiger couldn't careless about all of you.He doesn't know you.You're all ungreatful.You really don't appreciate him.
Posted by: joe | Oct 4, 2009 10:33:45 PM
Note to self. Next time use spell check.
Posted by: Joe | Oct 4, 2009 10:30:49 PM
what is with the bashing either Tiger or Phil? They are both great golfers and ambassadors. Sure, Tiger has proven to be superior 70 Ws, 14 majors, 3 US ams, yes he could have a little better on course demeaner. And puuuhlleeese, enough with the bogus 'Phil is lazy, fat,doesn't work hard' BS. He's won 37 tournaments in the era of Tiger, 3 majors, 1 US am, and NCAA title, is it really so bad to have the 5 US open runner-ups as an albatross; they all bear burdens, Palmer & Watson had the PGA hanging over their career. so, what Phil & Tiger have made modern gold a juggernaut until now. Tiger will always be #1.
Posted by: Dan | Oct 2, 2009 11:49:41 PM
Dear silly contrarian haters...where is the untruth in what I wrote??? It has been documented in many stories that woods is a lousy tipper. It also showed on Phil on TV treating many spectators to $300 worth of food. Did you ever hear of woods doing something like that???!!! NOT BLOODY LIKELY!!!!! The only money he donates to charity is to the organization HE created. Convenient little tax writeoff! So I say again, where's the untruth in what I previously posted???
Posted by: Silly Contrarian Haters | Oct 2, 2009 9:21:52 PM
The last two comments are notable for their complete lack of truth, style ,information and substance, but they scream Jealous Bitter and Racist in their Psychotic brevity. Every other player you mention holds Woods in the highest regard, and they would be offended by your banal remarks But do you think Tiger and Elin in their mansion with more money than most small countries give a holy hoot about the underachievers and cretins that write such garbage?? Of course not. They can't hear you through the adulation of the billions that understand greatness. END OF BLOG
Posted by: Michael Top | Oct 2, 2009 8:39:51 PM
What a shame he cannot behave like he enjoys his work. He could learn a lot by studying film of Trevino, Watson, Palmer, Player, etc. Never seen such a child in a man's body!
Posted by: Dan | Oct 2, 2009 7:12:40 PM
WOW!!! All that money and yet he won't tip a waitress who brings him a drink while he's gambling! I'm not sure which tournament it was, but they showed Phil coughing up $300 to buy spectators some hot dogs. Just goes to show who has more class! PHIL DOES!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Golf Fan LIVE at Isleworth???NUTZO | Oct 2, 2009 2:50:42 PM
"Is Tiger a nice guy? NO! I say that as I have met and interacted with him many times as a neighbor and on the course. He is not a nice man, but I still respect his ability."
When these posts from "neighbors" start popping up you know that the wackos are loose!! SURE RIGHT you are a "neighbor" of Woods, and you have the time to bash him on this blog, Sorry, but your post doesn't smell right, because Isleworth is pretty much an enclave of friends who would never bash Tiger. Do you know how much he has pumped up your home values. Maybe you really live at lake Nona or lake Psycho , but you're not from Isleworth buddy, because the few that can afford the place means you are smart enough and wouldn't risk the slander suit that could come out if it were proven you did know him and said such on a traceable blog. I'm sure not only I have forwarded your comment to Woods management, but others as well who watch his back and expect some action soon. Now go clean your room and don't be late for third period
Posted by: TIGER AMERICAS #1 Sports star ALLTIME | Oct 2, 2009 1:28:37 PM
For those of you who can't read spanish, i have translated Gustavo's post below in this post because it show how those around the world regard tiger as well Thanks for your insight Gustavo, here is your post in english below
Tiger deserves every dollar he earns and more. Around the world we read about the American fans of the NFL and baseball, and frankly this is of interest to very few. In contrast, Golf has grown like never before thanks to the talent, sportsmanship, class and work for the kids in Tiger since he began his career. Proof of the exponential growth experienced by the courses, are the sales figures in this area of the large corporations of the sport. So stop trying to sell us a new talent. When you see another golfer that is 50% of what is Tiger, the world will marvel at another golfer
Posted by: TIGER AMERICAS #1 Sports star ALLTIME | Oct 2, 2009 12:50:38 PM
To appreciate Tiger take a look at Michelle Wie, winless in 7 years on any tour or amateur circuit including college. She got silly money early, and it changed her focus and dedication upon having her manipulative DAD cash the first check. She wasn't able to see the long road she still has to travel and MAY never win on LPGA like Laura Baugh. Playing PGA events was ludicrous, silly egotistical and destructive, never made a cut and alienated both tours where she can't find find a friend now, and her career is now "rebuilding". Have you seen her piercings and MAO tatoo, very mature!! Tiger kept his ego in check and matured into the worlds greatest sports hero, a walking record book and the single most impressive endorser and hero America has produced since JFK. He is the second most known face on earth next to Obama, ahead of the pope and way ahead of any other US athlete playing a prepaid whiny crooked manipulative team sport where cheating and violence and contract squabbles make headlines and effort is rarely rewarded.
