Since its launch in 2022, LIV Golf has completely reshaped the professional golf landscape. Known for its staggering prize pools, guaranteed payouts, and disruptive team format, the Saudi-backed league has attracted some of the biggest names in the sport. For many fans and players alike, the central question is simple: how much money is actually on the table?
In this blog, we shall go into a thorough analysis of LIV Golf payouts, which will comprise individual, team, and season-long prize money. We will also point out those players who have been the best beneficiaries since the first season and explain to you precisely why LIV Golf has caused such a commotion.
What Makes LIV Golf Payouts Unique?
Unlike in a classic tour, where participants typically receive money only upon cutting, LIV Golf promises all players in the field some money. This arrangement will avoid the horrible zero paychecks that can be feared, so even the last person finished with will still receive a substantial amount of money.
Here are the core features of LIV Golf payouts:
- Every event has no cut, so all 54 players earn money.
- Massive purses: Each regular-season event carries a $25 million purse (split between individual and team competition).
- Season bonuses: The top three players in the standings earn additional multi-million-dollar bonuses.
- Team championship: At the end of the season, LIV hosts a $50 million team finale where only the best squads compete for a huge payday.
This payout system has made LIV Golf one of the most financially lucrative opportunities in sports.
LIV Golf Individual Event Prize Money
At the heart of LIV Golf payouts is the individual competition. Each tournament distributes $20 million across 54 players, with the winner taking home $4 million.
Here’s the official prize money breakdown for LIV Golf’s individual events:
| Position | Earnings |
| 1 | $4,000,000 |
| 2 | $2,250,000 |
| 3 | $1,500,000 |
| 4 | $1,000,000 |
| 5 | $800,000 |
| 10 | $405,000 |
| 20 | $240,000 |
| 30 | $170,000 |
| 40 | $135,000 |
| 50 | $60,000 |
| 54 | $50,000 |
(Note: Every position from 1st to 54th has a payout, even if they finish last.)
For context, winning a LIV Golf event is worth more than winning several prestigious PGA Tour tournaments, which explains why many stars couldn’t resist joining.
Team Competition Payouts
One of LIV’s biggest innovations is its team format. Each of the 13 regular-season events also includes a $5 million team prize pool.
- 1st place team: $3,000,000
- 2nd place team: $1,500,000
- 3rd place team: $500,000
During the Team Championship, which occurs at the end of the season, the prize pool is increased to a staggering 50 million dollars. In 2025, LIV introduced a 60/40 split:
- The 60% is allocated to the team operating fund, which covers expenses, staff, and branding.
- The amount of 40% is shared among players, and each of the four players receives 10%.
That is, players of LIV not only enjoy the benefits of individual play but also those of team success, which is another profitable element of the compensation.
Season Bonuses
As if millions weren’t enough, LIV Golf rewards its most consistent performers with additional bonuses.
- 1st place in standings: $18,000,000
- 2nd place: $8,000,000
- 3rd place: $4,000,000
These bonuses are stacked on top of all regular event winnings, which means a dominant season can easily lead to $30–40 million or more in earnings.
LIV Golf Payouts by Season
2022 Season – The Debut
The first season presented the LIV model to the fans, consisting of 8 events. The star was Dustin Johnso,n who made over $37 million, including team bonuses and the season-long prize.
Other highest earners were Branden Grace, Patrick Reed and Cameron Smith as each earned over 10 million.
2023 Season – Talor Gooch’s Breakout
In 2023, Talor Gooch dominated the standings, collecting $38 million across winnings and bonuses. Cameron Smith and Brooks Koepka also surpassed $15 million each.
This was the season LIV truly cemented its reputation as the richest golf circuit in the world.
2024 Season – Jon Rahm Joins the Party
The headline of 2024 was Jon Rahm’s blockbuster signing (reportedly between $450M–$650M guaranteed). Rahm backed it up by winning the individual championship and leading his team to glory, earning nearly $38 million in prize money. Joaquin Niemann and Tyrrell Hatton also crossed the $15M+ mark.
2025 Season and Beyond
The payout structure of LIV Golf is not different in 2025, yet its competition with the PGA Tour has intensified. Masters and US Open are now bigger events than LIV in terms of purse size; however, LIV continues to hold all 54 players in every event to guaranteed, life-changing payouts.
Why LIV Golf Payouts Matter
The discussion around LIV Golf payouts isn’t just about money—it’s about the future of professional golf. With so much guaranteed cash, LIV has forced the PGA Tour to increase its own purses, leading to a historic arms race in golf’s financial landscape.
- Player security: Even lower-ranked players can secure millions in just one season.
- Star power: Big names like Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, and Jon Rahm bring credibility—and headlines.
- Team growth: The team format introduces a new business model where franchises can grow, attract sponsors, and sell merchandise.
For players, it’s about financial security and long-term opportunity. For fans, it has created both excitement and controversy.
Final Thoughts on LIV Golf Payouts
You may love or hate it, but the LIV Golf payouts are an undeniable testimony to the fact that money is transforming the sport. LIV has some of the largest prizes in the history of sports, with first-place prizes as high as $4 million and season-end prizes as high as $18 million.
As of 2022, dozens of players have already become multi-millionaires thanks to having an opportunity to tee it up at LIV events. Dustin Johnson, Talor Gooch, and Jon Rahm are a few to have enjoyed the fruits, and the assured payoffs have provided a new financial foundation to professional golf.
As the league continues into future seasons, one thing is certain: LIV Golf payouts will remain one of the most talked-about topics in sports.
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