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| PGA Tour Money List | |
|---|---|
| Name | PGA Tour Money List |
| Sport | Golf |
| Country | United States |
| Established | 1968 |
| Organizer | PGA Tour |
| Current champion | See Statistical Leaders by Year |
PGA Tour Money List
The PGA Tour money list is an annual ranking of professional golfers based on official prize money earned on the PGA Tour season. It has served as a barometer of competitive success for players like Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Phil Mickelson and Rory McIlroy, and interacts with events such as the Masters Tournament, U.S. Open (golf), The Open Championship and PGA Championship. The list has influenced awards including the PGA Player of the Year, PGA Tour Rookie of the Year and the Vardon Trophy.
The money list ranks players by cumulative official dollars won in Tour events, including major championships when those prizes count toward PGA Tour earnings. It has historically determined status for FedEx Cup, Tour card retention, exemptions and entry into The Players Championship, World Golf Championships and Olympic golf. Prominent figures connected to leading the list include Tom Watson, Seve Ballesteros, Nick Price, Greg Norman and Jordan Spieth.
The formal money list emerged in 1968 as the PGA Tour separated administrative functions from the PGA of America. Early leaders included Billy Casper and Arnold Palmer; the 1970s and 1980s saw names like Lee Trevino, Tom Watson and Seve Ballesteros atop seasonal earnings. The 1990s and 2000s featured Tiger Woods' dominance, altering purses and sponsorships from companies such as Rolex, Titleist, Callaway Golf Company and Nike, Inc.. Changes in broadcasting deals with CBS Sports, NBC Sports, ESPN and Golf Channel increased purses, while the advent of the European Tour's cross-recognition and the Official World Golf Ranking reshaped international prize integration. The 2010s introduced the FedEx Cup bonus pool, and the 2020s saw pandemic-related scheduling shifts impacting earnings at events like the Zurich Classic of New Orleans and Players Championship.
Earnings are calculated in United States dollars and include official prize money from PGA Tour-sanctioned events. Eligible events comprise standard stroke-play tournaments, match play competitions when designated, and select co-sanctioned tournaments with the European Tour and Asian Tour. Non-member earnings become official for status upon joining if they meet minimum criteria established by the PGA Tour, similar to policies affecting Monday qualifying entrants and sponsor exemption recipients. Bonuses such as the FedEx Cup payout are tracked separately but historically influenced season-long recognition like the Arnold Palmer Award.
Season money titles have been claimed by legends: Jack Nicklaus captured major success, Tiger Woods set single-season records, Phil Mickelson won multiple titles across decades, and international stars like Greg Norman and Ernie Els topped the list. Records include highest single-season earnings and most money titles in a career, with modern leaders influenced by elevated purses at majors and signature events such as The Players Championship and the Masters Tournament. Historic milestones involved players like Jimmy Walker, Jim Furyk, Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth achieving season earnings that reflected both consistency and high finishes in marquee events.
Finishing high on the money list grants exemptions into major championships, World Golf Championships, and season-ending events like the Tour Championship. It affects tour card retention, promotion from the Korn Ferry Tour, and access to sponsor exemptions. The money leader often receives the Arnold Palmer Award and is a strong candidate for PGA Player of the Year and PGA Tour Player of the Year honors. High finishers can secure membership benefits with organizations such as Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews-affiliated events, and influence selections for team competitions like the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup.
Year-by-year leaders include an array of champions from Tom Watson in earlier eras to modern stars such as Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Justin Rose, Jason Day and Collin Morikawa. Seasonal statistical comparisons often reference scoring averages tracked by the PGA Tour Scoring Average, driving metrics compiled by ShotLink, and money totals compared alongside Official World Golf Ranking points. Trends show the increasing monetization of golf tied to corporate partners like FedEx, Rolex, SXM (SiriusXM), and tournament hosts such as TPC Sawgrass and Augusta National Golf Club.
Critics have challenged money lists for favoring players who enter high-purse events, citing inequities between major championship purses and regular-tour events, and disparities introduced by appearance fees common in European Tour and Asian Tour circuits. The introduction of the FedEx Cup and bonus structures prompted revisions to reward season-long performance beyond raw earnings. Debates involving PGA Tour policy, player movement to rival circuits like LIV Golf Invitational Series, and collective bargaining with organizations such as the PGA Tour Players Council and PGA Tour Champions have spurred ongoing adjustments to how earnings translate into status and awards.