And remember, if Tiger made a billion why even mention it when the American Taxpayer spent 3 trillion to wage a losing war that bankrupted our economy made us the laughingstock of the world and screwed air travel for all time hence only so 43 could avenge a slight made against DADDY 41!! Tiger doesn't get any of your tax money so stop complaining and focus your financial comments on where all the money went AIG Lehmans Bros and killing muslims a little off topic but still a financial discussion of where we put our money but I expect the haters and neocons will get this post removed as off topic and the close minded Golf.com moderator will go along. It's a Forbes article so perhaps they'll let this one pass, it has to do with MONEY and politics and money are part of the Forbes article but get going neocons and get this one removed as well. the truth hurts and you are so steamed by the political shifts that are occurring you will quell any intelligent debate by merely removing the other opinion from discussion GO TIGER
Posted by: Grimmjow coyote schiffer | Oct 2, 2009 12:22:47 PM
NO!!! U Mean ALL HAIL LELOUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Ulquiorra luisenbarn starrk | Oct 2, 2009 12:20:08 PM
ALL HAIL BRITANNIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: M. Taylor | Oct 2, 2009 11:55:30 AM
Lewy -Bill Gates did not finish college either, but he sure isn't stupid and neither is Tiger. There are many college graduate golfers grinding it out on the PGA Tour - some are now in their 60s on the Champions' Tour and have never made use of their college degrees. I say Tiger has outsmarted most of them. Why dotn't they take their college degrees and earn an honest living instead of playing golf. I believe Fred Couples did not fisnish college and what about these sweet young LPGA girls who have foregone even first year of college. Tiger had the brains to be accepted into Stanford where IQ matters. He made his choice in life and is now using his intelligence to forge ahead. His major was business and seems that it was a good choice because he is using his God-given talens (brain and brawn) to be be a success.
Posted by: M. Taylor | Oct 2, 2009 11:35:28 AM
Do what you love and the money will follow. Tiger has earned every penny, will be forking over a lot to Uncle Sam, but will also be putting back a lot into his Foundation to help youth, not only in the US but world-wide. I am sure that the site for the Learning Centre in the Washington DC area will be closer to reality. I cannot wait to see this centre get started. All the best to him and success with the AT&T tournament which benefits oganizations and youth in the area.
Posted by: Dee | Oct 2, 2009 11:27:17 AM
I know what Tiger did for me....He gave me some pride back and happiness...Many white people won't understand how it feels to have to sit in a car outside a golf course like a dog because you are not allowed in while your friend and his father go in. Every time Tiger kicks the butts of those old white guys, I get a deep pleasure out of it....Go Tiger
Read more: http://blogs.golf.com/presstent/2009/10/forbes-tiger-woods-is-first-athlete-to-reach-1-billion.html#ixzz0SnCSETKN
Posted by: Dee | Oct 2, 2009 11:25:52 AM
I know what Tiger did for me....He gave me some pride back and happiness...Many white people won't understand how it feels to have to sit in a car outside a golf course like a dog because you are not allowed in while your friend and his father go in. Every time Tiger kicks the butts of those old white guys, I get a deep pleasure out of it....Go Tiger
Posted by: CHEAP TIPPER NOT | Oct 2, 2009 10:56:29 AM
"Tiger is a cheap tipper. He will eat a 500 dollar meal and leave a dollar or in some cases a handful of coins on the table. I have long heard about this."
Another hearsay post from a hater, and it is simply not true. I served Tiger twice in Las Vegas and both times he dropped a $100 bill on a tab less than $150.00 total, a huge gracious and much needed boost for my family. He is aloof because he is so besieged in Public and he wants to protect his family and be treated normal, but his billion fans won't let him He is aloof because he is concentrating on his Job, and that is why he succeeds, He has a military mindset ingrained from his dad and if you don't see his focus, it shows in the results. Truly a hateful comment
Posted by: Gustavoa Millan | Oct 2, 2009 10:02:52 AM
Tiger merece cada dolar que gana y mas. Alrededor del mundo leemos a los fans americanos hablar de la NFL y beisbol, y francamente esto le interesa a muy pocos. En cambio el Golf a crecido como nunca antes gracias al talento, caballerosidad, clase y trabajo por los chicos que realiza Tiger desde que comenzo su carrera. Prueba del crecimiento exponencial que ha experimentado el golf, son las cifras de ventas en este rubro de las grandes corporaciones del deporte. Asà que dejen de intentar vendernos a nuevos talentos. Cuando aparezca otro golfista que sea el 50% de lo que es Tiger, el mundo volvera a maravillarse por otro golfista.
Posted by: Vinay | Oct 2, 2009 9:14:45 AM
Well he earned billion with his hardward, and no doubt he deserves every penny of it. In the process, so many have becomes billionaires and millionaires just because the craze he brought to this game of golf, which at one time was considered old men's sport. People hate him for being so good at it for what he does, for being professional, and for being all business and for being rich. From what I heard he a great guy to be around. There are a large number of kids benefitted by his charity programs and the ones that are introduced by Jack Nicklaus. Go Tiger.
Posted by: RangerEsq-Golfwrx.com | Oct 2, 2009 8:49:22 AM
Tiger is a cheap tipper. He will eat a 500 dollar meal and leave a dollar or in some cases a handful of coins on the table. I have long heard about this.
Posted by: golf fan | Oct 2, 2009 6:59:01 AM
I found an article about 6 months ago and the guy that wrote that article said this " a hundred years from now people are going to say boy I wish I was alive to watch Tiger Woods play golf". Iam not a Tiger lover or hater but I can say that I think that the way he play's this game is unmatched. He is buy far the best athlete of our time and for the people that truly dislike him as a person I don't blame you because he is very stoic and short with people but for the people who do like him appreciate what he does for the game of golf with his unmatched skill and ability. As far as becoming the first billionaire athlete I believe he earned every penny of it. Golf is one of the few sports that if you don't play good enough you don't get paid so I think this guy has put himself in position and deserves to be where he. is.
