Scottie Scheffler has overtaken Rory McIlroy in the latest Forbes rich list, but the American is not the highest earner in golf. That distinction belongs to Jon Rahm, who continues to benefit from his lucrative deal with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf league.
Forbes' ranking of the world's wealthiest athletes over the 12 months to May 2026 places Scheffler 16th, with estimated earnings of approximately £63 million. Of that, roughly £40 million comes from prize money, while the remaining £23 million is generated through brand partnerships and sponsorships.
McIlroy sits just behind Scheffler with estimated earnings of nearly £57 million. However, the Northern Irishman's income is more reliant on off-course ventures, with £37 million coming from endorsements with brands such as Nike, Omega, and TaylorMade—the sixth-highest off-field earnings of any athlete analysed by Forbes.
Despite trailing his rivals in tournament winnings, Jon Rahm tops the golf earnings table. The 31-year-old Spaniard is still reaping the rewards of his reported £220 million deal to join LIV Golf in 2024. However, the future of those payments is uncertain, as reports suggest the Public Investment Fund (PIF) will stop funding LIV after 2026.
Scheffler and McIlroy are set to compete again at the Memorial Tournament in Dublin, Ohio, starting 4 June. The event carries a top prize of approximately £3 million, giving McIlroy a chance to close the gap on Scheffler in the earnings race.
