Rory McIlroy has clinched the £12 million bonus from the PGA Tour for making the biggest impact of the season, beating out Tiger Woods. However, the payout has garnered criticism as “a kick in the face to the rest of the Tour players.”
This marks the first time Woods has not topped the Player Impact Program.
The 15-time major winner finished second, taking home £9.5 million despite not competing since April, with Spain’s Jon Rahm scooping £7.2 million in third and England’s Tommy Fleetwood doubling his campaign’s earnings with £4 million for coming tied sixth.
Not officially announced, the Tour detailed the 20 players who shared the £80 million fund in a memo to its members. However, the program has not received unanimous support, with Nate Lashley, a former Tour winner, expressing his discontent on social media.
Jason Gore, another former Tour winner who is now the principal player liaison executive, defended the programme in the memo.
McIlroy continued to be the most vocal critic of the breakaway LIV league and did not win on US soil this year, but his steadfast opposition will be viewed as compensation for his efforts.
For those who criticized the program, the metrics include the number of internet searches, unique news articles, player screen time during telecasts, social media popularity, and survey results.
McIlroy’s earnings for 2023 now exceed the £25 million mark, reflecting his commitment to and impact on the sport.
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Daniel Miller takes readers to the greens with his passion for golf. He offers coverage of major golf tournaments, player achievements, and insights into the sport’s rich history, making him a trusted source for golf enthusiasts.