LPGA sponsorship money

[MoneyPlayer33]

Question I have is what do you think these girls make in endorsements. Half of them look like walking billboards with sponsors all over them .

 

I know it varies but let’s say for sake of conversation a really high end player and a girl who fights to keep her card . What do you all think they are earning in sponsorship money??

[Raving Shanker]

I don't know. I just want to say this is something I wonder about also - the pure economics of how the tour works. The 100th ranked LPGA player only earns about $100k in a year. If they had to pay for their own equipment, hotels and accommodation their annual expenditure would be over that amount.

[CAT GOLFER]

I think there is another distinction to make here, American high end and Other high end. I think American high end girls probably can scrape the high 6 figures from domestic sponsors, the Asian high end girls probably get similar from larger multinational corporations. For the rest, I think your remarks about being walking billboards hits the nail on the head, probably not that much, I would guess nominal base fee [low or mid 5 figures] and then maybe adders for however many times the logo gets flashed during TV time?

 

[MoneyPlayer33]

> @"Raving Shanker" said:

> I don't know. I just want to say this is something I wonder about also - the pure economics of how the tour works. The 100th ranked LPGA player only earns about $100k in a year. If they had to pay for their own equipment, hotels and accommodation their annual expenditure would be over that amount.

 

Exactly. I read a article once where a tour player said it cost him around $300,000 per year to play the tour . Travel , caddies , coaches etc . So how do these low end level girls survive . Even if they make $200,000 in earnings that puts them in the negative .

 

[Argonne69]

By "high six figures" do you mean $999,999, or $199,000? I can't see anyone pulling in a million dollars a year in endorsements. Well, other than Michelle's Nike deal in '05.

 

I assume that many of the lower ranked players that have deals are simply getting free stuff, i.e. clubs, clothes.

[CAT GOLFER]

> @Argonne69 said:

> By "high six figures" do you mean $999,999, or $199,000? I can't see anyone pulling in a million dollars a year in endorsements. Well, other than Michelle's Nike deal in '05.

>

> I assume that many of the lower ranked players that have deals are simply getting free stuff, i.e. clubs, clothes.

I would venture somewhere in between, I could see someone like Lexi pulling at least $500k+, maybe a Korda sister/Wie/Ko slightly below that. Any any of the Asian stars with "clean" apparel [ie one or two sponsor logo] making a little less than that? All guesses really.

 

[Argonne69]

Given that the TV ratings in Asia are much higher than in the U.S., I expect the Asian players to be making more than the American players. So Yeon, Sung Hyun, and Minjee are probably doing quite well. Inbee and In Gee are likely not far behind.

[Titleist_PT23]

I've also wondered this but really have no idea on the amounts. I do think the Korean players are doing quite well along with Lydia. I don't know if this means the players that had say $1-$1.5 MM in winnings also took home this much or more off the course (from all sponsors combined). For the Americans, I can't think of much going to people beyond Wie and Lexi.

 

For the non-stars, I was under the impression deals meant free stuff and possibly per tournament amounts that basically helped cover expenses. Not sure if the use of sponsor vs. endorsement deal means this is what's going on.

[Stooch]

> @Argonne69 said:

> By "high six figures" do you mean $999,999, or $199,000? I can't see anyone pulling in a million dollars a year in endorsements. Well, other than Michelle's Nike deal in '05.

>

> I assume that many of the lower ranked players that have deals are simply getting free stuff, i.e. clubs, clothes.

 

I'm betting Brooke is close to a million a year, she has Sketchers, Canadian Pacific (CP Canadian Open sponsor), Rolex, RBC, Ping, Mastercard, BMW, Biosteel (Canadian Energy drink maker who has all Canadian top athletes under their banner) and a myriad of smaller deals. I think it's circumstance that helps make the money, like being the top American or Korean player gets you a nice pay day. Or if you're the top player of a certain country. For Canada Brooke is the face of golf even over all the male players, 99% of all Canadian have no clue who Corey Connors is but all know Brooke.

 

I agree though, I think there a small number who make good money from sponsorship, but the drop off after the top players is drastic in terms of compensation.

[18majors]

> @MoneyPlayer33 said:

> Question I have is what do you think these girls make in endorsements. Half of them look like walking billboards with sponsors all over them .

>

> I know it varies but let’s say for sake of conversation a really high end player and a girl who fights to keep her card . What do you all think they are earning in sponsorship money??

