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Despite Signing 7-Figure LIV Golf Contracts, Tiger Woods Triumphantly Pips Nemesis Sergio Garcia and Other Former Masters Champions Who Chose Money Over Legacy

Published 03/28/2023, 11:23 AM EDT

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The Masters Tournament is considered one of the most prestigious competitions in professional golf. The victorious Green Jacket is one of the most prized possession for any former winner. But many of the past Masters champions have switched sides to the LIV Golf Series, which has tarnished their legacy on the mainstream Tour. Have their lucrative contracts had any effect on their net worths, and is it even remotely comparable to that of five-time Masters winner, Tiger Woods?

The net worths of past Masters winners, decoded

Back in 2013, an Australian golfer named Adam Scott reigned supreme at Augusta National with a playoff win over Ángel Cabrera. The former World No. 1 doesn’t indulge in playing at the PGA Tour anymore but still has a sizable net worth of $50 million.

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The following years saw consecutive American winners, as Bubba Watson and Jordan Spieth claimed victories in 2014 and 2015, respectively. The former’s win was his second at the Masters, which was his last major championship title. Watson eventually decided to accept LIV Golf’s lucrative contract in 2022, which swelled his net worth to $40 million.

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Jordan Spieth had a breakthrough year in 2015 with five PGA Tour titles during the period, including two major championships. He has followed his victories with consistent performances over the years, which has resulted in a career net worth of $120 million.

The name of Danny Willett might fall on deaf ears within the golf community, but the Englishman captured his biggest-ever victory at the 2016 Masters Tournament. He only ever secured one victory on the PGA Tour, which won him the iconic Green Jacket. The Brit still plays on the tour, with a net worth standing at $2 million.

LIV golfers galore as Masters winners

43-year-old Sergio Garcia features next in the list of former Masters winners. The Spanish golfer had been long deemed as the best player to not win a major championship, but he quashed those tags after winning the 2017 Masters Tournament.

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However, a move to the LIV Golf Series has worsened perceptions about Garcia. He reportedly accepted a massive contract to join the rebel league, which has swelled his net worth to $70 million.

The case is similar to two-time major championship winner Dustin Johnson. The 38-year-old accepted an alleged $125 million for switching sides to the LIV Golf Series. Johnson’s current net worth stands at $100 million.

USA Today via Reuters

Yet, Tiger Woods’ triumph at the 2019 Masters Tournament triumphs over every other win. The 15-time major championship winner wrote the most remarkable comeback stories in sports history with his win at the Augusta National four years ago.

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His career net worth stands at $800 million, which is more than any other golfer on the list. Interestingly, the figure is also more than the total combined net worth of all players on the list, which speaks volumes about Woods’ legacy.

Hideki Matsuyama and Scottie Scheffler form the last of the two Masters winners. The former was heavily rumored to be joining LIV Golf after becoming his country’s first major championship winner. However, the Japanese golfer, who has a net worth of $35 million, stayed loyal to the PGA Tour for the 2022-23 season.

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Meanwhile, Scottie Scheffler was awarded the best player on the PGA Tour on the back of outstanding displays throughout last year. He won a plethora of titles, including the 2022 Masters Tournament. The $15 million worth athlete defends his Green Jacket in the first week of April.

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Written by:

Sharan Nair

837Articles

One take at a time

Sharan is an Engineering student with a desire to carve out a career in sports journalism. He is an ardent Tiger Woods fan and his 2019 Masters victory is what further cemented his love for the golfer. A die hard football fan, Sharan can be seen cheering for Real Madrid, and playing FIFA every chance he gets.
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Edited by:

Manaal Siddiqui

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