Phil Mickelson moves above Tiger Woods in Forbes’ 2022 golf earners, LIV players dominate list

Phil Mickelson’s move to LIV Golf has lifted him above Tiger Woods as the highest-earning golfer in 2022.

The Saudi-backed LIV Golf has disrupted the sport by splashing out huge contracts to lure players from the PGA Tour.

Mickelson was one of the first to sign up, for a reported $200m, half of which was rumoured to be paid up front.

The likes of Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeu and Brooks Koepka followed, again for huge contracts.

Woods is a billionaire and despite playing only three times this season on account of a serious leg injury, Forbes estimates he has made $68m in 2022.

The 15-time major winner Woods is the star figure in golf and is reported to have turned down an offer from LIV chief Greg Norman believed to be near the $1 billion mark.

Rory McIlroy has been an outspoken critic of LIV, questioning its format, and he is one spot behind Woods on the Forbes list.

Rounding out the top 10 are Sergio Garcia, Jordan Spieth, Patrick Reed and Charl Schwartzel.

Along with Woods and McIlroy, Spieth is the only other player in the top 10 not to be contracted to LIV.

Forbes’ Top 10 earning golfers

• Phil Mickelson – On Course $102 million – Off Course $36 million – $138 million
• Dustin Johnson – On Course $68 million – Off Course $29 million – $97 million
• Bryson DeChambeau – On Course $66 million – Off Course $20 million – $86 million
• Brooks Koepka – On Course $53 million – Off Course $16 million – $69 million
• Tiger Woods – On Course $43,500 – Off Course $68 million – $68 million
• Rory McIlroy – On Course $9 million – Off Course $34 million – $43 million
• Sergio Garcia – On Course $35 million – Off Course $7 million – $42 million
• Jordan Spieth – On Course $8 million – Off Course – $31 million – $39 million
• Patrick Reed – On Course $34 million – Off Course – $3 million – $37 million
• Charl Schwartzel – On Course $30 million – Off Course – $4 million – $34 million