You would think it’s finally the time for Tiger Woods to shine. Now that he is back from an injury and set to compete in a professional tournament in more than six months, it would seem that the dark days are over. But the veteran golfer was yet to receive another blow before his much-anticipated comeback.

Surprisingly, this time it was his trusted friend and ally in his battle with LIV Golf, Rory McIlroy who dragged the 15-time Major winner from his top position at the Player Impact Program rankings. Just days ago, the Northern Irish golfer shocked the world by resigning from the Tour Policy Board, of which Woods is also a member. Now, despite bowing out from his powerful position, the 34-year-old McIlroy’s web of influence has stretched far beyond that of Woods’ as this year’s PIP results demonstrate. 

Rory McIlroy eclipses Tiger Woods

The Player Impact Program recognizes the top 20 players who have made a positive impact outside the course. The $100M purse distributed among the twenty golfers is a way of rewarding the pros who have generated the most interest for the PGA Tour among golf fans. 

This year, Rory McIlroy tops the list and walks away with $15M in bonus leaving Woods at the second place with $12M to his name. While this may seem shocking to some, the fact that Woods has appeared only two times this season has a role to play in this. McIlroy, on the other hand, teed off at 17 PGA Tour events this season including the Majors with two wins to his name.

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Notably, both of them have been the most vocal supporters of the Tour since LIV Golf’s seismic arrival on the American shore. In fact, their futuristic TGL is seen as a counter to the PIF-funded league’s dominance. However, as the PIP results show, rather than the 15x Major winner, McIlroy has made more impact on the PGA Tour this year. Woods is followed by Jon Rahm in the third position.

Interestingly, Woods has topped the list since its inception in 2021. Last year, McIlory came second after the 47-year-old golfer. This time, the news comes amidst renewed interest in Woods’ comeback. The 15x Major winner is set to appear in two tournaments at the tail-end of the season.

When is Woods going to tee off this year? 

For months, there were speculations that the 82-time PGA Tour winner will return before the year ends. While announcing the field for the Hero World Challenge, Woods kept one spot open. Confirming the rumors, it was announced that the former world no.1, is indeed going to tee off at the Bahamas at the tournament.

‘Kick in the Face’: As Loyalists Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy Nab Millions in PIP Money, Upset PGA Tour Pro Spills His Frustrations in Latest Confession

Moreover, Woods and his son, Charlie Woods are set to reappear at the PNC Championship for the fourth time. Last year, the duo finished at the eighth position, while in 2021, their winning bid was stalled by John Daly and his son. Woods, incidentally, has also caddied for his in the Notah Begay III Junior National Championship.

Watch This Story: ‘Fully Confident’: Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy Remains Surprisingly Unfazed After TGL Tragically Gets Pushed to 2025