Rory McIlroy has become one of the world’s wealthiest sports stars, after winning the US Masters a month ago.
The 36-year-old’s completion of golf’s Grand Slam will see his earnings rocket past the likes of controversial fighter Conor McGregor.
The golfer came from humble beginnings in Holywood, Co Down, with his parents Rosie and Gerry working extra jobs to support his fledgling career.
Now he is on the cusp of becoming a billion-dollar athlete.
His personal brand and sponsorship deals/potential currently stand somewhere in the region of €578m ($658m, £494m) while game/ sponsorship earnings are being bracketed with icons such as Roger Federer and LeBron James, as his profile puts him in the same space as David Beckham and Lewis Hamilton in terms of global visibility.
Domestically, McIlroy sits at the head of the Irish sports rich list, which comprises (1-10) McIlroy, McGregor, Eddie Irvine, Robbie Keane, Roy Keane, Padraig Harrington, Damien Duff, AP McCoy and Shane Lowry.
After his Masters win, first he has to deal with the US taxman.
They will take a not insignificant bite of the $4.2m Masters prize money he earned.
The golfer will get to keep around €1.75m ($2m, £1.45m).
“If current trends continue, McIlroy is almost certain to become the wealthiest Irish sportsperson in history,” says Professor Rob Wilson, of Applied Sport Finance at Sheffield Hallam University.
“With projected career earnings approaching €614m ($700m, £525m), across all income streams, he could surpass other high earners like Conor McGregor who, despite large individual paydays, lacks McIlroy’s stability and career longevity.
“The golf ecosystem is also more conducive to sustained revenue generation over decades.
“Rory is building an inter-generational financial legacy – a bit like Tiger Woods.”
His Masters win last month saw McIlroy achieve a career Grand Slam, joining an elite club of golfers such as Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus who have won golf’s four biggest tournaments. Achieving the Grand Slam elevates him into an ultra-exclusive echelon, both historically and commercially,” added Prof. Wilson.
“His personal brand valuation is likely placed at €578m ($658m, £494m), factoring in endorsement renewal potential, equity stakes and media rights.
“It also opens the door to expanded commercial partnerships in North America and Asia. The brand’s value will now grow independently of his performance.
“The long-term commercial upside from sponsors, branding and new markets is far more valuable than the prize cheque itself, although, given his sizeable earnings already, the Green Jacket will be the biggest prize.”
The golfing and wider sporting world is wide open, with McIlroy only having turned 36 on May 4.
“If McIlroy continues playing competitively into his mid-to-late 40s, his on-course earnings should exceed $200m, assuming a continued uptick in prize purses,” continued Prof. Wilson, speaking on the OLBG bookmaker/betting site.
“Off the course, however, endorsement and equity deals could push his total career earnings toward the $800m range and, who knows, if he can maintain a level of winning performance, we could be talking about a $1billion athlete.
“This would put him in the same bracket as elite global athletes such as Roger Federer or LeBron James. Much depends on longevity and brand stewardship in the post-competitive phase.
“Course design, academy licensing and golf-tech investments could generate McIlroy upwards of €175m (£149m) post-retirement.
“Jack Nicklaus has reportedly earned €350m ($400m, £299m) from non-playing ventures, and McIlroy is well positioned to follow that blueprint.
“His name now carries an architectural cachet, and the globalisation of golf offers vast opportunities.
“The Grand Slam win ensures perpetual demand for ‘McIlroy-endorsed’ experiences.”
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