Scottie Scheffler has overtaken Rory McIlroy in Forbes' latest ranking of the world's wealthiest athletes, despite falling short at Augusta earlier this year.
The American, who claimed two major championships during what's been arguably his finest season yet, banked approximately £63 million over the past 12 months.
That impressive haul has propelled the 29-year-old to 16th spot in the global sporting rich list for 2025/26.
McIlroy isn't far behind, though.
Scottie Scheffler has overtaken Rory McIlroy in Forbes' latest ranking of the world's wealthiest athletes
| GETTYThe Northern Irishman earned close to £57 million during the same period, but the way these two rivals make their money tells a fascinating story.
Scheffler's earnings are heavily weighted towards prize money, with around £40 million coming directly from tournament victories. It's a testament to just how dominant he's been on the course.
McIlroy's financial picture looks quite different.
The 37-year-old has pulled in roughly £37 million from off-course activities alone – the sixth-highest figure among all athletes in Forbes' breakdown.
That sum reflects his enormous pulling power as a brand ambassador.
Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy's golf rivalry is as much off the course as it is on it
| GettyCompanies like Nike, Omega and TaylorMade clearly can't get enough of the two-time Masters champion, and it positions him brilliantly for even bigger paydays once his results pick up.
McIlroy's recent tournament record makes for interesting reading. Since April 2025, his only PGA Tour triumphs have come at Augusta, where he's now won twice.
Beyond those Masters victories, his sole professional win came at the Irish Open last September – an event on the DP World Tour rather than the American circuit.
It's a curious situation for a player of his calibre. The talent and marketability are clearly there, as those endorsement figures prove.
But stringing together consistent results on the PGA Tour has proved elusive of late, leaving plenty of room for improvement heading into the summer stretch.
McIlroy completed the career grand slam last year | GB NEWSThe pair will renew their rivalry at the Memorial Tournament, which tees off on June 4 in Dublin, Ohio. There's a hefty £3 million winner's cheque up for grabs, giving McIlroy a chance to chip away at Scheffler's financial advantage.
Scheffler, a four-time PGA Tour Player of the Year, remains one of the most reliable performers in the game. His position above McIlroy in the earnings table looks pretty secure for now.
Still, with that kind of prize money on offer and both players hungry for silverware, the Memorial promises to be a cracking showdown between golf's two biggest names.