Golf star lifts lid on commercial deals as Rory McIlroy and Co. set to scoop millions

Rory McIlroy is one of the world's richest sportsmen. (Image: Getty)

A PGA Tour star has given fans a revealing insight into how the likes of Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods make millions without even having to win tournaments. Michael Kim, currently ranked at No.100 in the world, first turned professional in 2013 and has now won back his tour card after losing it in 2021.

And on social media, the American golfer, who was born in South Korea, explained how commercial deals work in the sport.

In a series of posts on X, Kim explained why brand names were motivated to negotiate with the game’s leading stars, and how agreements could benefit both parties.

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“Companies want to sponsor players for a variety of reasons,” he wrote. “Most common is the marketing to get the logos on TV so that their logos are shown on prime time TV.

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“Other times, companies want players to come to their big event at an outing. That could be a big company wide event or just round of golf with their most important clients. Each deal has specific days, hours and social media posts that are negotiated for the logo.”

McIlroy has struck multi-million deals with the likes of Nike, Omega and TaylorMade - with Nike said to be his most lucrative sponsor. And Kim also explained that those putting the money in were demanding in terms of logo placements.

Michael Kim is ranked No.100 in the world. (Image: Getty) SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

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“The location of the logo makes a big difference,” he added. “It goes: Front of hat, chests, collar, left sleeve, right sleeve, bag, towel and even yardage book. Front of the hat gets the most attention…”

Woods also enjoyed a famous 27-year partnership with Nike, and has also been backed by the likes of Gatorade, Rolex, TaylorMade, and Monster Energy. According to Bunkered, he’s made more than £1billion from commercial deals throughout his iconic career.

Current world No.2 Scottie Scheffler has also signed an endorsement deal with Nike, as well as Rolex, Netjets, and Variety Community Bank. And Kim, who in 2013 was tied for 17th at the US Open, explained that it’s usually the companies who make first contact, and also revealed how players were given new gear.

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“Clothing deals are usually pretty simple,” he said. “They provide clothing along with the embroidery of other logos if needed. There’s a set cost that they set for a year worth of clothes which is usually plenty.”

Kim, 31, also thanked his own group of sponsors that includes the like of Binary Defense, Titleist, and Avid Xchange. He has one PGA tour win to his name, at the 2018 John Deere Classic in Illinois.