Hole In One: Tiger Woods Is The First Golf Player And Only The Third Athlete Ever To Become A Billionaire - LA Lives

It’s the eye of the Tiger.

Tiger Woods has accumulated a net worth of at least $1 billion, making him the first golf player and third athlete in the world to become a billionaire.

READ ALSO: Most Valuable Player: LeBron James Is The First Active NBA Athlete To Become A Billionaire

The golf player follows basketball figures Michael Jordan and LeBron James to achieve the feat. While Jordan marked the milestone in 2014 over a decade after his retirement, James became the first athlete to accomplish the same while active.

Woods reached billionaire status despite turning down a nine-digit offer from the new Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour.

In fact, less than 10 percent of his career earnings and net worth come from golf.

Forbes estimates that Woods has earned over $1.7 billion over the course of his 27-year career. It reported that the bulk of his fortune comes from major endorsement deals with over a dozen brands like Gatorade, Nike, and Rolex.

Furthermore, Woods expanded his portfolio to other business ventures like TGR Design, TGR Live, and The Woods. This is on top of his various investments including in the NEXUS Luxury Collection.

Diversity points

Sports business consultant Joe Favorito explained that brands appreciate endorsers who attract both traditional and casual fans.

“He hit the right time in the right sport, being an athlete with a diverse background who was approachable,” Favorite said.

Woods is the child of a Thai mother and an African American father.

In 2001, he became the first player to consecutively win the four major golf tournaments. These are the Masters, the US Open, the British Open, and the PGA Championship.

Banner Photo by Tiger Woods via Instagram

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