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Highlights Tours Live

Rory McIlroy Aims for Glory at US Open 2024: Performances Analyzed

Rory McIlroy, originally hailing from Northern Ireland, is a name synonymous with golfing excellence. From his major debut to his consistent performances on the global stage. As we inch closer to the US Open 2024, the golf community is keen to see how McIlroy will fare at Pinehurst No. 2, renowned for its tough course and storied history.

Having climbed the ranks to become World Number One, McIlroy’s career is littered with significant achievements. With four major championships under his belt, including the 2011 US Open, McIlroy has consistently demonstrated why he is a force to be reckoned with. Reflecting on his performance at the US Open over the past years, it’s evident that his journey has been both challenging and rewarding.

Rory McIlroy’s Performance at the US Open Golf in Recent Years

Rory McIlroy first tasted major success at the US Open in 2011, held at Congressional Country Club, where he won with a record-breaking score of 16-under-par. This victory not only solidified his reputation as one of golf’s rising stars but also set a new standard for excellence in major tournaments. However, the subsequent years have been a mix of highs and lows.

In recent editions, McIlroy has shown flashes of brilliance. His best finish in the past five years came in 2021, where he tied for 7th place at Torrey Pines. Despite this, he experienced moments of struggle in the 2018 and 2019 US Opens, finishing outside the top 25. The inherent challenges of the US Open, known for its grueling courses and unpredictable weather conditions, have tested even seasoned professionals like McIlroy.

As we look ahead to the US Open 2024 at Pinehurst No. 2, it’s essential to recognize the course’s unique characteristics that may influence McIlroy’s performance. Pinehurst is known for its Pinehurst Number 2 layout, demanding pinpoint accuracy and strategic gameplay. McIlroy’s adaptability and capability to handle high-pressure situations will be crucial here.

The year 2022 saw McIlroy put a valiant effort, yet again finishing T5 at Brookline, showing that while he might face obstacles, his competitive spirit and talent are ever-present. With each tournament, McIlroy continues to refine his game, making the anticipation for his performance at the US Open 2024 even more electrifying.

As fans and analysts alike gear up for another thrilling edition of the US Open, Rory McIlroy remains one of the frontrunners in the conversation. His journey through the past US Opens provides a testament to his enduring prowess and the thrilling potential he brings to Pinehurst in 2024. His commitment to the sport, coupled with his experience, positions him as a key player to watch.

In conclusion, Rory McIlroy’s journey through the US Open over the years has been a rollercoaster of exhilarating victories and formidable challenges. As we eagerly await the US Open 2024, all eyes will undoubtedly be on McIlroy, with hopes high for another remarkable performance.

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PGA Tour

PGA Tour Tee Times: Rory McIlroy at RBC Canadian Open

The RBC Canadian Open, part of the PGA Tour, boasts a prize fund of 9.4 million USD. The event will see top golfers competing over several days, beginning with the first round on Thursday, followed by the second round on Friday. This article highlights the tee times for British, Welsh, and Scottish players participating in the event, presented in a structured and clear manner for easy reference.

PGA Tour Tee Times for British, Welsh, and Scottish Players

Rory McIlroy will tee off his first round at 07:40 from Tee 10. He is paired with Nick Taylor and Taylor Pendrith from Canada. Their second round will start from Tee 1 at 12:55.

Callum Tarren’s tee time for the first round is 06:56, starting from Tee 1. Tarren is grouped with Justin Lower and Sean O’Hair from the USA. Their second round tee time is 12:11 from Tee 10.

Another notable player is Aaron Rai, who starts his first round at 12:00 from Tee 1. Rai is paired with Eric Cole and Ryan Palmer from the USA. Their second round is set to begin at 06:45 from Tee 1.

Matt Wallace has a start time of 12:33 from Tee 10, paired with Chad Ramey and Ryan Brehm from the USA. Wallace’s second round will commence on Tee 1 at 07:18.

Harry Hall’s tee time for the first round is 12:22 from Tee 1. Hall is grouped with Adam Long and Austin Cook from the USA. His second round will start at 07:07 from Tee 10.