Posted by: Perry | Oct 2, 2009 1:53:43 AM
Tiger is talented and he has mass appeal. I do not know why some people are bringing politics into this blog. I thought it was about sports and money. Obama or Bush is irrelevant in this blog, so let's keep the comments about the article. Is Golf a sport? Certainly! Is it strenuous? At this level, of course. Is Tiger a nice guy? NO! I say that as I have met and interacted with him many times as a neighbor and on the course. He is not a nice man, but I still respect his ability.
Posted by: Ocelot | Oct 1, 2009 11:14:28 PM
To us, 1 billion dollars seems like this huge amount of money, but we shouldn't forget that what Tiger earned in endorsements (probably around 900 million) was paid to him by many corporations over a period of about 13 years. Meanwhile, in 2006 alone 391 billion US dollars were spent worldwide for advertising; what Tiger earned is only a drop in the bucket. So I definitely agree with those that have said it is just a smart business move on the part of these companies, especially when you take into account all of the factors and risks involved in something like an advertising campaign. They already know that people are and will be interested in Tiger, so why not slide him a few million?
Posted by: BILLY | Oct 1, 2009 10:04:31 PM
Tiger full of himself, what are you people smoking, Brett Favre might be full of himself and an absolute jerk, but Tiger is a complete package, deserves all the accolades and $$$ and will be remembered for more than just this centuries greatest SPORTS Man. You golf haters are hilarious, preaching violence and pain as courage needed in sport..NONSENSE, Tiger is the most courageous athlete on earth. Lots of high school playas posting today it seems..MORONS
Posted by: Roger | Oct 1, 2009 9:44:20 PM
Right ON STEVE Golf is the best SPORT these cretins who say it's not have never hit a 320 yard drive or ripped up a ligament playing from the rough, and to bring up CLOTHING as a reason IDIOTS. Violence pain blood are good for wife beaters but it doesn't signify courage in a sport, but since they can't do it or afford it or GET it they just HATE..Enjoy Tiger at his SPORT knuckleheads
Posted by: Dane | Oct 1, 2009 9:43:09 PM
No wonder Tiger is so full of himself
Posted by: Steve | Oct 1, 2009 9:27:04 PM
No my friend you make my point, When Arnold Palmer, a real man's man who came from a real blue collar family was named SPORTS Illustrated Sports MAN of the century, they didn't change the name of the magazine to GAMES Illustrated. We can have a paraplegic chess champion but that makes still makes chess a game. It takes a different type of ability to play this difficult sport and you obviously haven't enjoyed your attempts at it so its a game to you. But there are fat MLBer's and NFLer's who probably couldn't even hold a candle to Tiger's athletic ability except in the tiny microcosm of the world where they play one role on a team of more talented sportsmen. Was Refrigerator Perry an Athlete when Ditka kept the true athlete Walter Payton from rushing for a Super Bowl touchdown?? No he was just a fat bricklayer who was so big that he could walk carrying 3 guys on his shoulder. Was that heroic or sportsmanlike, No and thats why I hate our guaranteed contract whiny team athletes who each have a specialist skill at one fragment of a game. If you were bleeding to death from an abdominal wound in Beverly Hills, the only MD you could find might be a plastic surgeon who won't touch you but he is still a Doctor, right. Dissing Tiger as not an athlete and golf not a sport is just silly hating because you have failed miserably a the the most complicated , rejuvenating and fulfilling sport that can be played. Plus you can play the sport of golf until you are 100 years old and compete due to the handicap system, making it a sport for life. I played DIV 1 FB and BB 30 years ago but rarely competed after that because of the violence and wear on the body. Why are so many great athletes playing on the Celebrity Golf tour now,and they call it the toughest sport they ever played, but I'm sure YOU know more than them. If it doesn't involve blood or pain or injury OR a team it's not a Sport You're just wrong buddy PS you don't have to wear a vest or long pants to play golf, but since you can't do it you haven't seen the new SPORTS clothing that we wear now, but don't be a hater, Enjoy the greatest sports figure of our generation and get over it already
Posted by: alj | Oct 1, 2009 8:13:11 PM
You fools are not dogging on MJ. Talent is talent. And Tiger is good. And that fact that he made a white man/45+year older person sport lovable for all ages and races makes me think he deserves it more. The PGA loves him. The sponsors love him. This is not his fault. It is called free market - the market determines what people want - and the market pays them. Tiger is the market. Get over it.
Posted by: mac | Oct 1, 2009 7:52:36 PM
Wow - people's opinions and thinking are so much fun.
To set the record straight:
You need to have many billions to be a billionaire not 1 billion
Free markets have not existed in this country in many moons - why do people in America even bother to bring it up in discussion.
Golf is a game not a sport - The only proof needed is to look at all the duffers at every country club in the country.
Comparing what Tiger makes to a CEO of a bank or any other company is pretty foolish. CEO 's Tend to rob employees, stockholders and everyone else under the sun.
Tiger is his own man - the best at what he does and deserves whatever he gets.(Unlike CEO's)
Calling most of these golfers as being in shape? - Well obviously you are in need of spectacles - Not just being a spectator.
