Throughout most players’ careers, it’s likely that the majority of their earnings actually came from sponsorships rather than prize money, with brands coughing up substantial paychecks for players to use and advertise their equipment.
Tiger Woods, for example, made an estimated $500 million during a 27-year partnership with Nike, while his prize money earnings on the PGA Tour stand at $121 million.
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Now though, with large increases of prize money on the PGA Tour and LIV Golf League, players are finding themselves earning similar amounts of money through tournament purses to brand and equipment deals, so much so, it seems more and more equipment-free agents are popping up on the professional circuits.
However, is this really the case? Well, firstly, it’s best to explain what an equipment-free agent is, as well as why there are benefits to being one on Tour.
Firstly, an equipment-free agent is someone who isn’t tied down to one particular manufacturer. Essentially, they have free rein to use any brand they see fit, such as TaylorMade woods, Callaway irons and Titleist wedges.
By being an equipment-free agent, they can use the manufacturer that’s best for them without upsetting their sponsors, something that those who have an equipment deal can’t do.
If the clubs aren’t performing, and they’re tied down to an equipment contract, they must continue using the clubs, or end their deal and part ways with the company.
Justin Rose is the highest ranked equipment-free agent in world rankings
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Looking at the top 50 in the Official World Golf Rankings, a total of 11 players are equipment-free agents and even those who do have equipment deals don’t necessarily play a full bag of clubs, or even the most recent models.
US Open winner, JJ Spaun, for example, joined Srixon in January 2017 and was contracted to use the then Z-Star golf ball, as well as Cleveland Golf RTX Series wedges and Srixon staff bag.
Eight years on at his Major win at Oakmont last year, Spaun had Srixon irons, Cleveland wedges and Z-Star Diamond golf ball in-play, along with a Titleist driver and TaylorMade fairway woods.
Spaun during his final round of the US Open
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Below, we have listed the top 50…
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