 

This's a subject I know a little be; I followed Maria Sharapova closely when she's the highest paid female athlete for 11 years from 2005 to 2015, I started to follow In Gee Chun in 2015 after she won US Women's Open; I thought she'd become the highest paid female golfer.

 

Forbes estimated Michelle Wie made $12.0 million, Annika Sorenstam $11.0 mil and Lorena Ochoa $10.0 million in 2008.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/kurtbadenhausen/2018/08/21/the-highest-paid-female-athletes-2018/#6cd0ae1b405f

In recent years none of the female golfers have made to Forbes list. Angelique Kerber was the last on 2018 list with $7.0 million.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/unicefusa/2018/12/20/impact-investing-and-unicef-a-unicef-usa-bridge-fund-success-story/#13acc23f7295

The most recent data I read were Se Ri Pak made 3.0 billion won ($2.7 million) in endorsement before her retirement and Lydia Ko signed a $10.0 million contract (5 year) with PXG.

http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/lydia_ko_signs_major_deal_with_pxg

 

My estimates are current top tier players make endorsement income of $2.0-4.0 million per year, they're:

Michelle Wie

Lydia Ko

Lexi Thompson

Inbee Park

In Gee Chun

Sung Hyun Park.

 

[fredogolfer]

> @MoneyPlayer33 said:

> > @"Raving Shanker" said:

> > I don't know. I just want to say this is something I wonder about also - the pure economics of how the tour works. The 100th ranked LPGA player only earns about $100k in a year. If they had to pay for their own equipment, hotels and accommodation their annual expenditure would be over that amount.

>

> Exactly. I read a article once where a tour player said it cost him around $300,000 per year to play the tour . Travel , caddies , coaches etc . So how do these low end level girls survive . Even if they make $200,000 in earnings that puts them in the negative .

>

 

I believe Christina Kim said in her book that top 50 money-list players live comfortably but you'd need to be in the top 100 to break even. The women know how to travel light. Many of the PGA players travel with a swing coach, physio, caddie obviously, family members and WAGS. Travelling with 5-6 people would get expensive. Many of the top women can afford that but many of the lower ranked players share rental cars, hotel rooms etc.

[Titleist_PT23]

> @18majors said:

> > @MoneyPlayer33 said:

> > Question I have is what do you think these girls make in endorsements. Half of them look like walking billboards with sponsors all over them .

> >

> > I know it varies but let’s say for sake of conversation a really high end player and a girl who fights to keep her card . What do you all think they are earning in sponsorship money??

>

> This's a subject I know a little be; I followed Maria Sharapova closely when she's the highest paid female athlete for 11 years from 2005 to 2015, I started to follow In Gee Chun in 2015 after she won US Women's Open; I thought she'd become the highest paid female golfer.

>

> Forbes estimated Michelle Wie made $12.0 million, Annika Sorenstam $11.0 mil and Lorena Ochoa $10.0 million in 2008.

> https://www.forbes.com/sites/kurtbadenhausen/2018/08/21/the-highest-paid-female-athletes-2018/#6cd0ae1b405f

> In recent years none of the female golfers have made to Forbes list. Angelique Kerber was the last on 2018 list with $7.0 million.

> https://www.forbes.com/sites/unicefusa/2018/12/20/impact-investing-and-unicef-a-unicef-usa-bridge-fund-success-story/#13acc23f7295

> The most recent data I read were Se Ri Pak made 3.0 billion won ($2.7 million) in endorsement before her retirement and Lydia Ko signed a $10.0 million contract (5 year) with PXG.

> http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/lydia_ko_signs_major_deal_with_pxg

>

> My estimates are current top tier players make endorsement income of $2.0-4.0 million per year, they're:

> Michelle Wie

> Lydia Ko

> Lexi Thompson

> Inbee Park

> In Gee Chun

> Sung Hyun Park.

>

 

Interesting. I had a gut feeling that Lydia's PXG contract was at least $1 MM per year but wasn't sure (and hadn't bothered to use Google). Strangely, I wasn't sure if Wie or Lexi's current equipment contracts were that high though (seems like PXG needed a name/entering vs. Callaway and Cobra have plenty of people to sell their stuff. I'm also not sure that the ladies specifically help sell more ladies equipment or men's equipment to very good junior/amateur girls).

