Forbes Reveals The Highest-Paid Athlete In 2022
BROOKLINE, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 16: Phil Mickelson of the United States gives a thumbs up as he drives up the 18th fairway in round one of the 122nd US Open Championship at The Country Club on June 16, 2022 in Brookline, Massachusetts. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Friday, Forbes has compiled a list of the highest paid golfers in 2022.
Unsurprisingly, the top of this list is dominated by players who left the PGA Tour to join the new LIV Golf Series – a separatist league backed by billions of Saudi dollars.
Atop that list at No. 1 is 52-year-old golf veteran Phil Mickelson, who signed a deal worth an estimated $200 million with the Saudi-backed series in June.
Not only did this deal make Mickelson the highest-paid golfer in the world, but it also earned him the title of highest-paid athlete in all sports. With $138 million earned in the past year, Lefty has overtaken international soccer superstar Leonel Messi ($130 million).
Mickelson’s deal with LIV Golf also propelled his career earnings to over $1 billion.
The former PGA Tour star was heavily reviled for her decision to join LIV Golf. Even though his reputation has taken a hit, his bank account has never looked better.
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