Golf has always been about more than just the scorecard. For some players, the real trophies came from landing lucrative brand deals, plastering their faces across commercials, and showing up in more ads than leaderboards.
These guys knew how to play the game, but they knew how to work a sponsorship deal. Whether modeling polo shirts, hawking watches, or launching energy drinks, these golfers cashed in big even when their games didn’t always back it up.
20. Ian Poulter
The wardrobe was louder than the scorecard, and that was the point. Poulter built a whole brand off eccentric fashion and Ryder Cup hype.
19. David Duval
For a minute, Duval was the next big thing, and the endorsements rolled in fast. But the drop-off in results didn’t exactly slow down the deals.
18. Michelle Wie
Wie was everywhere before she won. Companies loved her marketability even when the trophies were sparse.
17. Sergio Garcia
Sergio cashed in early and often with equipment deals and apparel sponsorships. His fire on the course was matched only by his presence in ads.
16. Rickie Fowler
The bright colors and flat-brim hats made him a marketing dream. Even during his winless droughts, the brands never left his side.
15. John Daly
He wasn’t just a golfer—he was a lifestyle brand. Daly’s larger-than-life image sold more merch than most major winners.
14. Camilo Villegas
Known more for his yoga poses than PGA Tour wins, Villegas became a fitness poster boy. The camera loved him, and the brands did too.
13. Natalie Gulbis
Gulbis parlayed a modest golf résumé into a massive endorsement footprint. Calendars, commercials, and photo shoots came easier than birdies.
12. Jordan Spieth
His game peaked early, but the endorsements kept rolling. Under Armour made him a cornerstone of their golf push, even as the wins slow down.
11. Greg Norman
Norman’s brand might be even more famous than his playing career. “The Shark” became a full-on business empire with wine, apparel, and more.
10. Lee Westwood
Westwood was a top-ranked player who never snagged a major but always seemed to be in every ad campaign. He turned reliability into marketability.
9. Lexi Thompson
Lexi’s image was as polished as her swing. With a strong fanbase and social media presence, brands couldn’t get enough of her.
8. Freddy Couples
Freddy was smooth, calm, and marketable before that was even a thing. His vibe made him a corporate favorite even when his game was inconsistent.
7. Dustin Johnson
DJ didn’t say much, but his sponsorship portfolio sure did. The mystery, power, and swagger mix made him a brand magnet.
6. Tony Finau
Finau is the modern endorsement sweet spot: likable, consistent, and always camera-ready. He became a staple of golf commercials even without major wins.
5. Phil Mickelson
Lefty always knew how to sell a product. Whether it was coffee or Callaway, Phil’s endorsement game was as strong as his short game.
4. Tiger Woods
![Dec 21, 2024; Orlando, Florida, [USA]; Tiger Woods tees off on the fifth hole during the PNC Championship at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images](https://thequickreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Untitled-design-2025-05-30T204236.213-1024x658.png)
Tiger didn’t just endorse brands—he was the brand. At one point, his sponsorship deals were worth more than the GDP of small countries.
3. Paige Spiranac
She never played a major tour, but her social media reach made her a marketing juggernaut. Brands loved her influence more than her handicap.
Read More: 20 Golfers Who Thought They Were the Main Event at Every Major
2. Bryson DeChambeau
He bulked up and cashed in. Bryson’s quirky science-first image gave him a unique angle that brands couldn’t resist.
Read More: 15 Golfers Who Took Everything Way Too Personally
1. Rory McIlroy
Rory’s game has had its ups and downs, but his marketability never wavered. From Nike to TaylorMade, he’s been a sponsorship machine since day one.
Read More: The 10 Biggest Celebrity Endorsement Deals of All Time