 

I would also think that In Gee makes more than So Yeon. Chun came on the scene and won big very young. Companies probably bid a lot for her expecting the upward trend to continue. She also has a great smile and seems friendly. For as good as Ryu is (and she's one of, if not my favorite current player), for many years she was just one of the Koreans that was good enough to make it and win every now and then on the LPGA. She won the U.S. Open before she was a big name, and since then has won one major (which in some ways was largely gifted to her).

 

I've never followed women's tennis much. Clearly, there seems to be a lot more money to go around (prize money) so it must attract more viewers. Still, I would have thought someone like Lydia could attract more global, luxury brands.

 

I'm all for free markets, and these talented people are entitled to every penny they can get. But I would love to see a growth rate in athlete's pay over the last say 30 years -- it has to be through the roof. Again, people are free to choose but it is also kind of strange how much money people shell out to go see a game, and at the same time there are so many articles about how real wages are stagnant, budgets are stretched, not enough savings, etc, etc (of course, a lot of the sports revenues are TV related and the super expensive tickets are usually related to businesses).

 

Just imagine how much money Muni will make if she can actually make it on tour and post some wins...

[Stooch]

> @agolf1 said:

> > @18majors said:

> > > @MoneyPlayer33 said:

> > > Question I have is what do you think these girls make in endorsements. Half of them look like walking billboards with sponsors all over them .

> > >

> > > I know it varies but let’s say for sake of conversation a really high end player and a girl who fights to keep her card . What do you all think they are earning in sponsorship money??

> >

> > This's a subject I know a little be; I followed Maria Sharapova closely when she's the highest paid female athlete for 11 years from 2005 to 2015, I started to follow In Gee Chun in 2015 after she won US Women's Open; I thought she'd become the highest paid female golfer.

> >

> > Forbes estimated Michelle Wie made $12.0 million, Annika Sorenstam $11.0 mil and Lorena Ochoa $10.0 million in 2008.

> > https://www.forbes.com/sites/kurtbadenhausen/2018/08/21/the-highest-paid-female-athletes-2018/#6cd0ae1b405f

> > In recent years none of the female golfers have made to Forbes list. Angelique Kerber was the last on 2018 list with $7.0 million.

> > https://www.forbes.com/sites/unicefusa/2018/12/20/impact-investing-and-unicef-a-unicef-usa-bridge-fund-success-story/#13acc23f7295

> > The most recent data I read were Se Ri Pak made 3.0 billion won ($2.7 million) in endorsement before her retirement and Lydia Ko signed a $10.0 million contract (5 year) with PXG.

> > http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/lydia_ko_signs_major_deal_with_pxg

> >

> > My estimates are current top tier players make endorsement income of $2.0-4.0 million per year, they're:

> > Michelle Wie

> > Lydia Ko

> > Lexi Thompson

> > Inbee Park

> > In Gee Chun

> > Sung Hyun Park.

> >

>

 

> I've never followed women's tennis much. Clearly, there seems to be a lot more money to go around (prize money) so it must attract more viewers. Still, I would have thought someone like Lydia could attract more global, luxury brands.

>

 

I'm a pretty big Tennis guy also and just having seen a Canadian teen win a Master 1000 (level just below a Major), she got 1.3 Mil for the win, so prizes are much bigger. The women purses in Tennis are kinda "smoke and mirrors" though, the 1000 level events and Majors (slams) are co-sanctioned and played beside the men, the women purses benefit from this. If you watch a stand alone women event the stands are pretty much a ghost town.

[CAT GOLFER]

> @Stooch said:

> > @agolf1 said:

> > > @18majors said:

> > > > @MoneyPlayer33 said:

> > > > Question I have is what do you think these girls make in endorsements. Half of them look like walking billboards with sponsors all over them .

> > > >

> > > > I know it varies but let’s say for sake of conversation a really high end player and a girl who fights to keep her card . What do you all think they are earning in sponsorship money??

> > >

> > > This's a subject I know a little be; I followed Maria Sharapova closely when she's the highest paid female athlete for 11 years from 2005 to 2015, I started to follow In Gee Chun in 2015 after she won US Women's Open; I thought she'd become the highest paid female golfer.

> > >

> > > Forbes estimated Michelle Wie made $12.0 million, Annika Sorenstam $11.0 mil and Lorena Ochoa $10.0 million in 2008.

> > > https://www.forbes.com/sites/kurtbadenhausen/2018/08/21/the-highest-paid-female-athletes-2018/#6cd0ae1b405f

> > > In recent years none of the female golfers have made to Forbes list. Angelique Kerber was the last on 2018 list with $7.0 million.

