The Tiger Economy

USPGA Tour prize money has risen 297 per cent since Tiger won his first major championship, the 1997 US Masters

  • USPGA Tour prize money has risen 297 per cent since Tiger won his first major championship, the 1997 US Masters. Total prize money on the American tour went from $70 million to $278 million this year.
  • US TV network NBC's viewing figures for USPGA Tour events rise 56 per cent when Tiger is in the field.
  • When Tiger missed the 2006 US Open due to the death of his father, viewing figures fell from 10.6 million to 5 million on NBC.
  • General Electric Co's NBC network said "big-city" ratings in the US were up 90 per cent for last Monday's US Open play-off against Rocco Mediate, compared with the last previous US Open play-off in 2001, when Retief Goosen beat Mark Brooks.
  • Tiger earned nearly $128 million in 2007, according to Forbes. This figure is made up of $22.9 million from on course earnings and approximately $105 million from sponsorship and others sources.
  • Of these, Nike pays $100 million over six years for all clothing, club and shoe rights.
  • Gatorade Tiger is a new drink launched last year for which Woods receives $20 million a year for the next five years.
  • Buick ensures Tiger's appearance at their own tournament, the Buick Open, courtesy of a five-year deal worth $40 million.
  • Computer game manufacturer EA Sports pays the player $10 million a year to put his name to the the Tiger Woods PGA Tour game series.