Posted by: shabadabadingdong | Oct 1, 2009 7:28:30 PM
Hey Steve, I think you may have proved my point. His parents helped him make the right decisions. They were there to nurture him, and protect him, and guide him. Now Tiger wears slacks and hits a white ball around the golf course (agreed one of the best out there) and he makes 1 billion. Has he himself earned that billion more than the kid who grew up impoverished, boxed his way out or played football to get out of that environment where parents did not or could not give him the same advantage as Tiger? My answer remains the same. As I have said before, good for Tiger, good for anyone that can make the most of their life whatever their beginnings might be. But among guys, financial aspect apart, there is more respect for someone playing a true sport, one that requires physical exertion, stamina, and COURAGE than golf. Lets face it. Slacks, sweater vests, and dress shoes are not any mans idea of sports uniform/equipment.
Posted by: Steve | Oct 1, 2009 4:53:49 PM
""Did he earn it as much as some dude getting punched in the face, or running his lungs out, or getting tackled by another athlete. Probably not."
NONSENSE he had parents who helped him make good choices, not like the NFL NBA MLB and boxers who generally come from dysfunctional families and have to scholarship and contract their way into their money, and then have 8 kids with 8 chicks roll out the Bentley to the strip club and get a DUI because they have no basis for proper behavior. But because they get tackled and punched and bloodied they deserve more money??? NONSENSE. My sons and daughter play golf and we don't worry about a spine separating injury or them hanging out with low life's to bulk up on steroids and be the BIG MAN ON CAMPUS. No guaranteed money in golf, you must prove yourself and that is why the SPORT produces such excellent PEOPLE, and thats why people with some real cash pay to support it and the products they endorse.Do you really think Le Bron will ever be mentioned in the same top 10 list with tiger as sportsman of the century. Of COURSE NOT
Posted by: Yrgrpofloosers | Oct 1, 2009 4:45:33 PM
Brian: The answer to the pondering is this. They are still naive and foolish enough to believe the "American Dream" actually still exists, much like the Easter Bunny, Mohammed, or Jesus. Tiger did'nt "win the lottery" because he had talent, he "won the lottery" because people put value on this particular type of talent. Everyone has talent...it's the masses that continously value the wrong ones.
Posted by: Gareth N | Oct 1, 2009 4:41:38 PM
To Marvin - you might want to google "Tiger Woods Foundation" before making such comments. Yes, Tiger has amassed a huge fortune through Golf but it has also allowed him to do great things for kids and less privileged. Although I agree with your point on too much emphasis being placed on athletes and the money that comes with it (especially atheletes who take advantage of their fame) - Tiger is not in that category. I think it's well chronicled what type of worth ethic he has and it's obviously paid off. If it's any athlete the media is focusing on, it should be Tiger. Our youth could learn valuable lessons from the path he's taken.
Posted by: TD | Oct 1, 2009 4:35:25 PM
Golf is really the only sport where they are not guranteed money if they don't play. All these other guys who get guranteed money even if they don't play a single game is rediculous. Tiger has had to earn his money on his own, by winning and playing well...if he misses a cut, then there goes his pay for that week. I think this is great.
Posted by: Weary | Oct 1, 2009 4:33:49 PM
This article is about Tiger Woods' total earnings over his career thus far, not his total worth. It's right there in the lead, Woods is the "first athlete to reach $1 billion in earnings."
Posted by: bpm | Oct 1, 2009 4:25:05 PM
All you armchair financial analysts need to talk about something else. When doing these types of comparisons the only reliable statistic you have is earnings, either from salary, endorsements, winnings etc...You cant figure in taxes, fees, expenses etc,,, because these are unknown. In order to compare apples to apples, only earnings matter. You also can't include earnings on investments, for all you know Tiger may have net earnings of $600,000,0000 that he's incvested wisely and he's now worth $1.5 Billion.
Posted by: Bill Wirt | Oct 1, 2009 4:22:36 PM
It doesn't matter what he MAKES; it's what he KEEPS after taxes that matters. And...as an accountant, his COMBINED EARNINGS OVER THE YEARS is not important. His NET WORTH (assets minus liabilities) is what truly matters.
Posted by: bpm | Oct 1, 2009 4:14:14 PM
Who is Michael Schumacher????
Posted by: Crickter | Oct 1, 2009 4:13:35 PM
Good for T.Woods. But honestly when will USA learn to see itsn't all about Golf, Football, Baseball, Basketball - and Stop calling us "World Champion" - The true world champion games are Soccer (Football), Tennis, Cricket etc... Where all the nations in the world participate and compete agaisnt to get the "TITLE". And I have a news for FORBS and T.Woods, Check out what top Cricket Players are making.... You would be surprise!!! - On side note, I am greateful that USA is not doing much about Cricket - else they will curropt the sport just like they have currpoted other sports with drugs, money and women!!!
Posted by: Rich | Oct 1, 2009 4:12:17 PM
I'm a programmer and I'm working on my second billion. I gave up on the first.
Posted by: Tingerz | Oct 1, 2009 4:04:50 PM
@GD, what are you even talking about? I'm supporting Tiger in deserving and earning what he does, plain and simple. If I could do the same, I obviously would. As for socialism? You're clearly a FOXNews viewer, because you don't even know what Socialism is. Name one country that has EVER practice 100% socialism, as introduced by Marx and Engels in the mid 1800s and I'll listen to what you have to say. Otherwise, you have no idea what you're talking about.
Posted by: JCG | Oct 1, 2009 4:01:40 PM
A bit of a silly article...which seems to indicate that because Tiger has EARNED a billion, he's worth a billion...however, last I checked you don't get to keep it all. Taxes, expenses and charitable activities have likely taken a substantial chunk.
Posted by: nose_knows | Oct 1, 2009 3:54:37 PM
I find it funny that people have no problem with athletes making $100+mm a year, but they have an issue when the CEO of a major bank makes 1/5th of that. Call me old fashioned, but a CEO responsible for trillions of dollars in assets deserves a larger paycheck than someone who can hit a little white ball.