Robert MacIntyre will begin his first round at 1:39 on Tee 10. He is paired with Trace Crowe and Max Greyserman from the USA. His second round tee time is 08:24 from Tee 1.

Round Player Name Start Time Mitspieler Mitspieler Nationalität
1 Rory McIlroy 07:40 Nick Taylor and Taylor Pendrith CAN
1 Callum Tarren 06:56 Justin Lower and Sean O’Hair USA
1 Harry Hall 12:22 Adam Long and Austin Cook USA
1 Aaron Rai 12:00 Eric Cole and Ryan Palmer USA
1 Matt Wallace 12:33 Chad Ramey and Ryan Brehm USA
1 Robert MacIntyre 01:39 Trace Crowe and Max Greyserman USA
2 Rory McIlroy 12:55 Nick Taylor and Taylor Pendrith CAN
2 Callum Tarren 12:11 Justin Lower and Sean O’Hair USA
2 Harry Hall 07:07 Adam Long and Austin Cook USA
2 Aaron Rai 06:45 Eric Cole and Ryan Palmer USA
2 Matt Wallace 07:18 Chad Ramey and Ryan Brehm USA
2 Robert MacIntyre 08:24 Trace Crowe and Max Greyserman USA

Created with AI.

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Panorama

Tabloids Speculate about Rory McIlroy’s Divorce

The British golf media are speculating about the separation between Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll; the four-time major winner filed for divorce the day before arriving at the PGA Championship in Valhalla. The obvious explanation is that the couple had grown apart. Either because the professional was focussing too much on golf and his wife consequently felt neglected and only concentrated on their daughter Poppy. Or because Erica Stoll had only taken care of their child since Poppy was born on 31 August 2020, which made the golfer feel left behind and bury himself in work.

Rumour: McIlroy’s love affair with CBS presenter

The rumour of a love affair between “Rors” and “CBS” golf presenter Amanda Balionis (38), who is married to football coach Bryn Renner but has not worn a wedding ring since the Masters, is also persistent, as is the case with juicy aspects. As she has also dropped the Renner suffix from her actual double name on her social media accounts, the tabloids, which even tracked Erica Stoll on her way to the nail salon (“Daily Mail”), are sensing amorous reasons for McIlroy’s move and are also said to have identified particularly affectionate interviews between Balionis and the golf star.

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Highlights Tours

Rory McIlroy: “I’m Feeling Good About My Game”

Rory McIlroy finishes the 2024 PGA Championship 2024 in a tie for twelfth place. Even though he failed to win the PGA Championship again ten years after his last major victory, the Northern Irishman’s final round was at least conciliatory. He returned to the clubhouse at Valhalla Golf Club with a 67. Once again, the back nine of the par-71 course, which had already been weaker than the front nine during the course of the tournament week, caused him problems. Nevertheless, the 35-year-old turned his score into the red on Sunday after two late bogeys. In an interview, he spoke about the challenges of the tournament week.

PGA Championship 2024: Rory McIlroy Interview

Question: The whole week, has it been a case of some steps forward and then back and forward and back and it just wasn’t enough?

Rory McIlroy: Yeah, I think so. Obviously started the week well, and then I’ve obviously played decent over the weekend. As I said, that sort of six-hole stretch on the back nine yesterday, not being able to hole any putts, I’ll probably rue that. Then the 71 on Friday, as well, was obviously not what I was looking for. Obviously put myself too far back.

Overall playing solid, game is in good shape, and I’ve got a week off and then another busy stretch coming up.

Question: The sense that you’ve turned your season since the team win in the Zurich with Shane, obviously last week running away on that final day at Wells Fargo when you found your vintage game, that whole feeling, you must feel like you have to keep it going, certainly for the majors season. How are you feeling about that?

Rory McIlroy: Yeah, I’m feeling good about that. I’ve been on a big stretch of golf here. I think this was my sixth event in seven weeks. I’ve got a week off and then I’m playing another four in a row. I’m feeling good about my game. I feel like things are sort of clicking more, especially after the win in New Orleans. Obviously played well last week in Charlotte. Have a week here to sort of reset and try to get going again.

