The first paycheck is a special memory for anyone. A person may earn millions later in life, but the first paycheck, no matter how small it is, is precious. This sentiment holds true even for the world’s best golfers. From Rory McIlroy to Tiger Woods, all are self-made names who are ruling the sports world these days. But have you ever wondered what the first salaries of these top golfers were?
Golfers like Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Jon Rahm are the top names in the PGA Tour and among the highest earners after winning multiple major championships and big purse tournaments. Meanwhile, Brooks Koepka is excelling in LIV Golf and was among the top names recruited by the Saudi league with a substantial paycheck. However, there was a time when they didn’t even earn a grand.
Golf Digest recently posted on Instagram, revealing how much these professional golfers earned as their first paycheck. The post started with the legendary Tiger Woods, whose first paycheck came at the 1996 Greater Milwaukee Open, where he tied for 60th place and earned $2,544. The Spaniard Jon Rahm’s first tour check was for $400,200 in 2016 at the Quickens Loan National.
No. 1 Scottie Scheffler’s first salary was $25,080 at FedEx St. Jude Classic in 2018. Rory McIlroy earned his first PGA Tour paycheck at the 2007 British Masters, where he finished T42, and received $14,792. For Justin Thomas, his first tour check came at the 2013 Fry.com, earning him $9,600. Meanwhile, Rickie Fowler earned his first tour check at the 2009 Shriners Open, where he earned $113,700 for finishing 7th.
Brooks Koepka, although no longer on the PGA Tour, started his journey in 2012 at the Credit Suisse Challenge, where he won $1,405. His fellow LIV golfer, Dustin Johnson, won in the 2008 Sony Open and earned $113,571. Even the golfing legend Jack Nicklaus, with his vast empire, earned just $33 at the 1962 LA Open, where he finished tied for 50th place.
Fans were left in shock and surprise after learning about Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus’s first salaries. One fan humorously speculated about the worth of $33 back in 1962, saying it could have been a down payment on a house. Another fan highlighted how Tiger Woods deserves credit for pushing for better pay for golfers, a legacy appreciated by all who came after him.
Fans also noticed how some golfers, like Fowler and DJ, had relatively substantial first paychecks. One fan humorously commented on Jack Nicklaus “making bank” even back then. It’s fascinating to look back at these humble beginnings of golf legends and how far they’ve come since then.
So, what do you think of these first paychecks? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Golf history continues to be full of surprises, and these revelations give us a glimpse into the early days of the legends we admire today.
