Golfers’ earnings can vary significantly, influenced by factors such as tour participation, performance, and endorsement deals. In our country, the spectrum of earnings among professional golfers is notably broad, reflecting the diverse opportunities and challenges within the sport.
Top Earners on International Tours
South African golfers who have excelled on international circuits have amassed substantial earnings. Louis Oosthuizen, for instance, has accumulated approximately $28.1 million over his career on the PGA Tour, averaging about $1.65 million per year. His most lucrative season was 2020-21, where he earned over $6.3 million. Similarly, Branden Grace has been a stalwart on both the PGA and European Tours, with significant earnings contributing to his estimated net worth of $40 million.
The emergence of the LIV Golf series has further elevated earnings for some. Branden Grace, a key member of Stinger GC since its inception, has enjoyed significant success in the LIV Golf League, finishing second in the individual standings in 2022 and ninth in 2023. He also captured an individual title at the first LIV Golf event in the United States in 2022, the LIV Golf Invitational in Portland.
South African Golfers Earnings on the Sunshine Tour
Domestically, the Sunshine Tour offers a different financial landscape. Ryan van Velzen, the recent Order of Merit winner, has shown promising performance on the Sunshine Tour. He secured his maiden title at the Limpopo Championship and was runner-up at the Investec South African Open Championship. His consistent performance earned him the top spot in the Order of Merit and promotion to the European Tour.
However, these figures don’t account for the considerable expenses professional golfers incur. Participating in approximately 25 events per season can lead to annual expenses nearing R300,000, covering costs like travel, accommodation, and caddie fees. This translates to an average expense of around R12,000 per event.
Challenges for Emerging Professionals
For many aspiring golfers, especially those starting on the Sunshine Tour, financial sustainability is a significant challenge. The 100th player on the Order of Merit earned R85,000 in a season, operating at a net loss when juxtaposed with the estimated annual expenses. This underscores the financial hurdles faced by emerging professionals striving to establish themselves in the sport.
Endorsements and Additional Income
Beyond tournament winnings, endorsements play a crucial role in a golfer’s income. Louis Oosthuizen, for example, has endorsement deals with companies such as Ping, Titleist, UPS, and FootJoy. He is also a brand ambassador for Mercedes. Additionally, Oosthuizen is involved in business ventures, owning a restaurant named Route57 and a wine brand called Louis57.
Also read: Springboks vs Bafana vs Proteas – Who Earns More?
While top-tier South African golfers achieve impressive earnings, especially on international tours, the majority face financial hurdles, particularly in the early stages of their careers. The substantial costs associated with professional play underscore the financial challenges many golfers navigate in pursuit of success. Endorsements and business ventures can provide additional income streams, but breaking into these opportunities often requires a significant level of success and recognition.
