The golf world went up in flames when PGA Tour pro-Scottie Scheffler’s 2024 earnings were revealed. With a whopping $62.2 million in the bank, Scheffler has set a new standard for golfers everywhere. His impressive season included seven wins, culminating in a $25 million FedEx Cup bonus. To put this into perspective, Scheffler’s earnings surpass those of top athletes in other sports, including NFL quarterbacks and MLB players, except for Shohei Ohtani, who rakes in $70 million annually.
Scheffler’s record-breaking earnings have left many in awe, especially considering the astronomical jump from golf legends like Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus, who earned significantly less during their playing careers. Well, it hardly comes off as a surprise because the PGA Tour’s massive payouts are well-known, however, you’ll be surprised to know the stark difference between PGA Tour and LPGA Tour prize money payouts.
In an exclusive interview with Essentially Sports’s Andrew Whitelaw, LPGA Tour pro-Lauren Coughlin shed light on the glaring pay gap between the PGA Tour and LPGA Tour, and well, rightfully so. “How much money did Scheffler make last year and how much money did Nelly make last year on course? And they had very comparable years, I would say, in terms of how many they won and the dominance that they had,” Coughlin pointed out. Coughlin’s remarks were made up by the staggering contrast between Scottie Scheffler’s $62.2 million earnings and Nelly Korda’s $12.5 million, despite both players delivering phenomenal performances last season. “It’s unfortunate, and I think, you know, we’re moving in the right direction, I just wish it would be a little bit faster.”
A closer look at the numbers reveals the extent of the pay disparity. Korda’s on-course earnings totaled $4.5 million, supplemented by $8 million from off-field endorsements, as reported by Forbes. In contrast, Scheffler’s winnings dwarfed Korda’s, with his $62.2 million haul more than five times her total earnings.
Yes, you read that right so maybe Coughlin speaking on about the issue was needed as this striking disparity underscores the ongoing struggle for pay equity in professional golf. but what might be the possible reasons for this disparity?
Why is there a pay gap between PGA Tour and LPGA Tour golfers?
The pay gap between PGA Tour and LPGA Tour golfers is a longstanding issue that continues to plague the sport. Despite the LPGA Tour being around for over 50 years, female golfers still earn significantly less than their male counterparts, per Golf Support.com. In fact, their research shows that professional male golfers can expect to earn 83% more in winnings than the next winner on the female tour. This raises the question: why do female golfers earn less when they play the same game at the same level as men? The answer lies in the deep-rooted inequality that persists in golf, a sport that has traditionally been seen as a “man’s game.”
The gender pay gap in golf is a complex issue with no easy solution. Historically, the LPGA Tour has struggled with lower prize purses, limited sponsorship opportunities, and less media coverage compared to the PGA Tour. For instance, the total prize purse for the 2022 LPGA Tour was around $85 million, whereas the PGA Tour’s total prize purse was over $400 million. Furthermore, top male golfers like Scottie Scheffler can earn upwards of $60 million in a single season, while top female golfers like Nelly Korda earn significantly less, around $12 million. It’s time for the golfing community to acknowledge and address these disparities. Let us know what you think about the pay gap between the PGA Tour and LPGA Tour golfers in the comment section below.
The post Exclusive: LPGA Pro Discusses ‘Unfortunate’ Pay Gap as Scottie Scheffler’s $62 Million Check Takes Spotlight appeared first on EssentiallySports.