The PGA Tour money list has seen a dramatic increase in recent years, largely due to the emergence of LIV Golf. However, a historical review reveals that today’s staggering figures are a far cry from the norm. Scottie Scheffler’s record-breaking 2024 earnings highlight this evolution.
From Modest Beginnings to Multi-Million Dollar Paydays
The first official PGA Tour money list, compiled in 1934, saw Paul Runyan leading with $6,767. While seemingly insignificant compared to modern figures, this amount, adjusted for inflation, equates to approximately $158,842 today – a sum comparable to mid-leaderboard finishes in current signature events. It wasn’t until 1937 that a player, Harry Cooper, earned five figures in a single season, winning $14,138 (around $309,000 in today’s money).
Golf legends like Sam Snead and Ben Hogan dominated the following years. Snead topped the list in 1938 with $19,534, while Hogan achieved the feat five times between 1940 and 1948. His most successful year, 1946, saw him earn $42,556 (approximately $686,000 today).
Arnold Palmer takes a shot at the 1963 US Open
Arnold Palmer, a pivotal figure in golf history, became the first to surpass $100,000 in a season in 1963, earning $128,230 (equivalent to about $1.3 million now). The following years saw Jack Nicklaus consistently topping the list before Tom Watson’s four-year reign from 1977 to 1980. However, the million-dollar mark remained elusive until 1988 when Curtis Strange earned $1,147,644 (approximately $3 million today).
The Tiger Woods Effect and Beyond
The arrival of Tiger Woods ushered in a new era of unprecedented earnings. Woods, alongside Vijay Singh, dominated the money list for years. Woods first led in 1997 with $2,066,833 (about $4 million today). By 2007, he had topped the list a record ten times, culminating in earnings of $10,867,052 (approximately $16.5 million today). Singh even surpassed this in 2004 with $10,905,166 (over $18 million in today’s value).
Tiger Woods at the 1997 Tour Championship
Besides Woods and Singh, only Jordan Spieth (2015) and Scottie Scheffler have earned over $10 million in a single season. Scheffler’s 2024 earnings of $29,228,357, excluding his FedEx Cup bonus, shattered previous records. This dramatic increase signifies a new financial landscape in professional golf, driven by increased competition and the evolving sports market.
PGA Tour Money List Leaders Through the Years (1934-2024)
| Year | Player | Money |
|---|---|---|
| 1934 | Paul Runyan | $6,767 |
| … | … | … |
| 2024 | Scottie Scheffler | $29,228,357 |
(Note: Table abbreviated for brevity. Refer to official PGA Tour records for the complete list.) The complete historical data reveals a fascinating evolution of the PGA Tour money list, reflecting the growth and transformation of professional golf. From modest beginnings to the multi-million dollar era, the pursuit of financial success remains a driving force for golfers on the PGA Tour.