> > > https://www.forbes.com/sites/unicefusa/2018/12/20/impact-investing-and-unicef-a-unicef-usa-bridge-fund-success-story/#13acc23f7295

> > > The most recent data I read were Se Ri Pak made 3.0 billion won ($2.7 million) in endorsement before her retirement and Lydia Ko signed a $10.0 million contract (5 year) with PXG.

> > > http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/lydia_ko_signs_major_deal_with_pxg

> > >

> > > My estimates are current top tier players make endorsement income of $2.0-4.0 million per year, they're:

> > > Michelle Wie

> > > Lydia Ko

> > > Lexi Thompson

> > > Inbee Park

> > > In Gee Chun

> > > Sung Hyun Park.

> > >

> >

>

> > I've never followed women's tennis much. Clearly, there seems to be a lot more money to go around (prize money) so it must attract more viewers. Still, I would have thought someone like Lydia could attract more global, luxury brands.

> >

>

> I'm a pretty big Tennis guy also and just having seen a Canadian teen win a Master 1000 (level just below a Major), she got 1.3 Mil for the win, so prizes are much bigger. The women purses in Tennis are kinda "smoke and mirrors" though, the 1000 level events and Majors (slams) are co-sanctioned and played beside the men, the women purses benefit from this. If you watch a stand alone women event the stands are pretty much a ghost town.

Not trying to be facetious, but are standalone male events any better with respect to attendance? [not a tennis fan and never been to an event, just asking] It would appear to me, just looking from afar that in tennis both the male and female athletes benefit from co-sanctioned events, and I only mention that because the only events I even see televised are the majors.

 

[Stooch]

> @"CAT GOLFER" said:

> > @Stooch said:

> > > @agolf1 said:

> > > > @18majors said:

> > > > > @MoneyPlayer33 said:

> > > > > Question I have is what do you think these girls make in endorsements. Half of them look like walking billboards with sponsors all over them .

> > > > >

> > > > > I know it varies but let’s say for sake of conversation a really high end player and a girl who fights to keep her card . What do you all think they are earning in sponsorship money??

> > > >

> > > > This's a subject I know a little be; I followed Maria Sharapova closely when she's the highest paid female athlete for 11 years from 2005 to 2015, I started to follow In Gee Chun in 2015 after she won US Women's Open; I thought she'd become the highest paid female golfer.

> > > >

> > > > Forbes estimated Michelle Wie made $12.0 million, Annika Sorenstam $11.0 mil and Lorena Ochoa $10.0 million in 2008.

> > > > https://www.forbes.com/sites/kurtbadenhausen/2018/08/21/the-highest-paid-female-athletes-2018/#6cd0ae1b405f

> > > > In recent years none of the female golfers have made to Forbes list. Angelique Kerber was the last on 2018 list with $7.0 million.

> > > > https://www.forbes.com/sites/unicefusa/2018/12/20/impact-investing-and-unicef-a-unicef-usa-bridge-fund-success-story/#13acc23f7295

> > > > The most recent data I read were Se Ri Pak made 3.0 billion won ($2.7 million) in endorsement before her retirement and Lydia Ko signed a $10.0 million contract (5 year) with PXG.

> > > > http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/lydia_ko_signs_major_deal_with_pxg

> > > >

> > > > My estimates are current top tier players make endorsement income of $2.0-4.0 million per year, they're:

> > > > Michelle Wie

> > > > Lydia Ko

> > > > Lexi Thompson

> > > > Inbee Park

> > > > In Gee Chun

> > > > Sung Hyun Park.

> > > >

> > >

> >

> > > I've never followed women's tennis much. Clearly, there seems to be a lot more money to go around (prize money) so it must attract more viewers. Still, I would have thought someone like Lydia could attract more global, luxury brands.

> > >

> >

> > I'm a pretty big Tennis guy also and just having seen a Canadian teen win a Master 1000 (level just below a Major), she got 1.3 Mil for the win, so prizes are much bigger. The women purses in Tennis are kinda "smoke and mirrors" though, the 1000 level events and Majors (slams) are co-sanctioned and played beside the men, the women purses benefit from this. If you watch a stand alone women event the stands are pretty much a ghost town.