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Highlights Tours

“It’s concerning”: Rory McIlroy On PGA-LIV Merger

After back-to-back wins Rory McIlroy is pretty confident going into the PGA Championship 2024. With a good game state and the momentum on his side, the Northern Irishman eyes with his first major title in ten years. In his press conference McIlroy excluded all questions about his personal life, leaving his recently filed divorce for this interview.

Rory McIlroy about the PGA Championship 2024: “I have a lot of confidence and quite a bit of momentum “

THE MODERATOR: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, we are very pleased with welcome Rory McIlroy to the 106th PGA Championship. I believe you all saw the statement yesterday from Rory’s communication team specifically that he will not be making any additional comments on his private life, so thank you all for respecting his wishes.

A win on Sunday at Quail Hollow and you won the last major championship here at Valhalla ten years ago. How do you feel coming into this week?

RORY McILROY: I feel good. Obviously had a great day on Sunday at a golf course that I’ve grown to love over the years and had a lot of success at, coming to a venue where I’ve had some success at before as well.

Obviously get to go back to Quail Hollow every year. Don’t really get to come back here too much. Today was the first time I was on the golf course since ten years ago, so it was good to refamiliarize myself with the place.

The golf course is a little different than it was ten years ago, a little longer. A couple little minor changes but for the most part pretty much the same that I can remember from ten years ago.

But yeah, look, game feels good coming off the back of two wins, a fun one in New Orleans with Shane, and then a really good performance last week.

Just trying to keep the momentum going.

Q. How long has it been since you had this level of confidence in your game, and what other than the victories, what in the technical part of it is giving you that confidence?

RORY McILROY: Yes, I would say — I think I was asked this question last week. I went on a run last summer, sort of from — it was actually after this tournament. I felt like my game wasn’t in really good shape after Oak Hill. Sort of needed to reset, work on a few things.

But then I came back out. I played Memorial, Canada, U.S. Open, Travelers, Scottish Open, Open, Playoffs. That stretch of golf, I think I had, like, ten top 10s in a row. I got the win in Scotland.

So my game felt pretty — it doesn’t seem like that long ago that my game has felt this good. But I would say from a technical standpoint, some of the shots that I hit last week, some of the three-quarter shots, some of the wedge shots, some of the iron shots, combined with, you know, how good I feel with the driver at the minute, you know, when I can see those three-quarter shots and those wedge shots going and starting on the right line, you know, that obviously gives me a lot of confidence.

Q. We’ve talked through the years about how you’ve tried to go back to a mentality of just show up somewhere, play a practice round, and then go out there and play free. When you come back here, do you think of the mentality that you had when you won here ten years ago, and do you try to use that again?

RORY McILROY: Sometimes I struggle to remember what I did yesterday. So I don’t — I think if I look that far back, I mean, it’s hard to rekindle those feelings and those memories. I can vaguely remember, you know, coming here off the back of winning The Open and the old WGC at Akron.

But you know, I think it’s all about confidence and momentum, and I have a lot of confidence and quite a bit of momentum coming into this week. So as I said at the start, it’s just about trying to keep that going.

But as you say, like trying to play with freedom, I think this is a golf course that allows you to play with freedom because it’s a big golf course. The corridors are wide, not too dissimilar to last week at Quail Hollow, so you can open your shoulders up off the tee and try to take your chances from there.

Q. Can I ask you about Jimmy’s board resignation, what you thought about that and what the implications might be in your mind?

RORY McILROY: Yeah, honestly I think it’s a huge loss for the PGA TOUR, if they are trying to get this deal done with the PIF and trying to unify the game.

Jimmy was basically “the” relationship, the sort of conduit between the PGA TOUR and PIF. It’s been really unfortunate that he has not been involved for the last few months, and I think part of the reason that everything is stalling at the minute is because of that.

So it is, it’s really, really disappointing, and you know, I think the TOUR is in a worse place because of it. We’ll see. We’ll see where it goes from here and we’ll see what happens.

But you know, I would say my confidence level on something getting done before last week was, you know, as low as it had been and then with this news of Jimmy resigning and knowing the relationship he has with the other side, and how much warmth there is from the other side, it’s concerning.

Q. So Shane Lowry mentioned that you told him that what you had off the tee, the driver at Zurich was the best you’ve ever driven the ball and you also said you like to play your way into form. Why is it that you are able to play your way into form?