Posted by: Canopy | Oct 1, 2009 3:54:36 PM
Congrats to Tiger for being the best at what he does.
Posted by: i_have_played_golf | Oct 1, 2009 3:54:04 PM
Response to CHUCK:
definition of athlete in dictionary:
–noun
a person trained or gifted in exercises or contests involving physical agility, stamina, or strength; a participant in a sport, exercise, or game requiring physical skill.
Chuck, have you played golf before? Have you walked the whole 18-hole course in a 90 degree weather? before you open your mouth, be sure to check the facts first.
Posted by: johnathan | Oct 1, 2009 3:53:34 PM
What the world came to.
It shows what kind of values people have
that they make it possible for somebody playing a game make more money than
hundreds of e.g. doctors.
Posted by: Terri | Oct 1, 2009 3:53:12 PM
Oprah is a talk show host and is worth a billion. go figure
Posted by: ryan | Oct 1, 2009 3:46:58 PM
The dude deserves every penny, I know he got me to tune into golf. good for him. I made my first billion before I was 30, so I have him beat.
Posted by: T. | Oct 1, 2009 3:45:44 PM
Have any of you ever tried learning the game of golf? On a scale from 1-10 it's probably a 9.... Tiger has this talent and he can also thank his deceased Father for giving him the opportunity to be part of the game. There are few of us that even ever pick up a golf club in a lifetime, give the guy credit. He's a master at the sport and I understand he's a pretty good tennis player too....Just ask Roger Federer....the master of tennis.
Posted by: DK | Oct 1, 2009 3:40:53 PM
To those of you who like to count other people's money and criticize those who earn millions: stop your whining and go make some money of your own. Tiger only makes what people (endorsers, tournament organizers, etc) are willing to pay him. Free markets at work, kids. Don't hate.
Posted by: Chuck | Oct 1, 2009 3:35:18 PM
Golf is a game; it is played by gamesters and sportsmen. Not athletes. Although Tiger has an athletic body, he and the rest of the generally overweight, poorly-conditioned players of this game are NOT athletes. To suggest that Tiger or Phil are in the same athletic category as LeBron or Jordan is ludicrous.
Posted by: R Venger | Oct 1, 2009 3:25:27 PM
I wish I had his money and his luck. Most of his greatest shots have followed shots that put him in a bad spot. Good job on getting out of a tight spot! Many, if not most, of his wins came about because the other guy couldn't keep his game together. Finally, when golfers start carrying their own bags I'll start seeing them as athletes. Until then, the game is just a game, one with the potential to reap great rewards.
Posted by: Tingerz | Oct 1, 2009 3:22:26 PM
@GD and Michelle; first of all, I'm a Tiger fan. So you need to pump the brakes, kids. And secondly, I'm commenting on all the people here who are claiming he's not a net-worth billionaire. Everyone's argument that 'just because you make a billion in your life, doesn't mean you're a billionaire' is incorrect, because I'm almost positive Tiger pays some pretty smart people to invest that money he makes accordingly. And Michelle, I golf 3-4 times a week, thanks bud.
Posted by: Lewy | Oct 1, 2009 3:21:31 PM
Not bad for a high school graduate from Cypress. I wonder how much he will have to pay to get that honorary degree from Stanford?
Posted by: GD | Oct 1, 2009 3:17:55 PM
Tingerz - The rules of the capitalism game aren't a secret to anyone. Don't be a hater because Tiger maximized his worth within the rules of the game and you didn't.
Posted by: GD | Oct 1, 2009 3:12:45 PM
"I cannot believe he made it to 1 billion before I made it to 1 million and I'm 14 yrs. older. Oh, well. Maybe my next life."
Brian -- Nobody finds you worth that much. You own that.
Posted by: michelle | Oct 1, 2009 3:10:55 PM
@Tingerz You really have NO clue what it takes to compete in golf so you really should get off your soapbox and take up the game and get to the PGA level and get back to us on how easy you think golf is!!
Posted by: Tingerz | Oct 1, 2009 3:04:53 PM
Ed Barenborg, I believe they call it "investing."
Posted by: John | Oct 1, 2009 3:02:10 PM
What a rediculous circumstance. An absolutely retardation of success. A player worth a billion dollars because he is the best at a "game of skill" than anyone else; what a shame. That's right I said it. Golf is not a sport. It's a recreation. A game of skill, with no direct interaction between opponents. It a quite game of skill, where players can not even perform around the slightest distraction. We millions of people that go to work everyday, that work 100 times harder and under more dangerous conditions that any golfer ever could, and their income laughable compared to white-ballers.
Posted by: Brian | Oct 1, 2009 2:59:01 PM
GM went bankrupt paying Tiger? Really? So that $10mm a year they were giving him put them into bankruptcy? You are an idiot and have never seriously looked at GM's financials in the last 25 years. Why does a vast majority of people in the US believe that if someone else is making major coin that is less for me? It is this type of hand-out mentality that will one day bring this country to it's knees. Good for Tiger. It is called a free market and it just happened to make this country the richest country in the world. Do you know why convenience stores/dry cleaners/motels etc... seem to be disproportianately owned by 1st generation immigrants? I will let you ponder that one.
Posted by: Jeff | Oct 1, 2009 2:56:37 PM
I cannot believe he made it to 1 billion before I made it to 1 million and I'm 14 yrs. older. Oh, well. Maybe my next life.
