An exploration of the highest earning players in the Saudi-backed LIV Golf, compared to the biggest names currently plying their trade in football’s Saudi Pro League
Golf and football would get on well these last few years as both have been subject to significant investment from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Stalwarts of the European scene such as Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter and Sergio Garcia also took the plunge with the start-up league after enjoying illustrious careers on both sides of the pond and in the Ryder Cup.
At the root of LIV Golf’s creation is the desire of Saudi Arabia, specifically the sovereign’s Public Investment Fund, to invest in golf and reach its top table. This is not too dissimilar to the developments in men’s football of recent years.
The Saudi Pro League has attracted some of the world’s most popular, successful and recognisable footballers, both at the peak of their powers and approaching the twilight of their careers. Are you starting to notice a trend here?
Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the best players to lace a pair of boots, signed for Al-Nassr at the start of 2023 and is largely regarded as the marquee of all marquee acquisitions for this 18-team league founded in 1976.
Fan favourites in the Premier League of yesteryear like N’Golo Kante and Roberto Firmino also decided to join the Saudi Pro League and in doing so, signed on a dotted line that guaranteed them an almighty pay-check that, even for professional football, would make your eyes burst out of your head.
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Of course, how golfers and footballers are paid is very different. DeChambeau earns money based on where he finishes on the leaderboard in each of the 14 LIV Golf events he competes in, whereas Cristiano Ronaldo has a wage inked in pen on a contract.
Below, we list the highest-paid players in the Saudi Pro League based on their wages according to reported figures and the highest-earning players from the LIV Golf roster based on their prize money tally to date plus their reported sign-on fees.
Matt has been playing golf since the age of 13 and was largely inspired to take up the game by countless family members who played golf during his childhood.
Matt is a member at Royal Cinque Ports in Deal playing off a 5 handicap, just a pitching wedge away from his hometown of Dover where he went to school and grew up. He has previously been a member at Etchinghill and Walmer and Kingsdown in Kent.
Having studied history at the University of Liverpool, Matt went on to pass his NCTJ Exams in Manchester a year later to fulfil his lifelong ambition of becoming a journalist. He picked up work experience along the way at places such as the Racing Post, the Independent, Sportsbeat and the Lancashire Evening Post.
Matt joined NCG in February 2023 and is the website’s main source of tour news, features and opinion. He has reported live from events such as the Masters, The Open, the Ryder Cup and The Players Championship, having also interviewed and spoken to many of the biggest names in the sport.
Consuming tour golf on what is a 24/7 basis, you can come to Matt for informed views on the game and the latest updates on the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, LPGA Tour, Ladies European Tour and LIV Golf.