RORY McILROY: So from a driving perspective, yeah, I think it’s — honestly it’s probably the best driver I’ve had in the last few years.

I’ve really gotten comfortable with the driver, and I think some of the technical things in my swing are just a little bit better, and I’m — the good drives are still very good but the bad drives aren’t as bad so the misses aren’t as wild.

And then — sorry, what was the second part of the question?

Q. Just you’ve always historically said you like to play your way into form. Why is that the case for you?

RORY McILROY: Play into form. For me, it’s not — I can — I can stand all day on a driving range and hit balls and not really learn anything. Because I think so many of us out here have got such great hands and have hit so many golf balls in our lifetime that we are just going to be able to figure it out some way. So you know, change a little feeling here or there. So to me, I learn the most about my game just by playing. I’ve played a lot this year. I’ve sort of figured out where my weaknesses are, what my tendencies are, how I can manage my game better, and yeah, I just — after the win in New Orleans, I didn’t pick up a club for six days. I hit balls for a couple of hours at The Grove on Sunday before going to Quail Hollow and I go and produce a performance like that.

I think you need to know yourself, and sometimes it’s about grinding on the range and working on technical stuff, but at other times, it’s just about getting on the golf course, playing with a card in your hand and understanding, you know, how you’re playing a game.

I think that the one thing about golf, compared to any other sport is we don’t practice on the field that we play on. So it would seem counterintuitive to spend all your time on the practice range instead of on the golf course. I’ve just tried to spend as much time on the golf course as I can.

Q. It’s been quite a few years for you. How are your energy levels, and just on a personal level, how are you doing?

RORY McILROY: I’m ready to play this week.

Q. Given the success of Europeans in other major championships, can you put your finger on why they have had relatively little success in this championship?

RORY McILROY: I mean, I think if you think of quintessential American golf, I think golf courses that we go to for the PGA Championship are usually somewhat like these.

I would say Kiawah was a little bit different, or maybe even somewhere like Southern Hills a couple years ago. But yeah, I don’t — I mean, I don’t know if I can put my finger on it. You know, it’s the same thing. I think G-Mac was the first — I don’t know if he was the first European or the first British player to win the U.S. Open since Jacklin in 1970. These things are cyclical. I don’t know if I can put my finger on it but just, you know, it’s a big golf course, thick rough, soft-ish greens. That seems to be more of an American style of play.

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Panorama

Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll File for Divorce Amid Major Preparations

Rory McIlroy, the Northern Irish golfer, filed for divorce from his wife Erica Stoll. The filing, which was submitted in Palm Beach County in Florida, declares their marriage as “irretrievably broken.” This news comes just days before the start of the second major of the year, the PGA Championships of 2024.

McIlroy’s Statement on Divorce

McIlroy’s team confirmed the news and emphasized McIlroy’s desire for a respectful and amicable process. In a statement published by the New York Post his manager, Sean O’Flaherty, stressed the importance of handling this difficult time with dignity.

The divorce petition, asks for the enforcement of a prenuptial agreement. The couple signed this agreement on March 7, 2017, just before their wedding on April 21, 2017, at Ashford Castle in Ireland. The ceremony was a high-profile event attended by celebrities like Ed Sheeran and Chris Martin.

McIlroy and Stoll have one daughter, Poppy Kennedy McIlroy, born in 2020. The divorce documents request shared parental responsibility and a co-parenting plan to ensure equal timesharing. The petition also highlights that both parties are capable of supporting their child financially.

Thomas Julian Sasser, McIlroy’s divorce attorney, is well-known for handling high-profile cases, including those of Tiger Woods and Jeff Gordon.

Divorce Filing Amid PGA Championship Preparations

Erica Stoll has been a supportive presence throughout McIlroy’s career, often seen at tournaments on the PGA Tour and even serving as his caddie on occasion. Public records list their residence in Jupiter, Florida, an estate valued at over $22 million.

McIlroy and Stoll’s relationship began at the 2012 Ryder Cup, where Stoll worked as a PGA transport official. They started dating in 2014, shortly after McIlroy ended his engagement with tennis star Caroline Wozniacki. The 35-year-old recently won the Wells Fargo Championship and is among the favorites for the upcoming PGA Championship.