Posted by: LRH | Oct 1, 2009 2:52:09 PM
Funny how I saw this, then on CNN's front page Detroit doesn't have enough money to bury their dead... What has the world come to? Where is it going?
Posted by: Shabadabadingdong | Oct 1, 2009 2:48:13 PM
Good for him. I've never been one to philosophize about how much money anyone can make. Also, I'm pretty bad at golf so I cannot comment on the skills required to play at that level. I will say one thing, however. Regarding sports, the definition of what is a sport can be vague. It would not be entirely inappropriate to consider potential risk in any sport directly related to potential reimbursement. UFC, NFL, Rugby, F1, etc participants really seem to "earn" more of their money than golf, bowling, etc. Some of these "sports" last mentioned are played in slacks, modified dress shoes, and theoretically can be done without breaking a sweat. Alas, is Tiger worth 1 Billion? He made it happen so yes. Did he earn it as much as some dude getting punched in the face, or running his lungs out, or getting tackled by another athlete. Probably not.
Posted by: Vinod | Oct 1, 2009 2:44:08 PM
what is the issue here? some of us think Wood is a great player and indirectly pay for his B$ endorsments. Others including me don't care much and we don't watch his TV programs and do not contribute into the $B. I don't get the issue here, envy?
Posted by: Jack | Oct 1, 2009 2:43:40 PM
As much as I like watching Tiger, I am not convinced that his earning will be ever increasing or sustainable. Every sport has its up and down in popularity and every sport has its own market limit. One simply cannot assume that the golf business is an ever increasing pie.
Posted by: Tiger Fan | Oct 1, 2009 2:39:54 PM
He is the greatest and deserves what he gets. To keep it in a weird perspective, in 2008, 25 Fund Managers in NY made more than $1 billion,,,THAT YEAR
Posted by: prome | Oct 1, 2009 2:39:14 PM
Ed & Sleestax are complete IDIOTS! Josh RIGHT ON! Golf is the BEST SPORT on the planet. NUFF SAID. You earn based on YOUR performance! Not the team, pit crew, ect ect...
Posted by: Steve | Oct 1, 2009 2:25:26 PM
Many Apologies to ZEKE, I meant to call out Yrgrpofloosers and picked the wrong name..Zeke's comments are right on, and Yrgrpofloosers is the communist?? SORRY ZEKE
Posted by: Steve | Oct 1, 2009 2:21:42 PM
GREAT COMMENT JOSH GO TIGER
Posted by: josh | Oct 1, 2009 2:19:48 PM
Some of the people posting on here are very uninformed and quite franky retarded. Tiger IS the greatest athlete that has ever walked the earth. Plain and simple if you want you can try defend your childhood hero if you want but that does not change the fact that Tiger plays in the fewest amount of events and wins the most events. He works harder than most people that are considered workaholics. Yeah Golf is a seasonal sport but he is very involved with charities, consulting, and other aspects of his contracts that he has to uphold. He makes 100 million per year from his endorsments, he is not part of the "huge government conspiracy" that wants to kill the world. He is just very good at what he does, and is a good person. If you want to cry about someone being a billionaire, cry about the war mongering profiteers, or someone whos money is covered with blood. Don't blame Tiger for the woes of the world with the rationale "well he is rich so he must be evil" You cant even blame him for being greedy and in it for the money. He was a golf phenom at the age of TWO, obviously its his passion. If his passion was saving the rainforest or the baby seals, people would make fun of him, his passion just happens to have changed into one that is extremely profitable.
Get off your high horses people.
Get made at Walmart or anyother massive corporation that rapes an underpriveledged area of their recources and people.
Posted by: Steve | Oct 1, 2009 2:19:44 PM
Leslie, I've had Tiger sign 4 things in the last year and he is very gracious, but je considers the golf course his workplace and that's why he shuts out that annoyance and wins so much. Go to a free clinic and he signs all day. Maybe if Phill would stop pretending he is this era's Arnold Palmer ( he's not even close to being the man or golfer arnold was) and concentrate ON work AT work, he could win a SLAM too, but I bet hes just getting fatter, slower, older and richer
Posted by: Ed Barenborg | Oct 1, 2009 2:18:22 PM
Earning $1billion doesn't make you a billionaire. Being a billionaire is achieved by having a net worth (what you own less what you own) of over a billion dollars.
Posted by: Steve | Oct 1, 2009 2:15:55 PM
Its a shame Phil wont the TC because he raised his MYOPIAN fans hope for next year where he will underperform and Tiger might win the Grand Slam, Phil will spend the off season slamming In and Out Burgers and getting fatter and slower and may not even be a factor in a single major, like this year. I do hope he plays well in the Presidents cup but he's not half the golfer TW is, Check the records and scoreboards
Posted by: Bross | Oct 1, 2009 2:14:19 PM
Go Tiger!! Why is race always a factor in these comment boards, just proves that most white people in America are closet racist. Go Tiger!! Go Obama!! Go Lebron!! Go Oprah!!
Posted by: MJ | Oct 1, 2009 2:14:13 PM
Some people on here are dumb! Hello why don't you read the article. It does not say Tiger is worth a billion dollars... it says he earned a billion total dollars. I have earned a million dollars in my life but am not worth a million dollars.
