Rory McIlroy may have turned down the millions offered by LIV Golf, but he’s no stranger to lucrative deals. The Ryder Cup star boasts a staggering net worth of nearly $300 million, thanks to a series of high-profile endorsement deals throughout his career.
In addition to raking in around $90 million from PGA Tour winnings, the four-time major champion has also benefited from sponsorships with industry heavyweights like Nike, Omega, and TaylorMade. But it’s not just endorsements that have boosted his wealth; smart investments have played a part too.
Notably, in 2013, a luxury yacht deal netted him a cool $2.15 million. At the time, the Northern Irishman was one of golf’s hottest commodities, having won both the U.S. Open and U.S. PGA Championship in the two preceding seasons.
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He’d also shone in the ‘Miracle of Medinah’ at the Ryder Cup, quickly becoming Team Europe’s poster boy. It appears he’d also made a savvy financial move by then, opting to become a shareholder in Dorset-based yacht maker Sunseeker.
The company’s iconic boats have featured in James Bond films Quantum Of Solace and Casino Royale and have been hired by celebrities like Michael Douglas, Simon Cowell, and John Terry, helping Sunseeker establish a strong reputation in UK business circles.
In the summer of 2013, it was reported by the Irish Independent that a deal had been struck to sell the yacht business to Chinese property firm Dalian Wanda for a whopping $381 million. At that time, McIlroy reportedly held a stake in Portofino Investments, which owned a 65% share in Sunseeker.
This meant he pocketed around $2.15 million from the buyout, marking it as one of his more successful business decisions. The news of the deal might have even eased the sting of losing his world No.1 status to Tiger Woods just weeks prior.
Rory McIlroy was No.1 in the world back in 2013. (
(Image: Getty))
That same year, the 35-year-old also established his own company, Rory McIlroy Management Services Ltd, designed to manage his financial affairs. His next business venture is set to be tested in 2025. Alongside Woods, McIlroy has invested in establishing the TGL, a concept blending virtual technology with live action.
Initially created to counteract the impact of LIV Golf, the venture will be based at a custom-built venue on the campus of Palm Beach State College, Florida. The legendary pair claim the TGL will help introduce the sport to a broader, younger audience.
ESPN has already signed a lucrative deal to broadcast the events, although the exact format is yet to be revealed.
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