January 09, 2014
LAWT WIRE SERVICES
World No.1 Tiger Woods has cracked $US1.3 billion ($1.45 billion) in career earnings by leading the Golf Digest 50 income list for 2013, with Australian Adam Scott coming in eighth.
The 14-time major champion topped the list for the 11th time in its 11-year history with $US83 million, including an estimated $US71 million off the course and more than $US12 million in prizemoney.
Golf Digest magazine reported on its website on Tuesday that Woods' winnings of more than $US155 million reflect less than 12 per cent of his career earnings, with $US1.16 billion coming from endorsements since his pro debut in 1996, a figure that continues to increase even after his infamous sex scandal and ensuing divorce.
Second on the Golf Digest list was Phil Mickelson at $US52 million, with an estimated $US45 million in endorsements and other non-prizemoney income.
The US left-hander won last year's British Open and hopes to complete a career grand slam by winning this year's US Open, an event where he is a record six-time runner-up.
Arnold Palmer, the 84-year-old golf icon whose popularity helped spawn the television riches of today's players, was third at $US40 million, largely from licensing deals in Asia.
Jack Nicklaus, who turns 74 on January 21, ranked fourth at just over $US26 million. The record 18-time major champion joins Palmer and Gary Player for the annual honorary tee shots that mark the start of the Masters each year.