Posted by: Steve | Oct 1, 2009 2:12:54 PM
Hey ZEKE, that sounds like communist talk, he made a deal, he outperformed the deal and he got paid, it's called capitalism and if you're saying he doesn't enjoy the right to profit, i'm sure there is a nice socialist country you can migrate to in your double wide. TIGER bankrupted GM NONSENSE, how about 30 years of crappy cars and letting the japanese car companies steal your best ideas and make it better..That had NO affect?? How many SUV's are lined up at GM dealerships?? HUMMER, what a great idea that was, but let's blame it on tiger, loser, you are hilarious
Posted by: Leslie J. | Oct 1, 2009 2:12:04 PM
Wow! You'd think with all those billions he could sign at least one autograph. He has definitely forgot where he came from. The only thing bigger then his bank account is his ego.
Posted by: bob | Oct 1, 2009 2:11:47 PM
phil is back -- watch out eldrige
Posted by: Cryme Ariver | Oct 1, 2009 2:07:40 PM
Tiger is the man!!! All you good old boys hate to see him overshadow Phil Mickelson but get over it, the sport of golf NEEDS Tiger Woods and he is Dominating!!!
Posted by: Steve | Oct 1, 2009 2:06:56 PM
And those that think Le Bron or the Mannings deserve Tiger money should look at the records, What Tiger has done transcends sports, and has furhtered race relations in America and made golf a top tier sport. Wait until a little SHAQ rubs off on LeBRon and the CAV's will be an also ran team thus year. If you want to make tiger money, give up ALL your associations with the HOOD, because endorsers don't bankroll atheletes as much when they associate with a climate that revolves around drugs, violence and hookers and rappers, it's really that simple, they are great people associated with the best sport on earth and I can see why non golfers DON"T get it. High paid golf fans get it and are enjoying seeing perhaps the greatest athelete of all time knock off records and milestones. Shame you can't enjoy it as well, but TIGER IS BIGGER THAN SPORTS
Posted by: Zeke | Oct 1, 2009 2:04:24 PM
Just a few points. Tiger has been GREAT for the game. Purses have grown 6x since he joined the tour. Prior to Tiger Tour purses were $280k to the winner now they are $1.1M +, also is the best golfer we have ever seen he wins 28% of the time he tees up.. and Television ratings are up 50% when he is in a tournament. 75% if he is in contention. Finally appearance money is paid to several golfers in non-PGA events. Harrington, Els & Phil have cashed appearance checks to play in Sun City, Dubai, Germany etc. Don't hate Tiger, appreciate what we are watching. We all wish we could be as good at our jobs as he is in his.
Posted by: Yrgrpofloosers | Oct 1, 2009 2:01:49 PM
Tiger represents everything that is wrong in this country. GM went bankrupt paying this idiot's outrageous fees. It is unbelievable how many people lack the intelligence to discern that celeb's and CEOs are overpayed. It's the same mentality that indulges people to believe in the Santa Clause, Jesus, Moses and the Easter Bunny.
Posted by: DJA | Oct 1, 2009 2:00:36 PM
Obama, Pelosi and Reid are flying to Orlando with their hads out...
Posted by: Steve | Oct 1, 2009 1:59:53 PM
People who are wondering why Phil and Tiger are tops on the list don't understand that the demographics for golf skew much higher than team sports, and in this case you have 2 men who have proven that they are bulletproof in their personalities, by that I mean when was the last time either one of them were arrested or dissed their team (LeBron) or had 12 kids out of wedlock or got a DUI or picked upa hooker and told the cops about it (barkley) TIGER owns a significant part of Nike and Lebron never will. Phil and his dad own 3 manufacturing firms, one that makes discrete airline parts, and it makes the sThey earn more because they only associate with top tier endorsers, get free real estate at every course the design and they NEVER disappoint their fans and endorders by being jerks offf or on the course
Posted by: Sleeestax | Oct 1, 2009 1:59:49 PM
Michael Schumacher was making $50 mil a year but he lived in Switzerland (no income taxes). That's like making $100 million a year here. If Tiger misses a putt, he pouts, if Michael misses a braking point, he dies
Posted by: zz1yzx | Oct 1, 2009 1:54:56 PM
I think people are confusing poularity and money. Golf may not me the most popular sport, but it's were the money is. Basketball has tons of fans, but not rich fans. What is the average income for a basketball fan vs. a golf fan? Sponsors only care about money.
Posted by: Scott | Oct 1, 2009 1:52:03 PM
Frankly, I think articles like this are a bit bogus. What was Forbes really trying to figure out? Net worth? Well, as others have posted that depends on tax rates, investments, etc. Or are they REALLY interested in figuring out which athlete makes the most AT HIS/HER SPORT??? If that is the case, and I think what most of us, as fans, really care about. After all, I'm sure Tiger has some money invested in some oil ventures, real estate, etc. that have NOTHING to do with his ability to golf or design courses; those earnings and related worth are due to his celebrity status, contacts, and some investment acumen/luck (good and bad). There are a lot of celebrities that do the same, but it's who gets paid the most per film that shows the relationship between talent and income. So, forget the junk Forbes posted...you need to look at his tour winnings and prize money, coupled with his share of the income his golf course design income. You SHOULDN'T include appearance fees (celebrity, and not skill-based income), or endorsements. Seriously, endorsement money is because idiots believe Buick is a better car, or Nike a better ball maker, because of their PR departments using a famous person, not because of any current skill on the golf course (Arnie's Pennzoil ads still run, after all!). Then, once you find each athlete's winnings as a competitor, you need to adjust those earnings to a base year, to account for inflation. That I would be interested in...Arnie versus Mario Andretti versus Jack Nicklaus versus Dick Butkus, etc. Given inflation and the growth of media, endorsements, etc. it's obviously biased in favor of current athletes, so all that noise as to be adjusted for. Otherwise, it's just another stupid headline and not real analysis.
