PGA creates PIP system in 2021 to compete with LIV's financial power and
distributes total prize money of KRW 130.6 billion to top 20 players
Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland, photo) earned a total of $13.91 million (about 18.2 billion won) in prize money by placing in the top 10 13 times, including two wins, on the PGA Tour in the 2022-2023 season. But when the season ended, he had bigger money waiting for him.
McIlroy ranked first in the PGA Tour's 'Player Influence Program (PIP)' this season and will receive a bonus of $15 million (about 19.6 billion won). The PGA Tour introduced PIP in 2021 against LIV Golf, which is backed by the enormous financial power of Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund. Regardless of the players' performance, the rankings are determined by quantifying the amount of Internet searches, global media exposure, frequency of social media mentions, broadcast exposure, and favorability. A total bonus of $100 million (approximately 130.6 billion won) will be paid to the top 20 players depending on their ranking.
British media such as the Telegraph reported on the 24th that the top 20 players in PIP this season, including McIlroy, were notified of the bonus amount by the PGA Tour. Second place went to the ‘golf emperor’ Tiger Woods (USA), who earned a bonus of $12 million (approximately 15.7 billion won). Woods was first in 2021 and 2022. Woods only participated in two tournaments this season due to a leg injury from a car accident and only received $59,560 (approximately 77.9 million won) in prize money, but he ranked second in PIP, proving that his influence in the golf world still remains. Jon Lam (Spain) takes third place and receives a bonus of $9 million (about 11.7 billion won).
The PGA Tour, whose financial condition has deteriorated due to the establishment of a special tournament with a total prize money of $20 million, has decided to reduce the total PIP bonus to $50 million, half of this year's amount, from next year and pay it only to the top 10. The bonus received by first place will also be reduced by $5 million to $10 million. 19가이드03