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Equipment

WITB: Team McIlroy/Lowry with TaylorMade and Srixon to victory

It’s the 25th win on the PGA Tour for Rory McIlroy and the first win for Shane Lowry since 2019. The Irish duo played their way through the four rounds of the tournament with aplomb, beating Team Ramey/Trainer in the play-off. Take a look at the Irish duo’s equipment during their victory in New Orleans.

WITB Rory McIlroy at the Zurich Classic 2024

(Image: TaylorMade)

Driver: TaylorMade Qi10 LS (9°)

(Image: TaylorMade)

3 wood: TaylorMade Qi10 (15°, 18°)

(Image: TaylorMade)

Driving Irons: TaylorMade Stealth UDI (16°)

(Image: TaylorMade)

Irons: TaylorMade Proto (4)

Irons: TaylorMade Rors Proto (5-9)

(Image: TaylorMade)

Wedges: TaylorMade MG4 (46°, 50°, 54°) Titleist Wedge Works (60°)

(Image: TaylorMade)

Putter: TaylorMade Spider Tour X

(Image: TaylorMade)

Ball: TaylorMade TP5x

WITB Shane Lowry at the Zurich Classic 2024

(Image: Srixon)

(Image: Srixon)

Driver: Srixon ZX7 Mk II Driver

(Image: TaylorMade)

5-wood: TaylorMade Stealth Plus

(Image: Srixon)

Irons: Srixon ZX Utility (3), Srixon ZX5 Mk II (4, 5), Srixon ZX7 Mk II (6-PW)

(Image: Cleveland)

Wedges: Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore Tour Rack (50°, 54°), Cleveland RTX Full Face (58°)

Putter: TaylorMade Spider Tour X

Golf ball: Srixon Z-Star XV 2023

Categories
Panorama PGA Tour

Team McIlroy/Lowry Celebrate Victory with a Round of Karaoke

The Zurich Classic is one of just a few team events in professional golf. Naturally, the pros make a special point of playing with their mates not only in the practice rounds, but also in a tournament. One example is the Irish duo Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry. The long-standing friendship between these two players is no secret and both enjoyed a weekend of top-class golf. To top it off, they even claimed victory in their first appearance as a team at the PGA Tour’s Zurich Classic 2024.

Rory McIlroy: “To win any PGA TOUR event is very cool, but to do it with one of your closest friends is awesome”

“We went out there, we had loads of fun, and we won the tournament. You couldn’t ask for a better week,” Lowry said after their win. And McIlroy added: “To win any PGA TOUR event is very cool, but to do it with one of your closest friends … Think about where we met and where we’ve come from, to be on this stage and do this together – just awesome to be able to do it alongside this guy.” And all of this happened because McIlroy “proposed” to Lowry at a “drunken lunch”, as the Northern Irishman told Claire Rodgers before the event.

In addition to the trophy, the duo received WWE-style belts. Well, for McIlroy it was a good fit and a perfect addition to the outfit. Shane Lowry, on the other hand, had a little trouble putting it on.

To celebrate McIlroy’s 25th career PGA Tour victory and Lowry’s first win since 2019, the pair took to the stage after the tournament and sang a perfect rendition of ‘Don’t stop believing’ by Journey.

Team McIlroy/Lowry celebrate with a round of karaoke

Categories
PGA Tour

PGA Tour: Multimillion Bonuses for Top Players

In February, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan unveiled the Player Equity Program. The PGA Tour had struck a deal with Strategic Sports Group to make an immediate investment of 1.5 billion dollars in a new for-profit entity called PGA Tour Enterprises. Part of the investment includes the Player Equity Program, designed to reward players for their loyalty to the PGA Tour. The 193 eligible recipients were notified of their equity shares by Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan, who is also CEO of PGA Tour Enterprises. “It’s about making sure our players know that the PGA Tour is the best place to compete and showing them how much the Tour appreciates them being loyal,” said Jason Gore, the Tour’s Chief Player Officer, in one of six informational videos the Tour has produced for members, which are available to Golf.com.

