Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy primed to break Tiger Woods record that has stood for decades

Aug 30, 2026 - 10:00
Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy primed to break Tiger Woods record that has stood for decades

Tiger Woods has sat at the top of numerous golf lists and rankings in years gone by.

The legend has a fistful of impressive records to his name, including the highest number of PGA Tour victories (shared with Sam Snead), the highest number of consecutive cuts made, and the most consecutive weeks at the top of the world rankings.

Tiger Woods of the United States acknowledges the crowd as he walks off the 18th green after finishing his round during day two of The 152nd Open championship at Royal Troon on July 19, 2024
Woods boasts a string of impressive records, but he’ll soon be leapfrogged by two current stars on one list
Getty

Woods has made a pretty penny playing golf, too, and his career earnings of $120,999,166 on the Tour is a record.

But it’s one he could soon lose to Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy, after 26 long years.

Two stars chasing Tiger Woods career earnings mark

Scheffler and McIlroy are both within striking distance of Tiger’s earnings total, despite ​a dramatic difference in victories.

Woods won 82 times on the Tour. Scheffler, meanwhile, has 21 victories at 30-years-old.

McIlroy boasts 45. But despite lagging far behind Woods in trophies won, the Northern Irishman is just $4.5m behind the earnings record.

Scheffler, who is currently second on the list, is around $600,000 away from taking over the top spot Tiger has held since 2000.

The winner of this week’s Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia, will take home a cool $10m.

That figure would see either Scheffler or McIlory overtake Tiger at the top of the career earnings list.

In fact, current World No. 1 Sheffler only needs to finish in the top eight to climb above Woods.

Eighth place takes home $1,070,000 from the $40m purse.

Scottie Scheffler of Team United States and Rory McIlroy of Team Europe react from the first tee during the Sunday singles matches of the 2025 Ryder Cup at Black Course at Bethpage State Park Golf Course on September 28, 2025
Despite trailing in Tour events won, Scheffler and McIlroy will soon top Tiger’s career earnings
Getty
Tiger Woods (L) of the United States celebrates on the 18th green after winning the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on April 14, 2019
The golf great made more than $120 million over his PGA career
Getty

Scheffler believes it’s because of Woods and his impact, that rewards are so high on the PGA Tour these days.

“You’re kind ​of comparing apples and oranges,” the American said Wednesday, of the opportunity to move top.

“But I think a lot of success we’ve had out here, especially when you look ​at it from a financial perspective, Tiger has a lot to do with that.

“Like I said, it’s apples and ⁠oranges. The reason our purses are so large today is because of the influence and impact that Tiger had on the game.

“I wouldn’t really consider ​that a Tiger record being broken. I think it’s more — I think it just shows one of the many effects he had on the game ​of golf in a positive way.

“Like the Tour is only getting more competitive as it goes forward, and I think that’s part of kind of how he played the game.”

Scottie Scheffler of the USA looks on while playing the first hole during the second round of the TOUR Championship 2026 at East Lake Golf Club on August 28, 2026
Scheffler credits Woods and his impact for increasing prize money on the Tour
Getty

Scheffler might not see the all-time money list as a record to break, but he will soon sit top of it.

As it stands, he’s T-3 through three rounds at the Tour Championship, and on target to take the cash crown.

The Texan is 12 under par, three shots off leader Viktor Hovland and three clear of ninth place.

McIlroy is in a tie for seventh on 10-under after a carding a round-of-the-day 63 Saturday.

What's Your Reaction?

Like Like 0
Dislike Dislike 0
Love Love 0
Funny Funny 0
Angry Angry 0
Sad Sad 0
Wow Wow 0