Posted by: Jupiter's Doorstep | Oct 1, 2009 1:41:05 PM
What Forbes never heard of Federal and State income taxes? Capital Gains Tax? Misleading premise to this article. If Tiger has earned a Billion, chances are he has netted only around $600 million. Consider the cost of his lavish homes, yatch, cars and massive charitable contributions to his foundation, its becomes clear his net worth is around $475 million give or take. estimation.
Posted by: Art in Chicago | Oct 1, 2009 1:38:56 PM
Oh puleez stop with the state of the economy and what's wrong with the world statements. I completely agree with Dan. I will also add, you live in a country based on capitalism. In stead of bemoaning what Tiger earns, you should say "wow, there is something that one can do to earn that much money". Funny how the tour picked back up with Tiger's return from surgery and rehab.
Posted by: D.P | Oct 1, 2009 1:34:57 PM
I thing a few people may take Tiger's attitude the wrong way, It should be looked at as, if you step on the court,in the ring,on the field,or on the grass of golf, we could be best friends but fron the word go,I'm gonna beat your butt, that's just the way sports works.MJ will shake your hand before the game and then drop 50 points on you, that's what makes these guys above the rest,so don't hate, just keep giving Tiger his props,he makes the men who plays with him even that much better and a better game to watch.
Posted by: Soldiercoop | Oct 1, 2009 1:33:46 PM
Hey Jarmod,
If you assume that Tiger isn't spending over 100 million dollars a year, you probably can bet he is investing, and making money off of his money. So I imagine that his net worth is over a billion dollars. I mean, I would think he could survive off of 20+ million dollars a year in interest.
Posted by: JOYCE | Oct 1, 2009 1:29:04 PM
Tiger does very well for himself and he is good. I love to watch him play golf. Phil is ok but not as good as Tiger. Tiger helps alot of people to. That's why he's so great. Keep up the good work.
Posted by: Dan | Oct 1, 2009 1:28:35 PM
Most of you guys are all idiots or just jealous bastards. Tiger earns what he earns because he is actually helping these companies (sponsors) earn money. Nobody gives him money just for fun. His skill and popularity bring more business for the sponsor than anybody else in the game of golf has ever done. Just think back to pre-Tiger days. How popular was golf to the general public? Now look at how popular it is today. Obviously, he has had some kind of an effect....and a damn large effect. Hence the $$$$. Additionally, of any sport game in the world, golf is one of the few, if not the ONLY game where the players play honestly. If you make a mistake, you penalize yourself. You don't try to hide it or argue about it. Do you ever see that in football? baseball? basketball? or even in tennis? No. So to say that the game of golf is "fixed" is absurd. Yes, the media will show more of him on TV because the media knows that he has the ability to bring in more viewers thus more money for the TV stations but the game is not fixed. It's amazing how jealousy skews people's thinking huh? Get a stinking life!
Posted by: Ocelot | Oct 1, 2009 1:25:40 PM
I am also always amazed that Phil Mickelson- tremendous golfer though he may be- is somehow 2nd in earnings in the entire sports world year after year. No way is he one of the top 50 most popular athletes in the world, yet he gets better endorsement deals that all of the mega-stars in much, much more popular sports like soccer, football, and basketball... What possible conclusion is there, except that the man is simply a business genius?
I also agree with Rick, the athletes do not set the demand for the entertainment they provide, we (all) do. So I think it is very hypocritical for us to say that yeah, we'll watch all these sports 24/7, we'll make sure the super bowl is more widely viewed than US presidential inaugurations; but just make sure you don't give the athletes too much money. Sometimes shocking polls come out demonstrating how many Americans cannot name our current Secretary of State or even Vice President. Meanwhile, we know everything about sports.
Brandon, why do you think corporations pay to associate their name with Tiger and others athletes? Is it out of the goodness of their hearts, because they like him and golf so much, or is it because of the value assigned to them by the public?
Posted by: Thomas | Oct 1, 2009 1:24:27 PM
Jack, actually you are wrong. Most professional golfers make north of $250k at a minimum just for the clothes they wear, clubs/balls they play, etc. And that doesn't account for those who get real endorsement contracts.
The article itself is misleading. Tiger may well be worth a billion and certainly will be if he isn't already, but having a billion in earnings does not translate into being worth a billion--not even close.
Posted by: scottbtampa | Oct 1, 2009 1:20:40 PM
While I'm not a huge golf fan, I recognize that if Tigers Woods earns this much, those paying him are earning much more than that and he would not be paid unless someone was willing to write those checks --- cardboard or otherwise.
And he reached this point through endless practice and an unyielding desire to be the best.
Posted by: Andrea | Oct 1, 2009 1:19:55 PM
Oh come on Ed, the high level golfers aren't fat out of shape smokers! that's like saying that swimming isn't a sport because geriatrics can do it in their nursing home pools or that basketball isn't a sport because big fat guys can play it in their driveway...at the highest level of play these guys are in shape, at least that's always been my impression
Posted by: jarmod | Oct 1, 2009 1:18:36 PM
Er, a billionaire is not someone who has earned $1bn; it is someone whose net worth is currently $1bn or more. Most of us will earn over $1m in our lives but could never be called a millionaire, for example.
Posted by: brad stanley | Oct 1, 2009 1:18:28 PM
All I can say is, Must Be Nice!!! Tiger is great, but man, his attitude verse the other players is TERRIBLE!
And this isn't news -- I thought he was already a billionare. His wife is psyched!!!!