How the Money Is Distributed Among the PGA Tour Players

The plan envisages that around 930 million US dollars will be distributed to 193 players, taking into account four main categories. The players will not receive the money immediately, but in the form of shares in PGA Tour Enterprises, which will house the Tour’s commercial activities. Led by the Tour’s top stars, 36 players will receive a share of 750 million US dollars based on their performance over the last five years. That’s just over 80% of the prize that goes to only a few dozen pros. Points are awarded based on the number of years as a Tour member, participation in Tour Championships and victories, with special achievements such as Major titles, victories in the Players Championship and the FedEx Cup earning additional points. The second group, consisting of “consistent performers and up-and-coming talent”, will receive 75 million US dollars for 64 players. Their participation is based on FedExCup points over the last three years. A further 30 million US dollars will be awarded to 57 players in the third group, based on career earnings and the number of top 125 finishes in the FedExCup points. The fourth group, comprising “Legends of the Past”, including names such as Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson, will receive 75 million US dollars. These funds are awarded on the basis of the “Career Points” system and are earmarked exclusively for living golf legends.

A key element of the program is the eight-year commitment period. Participations reach 50% of their value after four years, 75% after six years and the full 100% after eight years. At this point, players can sell their holdings to PGA Tour Enterprises. This arrangement is designed to strengthen player loyalty to the PGA Tour. Strategic Sports Group valued the PGA Tour at US$12.3 billion when it joined and this value is expected to increase over time.

What’s In It for the Top Players

According to a rough estimate by Golf.com, Tiger Woods will receive 528 career points, Rory McIlroy just 199, while Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas have both accumulated a similar number of just under 100 points. All four players are expected to be part of Group 1 and all will receive substantial grants, but the difference in career points is expected to bring some differences in value. In short, Woods will receive the highest grant value (possibly by a wide margin) and McIlroy’s will be the second highest. Golf journalist Joe Pompliano estimates that Woods’ shares could be worth up to $100 million, double Rory McIlroy’s $50 million.

Further Bonuses Expected In the Coming Years

In addition to the initial investment of 1.5 billion US dollars, the players will receive a further bonus of around 600 million US dollars in the coming years. These funds, amounting to USD 100 million per year from 2025 to 2030, will be awarded based on the performance and results of the Player Impact Program, with a particular focus on young talent.

Categories
Professionals

 How Much Prize Money Has Rory McIlroy Earned? 

Rory McIlroy is one of the best-known players on the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour. With several major titles and Ryder Cup appearences, he has earned a fair share of prize money. But exactly how much has the Northern Irishman earned in his career to date?

This is how much Rory McIlroy has earned in prize money in his career

Since becoming a professional player back in September 2007 Rory Since turning professional in September 2007, Rory McIlroy has quickly become one of the top golfers on both the European and American Tours. With good finishes, he started to make the big money in 2009 with his victory at the Dubai Desert Classic on the DP World Tour (formerly European Tour) and his first PGA Tour title in 2010 at the Quail Hollow Championship. He followed his success with four major titles in 2011, 2012 and 2014 and increased his winner’s share to almost ten million in 2012 and 2014. After a few years with “only” smaller earnings, he won his first Tour Championship and the Players Championship in 2019, bringing his prize money for the year to a whopping 20 million, surpassed only by his 22′ prize money, which totals 40 million dollars. With his second FedExCup win and top finishes in all four major championships, McIlroy climbed back to the top of both tours and won the DP World Tour season standings.

Year Total Earnings
2007 $0
2009 $1,212,219
2010 $3,104,280
2011 $2,321,859
2012 $8,047,952
2013 $1,802,443
2014 $8,395,096
2015 $5,113,312
2016 $5,790,585
2017 $2,430,182
2018 $4,450,296
2019 $22,785,286
2020 $5,428,415
2021 $8,475,559
2022 $40,456,566
2023 $5,333,285

Rory McIlroy and the “Players Impact Program”

In addition to his tournament prize money, McIlroy collected a considerable sum from the “Players Impact Programme” introduced in 2021. A third place in 2021 earned him 3.5 million dollars, in 2022 a second place behind Tiger Woods earned him 12 million and in 2023 he received 15 million for his first place in the PGA Tours popularity rankings.