> Not trying to be facetious, but are standalone male events any better with respect to attendance? [not a tennis fan and never been to an event, just asking] It would appear to me, just looking from afar that in tennis both the male and female athletes benefit from co-sanctioned events, and I only mention that because the only events I even see televised are the majors.

>

 

The 250 level not so much but they put them in the right places to get people, 500 level are pretty good. Also another big factor is the TV rights, the Men draw much bigger numbers. Here in Canada the ATP rights are owned by our version of ESPN, women's rights are owned by DAZN basically a streaming service, no WTA on TV.

[GeorgeHWB]

I was on vacation last week and visited a friend in Carlsbad to play golf. I stayed at the Best Western Plus in Oceanside and ran into Jin Young Ko, who had won the Founder's Cup the week before, in the elevator. She was playing in the Kia Classic. I thought it was quite the difference from where a top ranked PGA player would be staying.

[CaymanS]

I just volunteered at the Kia. I can't add much to the discussion, but whatever they make, they deserve. I heard that most of them stay at the lower cost hotels and private residences. Few can stay at the Aviara hotel associated with the course because it is a 5-star luxury resort. Also, it appears their on-course winnings are not enough to keep a full time caddie because most of them are local people.

[Argonne69]

> @"Mr. Hogan" said:

> I was on vacation last week and visited a friend in Carlsbad to play golf. I stayed at the Best Western Plus in Oceanside and ran into Jin Young Ko, who had won the Founder's Cup the week before, in the elevator. She was playing in the Kia Classic. I thought it was quite the difference from where a top ranked PGA player would be staying.

 

Lol. I played Aviara two years ago, and I also stayed at the Best Western Oceanside. 'Good location. Decent hotel. Close to a number of brewpubs.

 

Ah, and no, I wasn't stalking the players. B)

 

[Shilgy]

> @Argonne69 said:

> > @"Mr. Hogan" said:

> > I was on vacation last week and visited a friend in Carlsbad to play golf. I stayed at the Best Western Plus in Oceanside and ran into Jin Young Ko, who had won the Founder's Cup the week before, in the elevator. She was playing in the Kia Classic. I thought it was quite the difference from where a top ranked PGA player would be staying.

>

> Lol. I played Aviara two years ago, and I also stayed at the Best Western Oceanside. 'Good location. Decent hotel. Close to a number of brewpubs.

>

> Ah, and **no, I wasn't stalking the players**. B)

>

 

The phrase thou doth protest too much comes to mind! :)

[rushfan96]

> @Argonne69 said:

> > @"Mr. Hogan" said:

> > I was on vacation last week and visited a friend in Carlsbad to play golf. I stayed at the Best Western Plus in Oceanside and ran into Jin Young Ko, who had won the Founder's Cup the week before, in the elevator. She was playing in the Kia Classic. I thought it was quite the difference from where a top ranked PGA player would be staying.

>

> Lol. I played Aviara two years ago, and I also stayed at the Best Western Oceanside. 'Good location. Decent hotel. Close to a number of brewpubs.

>

> Ah, and no, I wasn't stalking the players. B)

>

 

;). What brewpubs do you recommend?

[Argonne69]

I believe I hit Stone Brewing, and Bagby Beer Co. There's also Barrel Republic, which has ~60 self-serve beers on tap. I didn't get a chance to visit Northern Pine or Breakwater, but they get good reviews.

[WestTex]

You're making me thirsty, and it's only 9am...

[Argonne69]

> @WestTex said:

> You're making me thirsty, and it's only 9am...

 

I live by the old saying, "It's 5 o'clock somewhere".

 

[rushfan96]

> @Argonne69 said:

> I believe I hit Stone Brewing, and Bagby Beer Co. There's also Barrel Republic, which has ~60 self-serve beers on tap. I didn't get a chance to visit Northern Pine or Breakwater, but they get good reviews.

 

 

Sounds great. I went to Modern time but in LA and I wasn’t impressed.

 

[GeorgeHWB]

> @"Mr. Hogan" said:

> I was on vacation last week and visited a friend in Carlsbad to play golf. I stayed at the Best Western Plus in Oceanside and ran into Jin Young Ko, who had won the Founder's Cup the week before, in the elevator. She was playing in the Kia Classic. I thought it was quite the difference from where a top ranked PGA player would be staying.

 

I think Jin Young Ko was so inspired by our meeting she went out and won the ANA.

 

:D

 

And by "meeting" I mean "almost ran her over getting into an elevator while she got off."

 

I did apologize though.

 

;)