JAN

11

Filed under: Golf, Featured Stories

Back in September, FanHouse suggested that Tiger Woods could be the U.S.'s first billionaire athlete. Golf Digest, in the February issue (we can see into the future at FanHouse), gives us a glimpse of just how close Eldrick is to the one-thousand millions mark.

During his first 12 years on tour, Woods has more than $100 million in winnings, and a mind-boggling $669 million in endorsements. That puts him at almost $770 million. Since 1996. (A complete breakdown of Tiger's yearly earnings after the jump.)

It's not hard to figure out why Woods is so marketable -- and filthy rich -- he's the world's best golfer and arguably its most recognizable face. But Golf Digest explains that endorsement deals for the PGA Tour's top players are more lucrative than in other sports: In Major League Baseball, where the average salary was $2,699,292 in 2006, the opportunities for added value are nowhere near what they are in golf. Only players of a Derek Jeter status get national endorsement deals, and the winner's share for the World Series in 2007 was $308,236 -- about what Jim Furyk got for finishing 11th in FedEx Cup points.

Continue reading Tiger Woods Should Have One Billion in Earnings by 2010

Read the full post at AOL Fanhouse

• The Golf Blog Phil Mickelson wins at Riviera Feb 19
• Bunker Mentality Phil and Annika win Feb 19
• AOL Fanhouse John Daly Should Pay Attention: Butch Harmon Has Been Good for Phil Mickelson Feb 17
• The Sports Frog Bracketology Feb 19
• Bugs and Cranks The New York Post - By Dummies for Dummies - 24 Hours A Day Feb 19
• Bugs and Cranks Reactions to Pettitte's press conference Feb 19
• CBS Sportsline Holmes ready to give it a shot vs. Tiger Feb 19
• Epic Carnival TOP 10 REASONS WHY ANDY PETTITTE CHOSE TO PLAY IN 2008 Feb 19