PGA Tour’s $4.5M ‘Cash Giveaway’ to Jordan Spieth, McIlroy Questioned by Insider Over a Glaring Flaw

Is it fair for the PGA Tour to pay Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth the same PIP considering their latest performances? Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth are unquestionably some of the best PGA Tour players. With an average of 7.3802 points across 47 events, Rory McIlroy is placed third in the most recent Official World Golf Ranking, while Jordan Spieth is rated 72nd with an average of 1.5410 points across 42 events.

Being well-known golfers, Spieth and McIlroy have regularly benefited from the PIP. Despite recent performance hiccups, Spieth, who rose to prominence quickly and won three major titles by the age of 24, has a devoted following, while McIlroy, a four-time major champion, is praised for his dynamic play and open views on the development of the sport. This is why, they are strong contenders for PIP rewards since their influence goes beyond the course. Insiders, however, have expressed concerns about the PIP compensation to both players concerning their performance lately. Let’s explore this in more depth.

Insiders query Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth’s PIP cash giveaway
PGA Tour Commissioner, Jay Monahan unveiled the PIP (Player Impact Program) for Players who increase the PGA Tour’s exposure and engagement—taking into account elements like media mentions, television exposure, and social media presence. However, The program’s implementation has been under scrutiny for its rankings, despite its stated goal of encouraging athletes to promote the sport. Spieth and McIlroy each received $4.5 million, placing them in the top five recipients according to the most recent PIP rankings.

When it comes to Spieth, he made 14 cuts and finished in the top 10 three times in 2024, with his best finish coming in third at The Sentry. Spieth received a $4.5 million PIP bonus despite these mediocre results, which was more than his on-course earnings of about $2.7 million for the year. In contrast, McIlroy, who had won the PIP in 2023 with a $15 million prize, came in third place with $4.5 million in 2024. Even though it might be slightly better than his contemporary, Spieth, McIlroy’s recent results haven’t been as strong as they were in previous years. Insiders have questioned the efficacy and equity of the program as a result of this discrepancy between on-course accomplishments and PIP incentives.

The PIP rating was addressed by DJ Piehowski, Chris Solomon, and Neil Schuster, the hosts of the No Laying Up Podcast, Episode 942. “Jordan Spieth you know being fifth is like, he was completely irrelevant last year like he was Mia and he finished fifth is a little like. JT was pretty irrelevant as well.” DJ said.“Well, one thing I’d like to say looking down this list is if I’m not aware of the fact that three through six all made 4.5,” the hosts said in tandem. Instead of rewarding participants for their existing performance levels, they pointed out that the PIP has evolved into more of a contest for fame. However, it was not just Spieth or McIlroy who were criticized for their PIP ranking, fans have been vocal against Woods topping the list as well. Let’s see why.

Despite minimal involvement due to physical ailments, Tiger Woods secured the maximum bonus of $10 million, making him the most influential player on the PIP list. Second place goes to Mr. Inevitable himself, Scottie Scheffler, who has $8 million. Fans, however, seemed dissatisfied with the listing as Scheffler had the most remarkable season last year, which was dominated by Woods’s five competitive outings and they questioned the PGA Tour authorities.

Scottie Scheffler: A Green Jacket, a Gold Medal, 9 wins, a mugshot, and a baby… But no PIP win.

INSANE.

Presented by @Chevrolet #Ad pic.twitter.com/KbxUsXsvtS

— Fore Play (@ForePlayPod) January 7, 2025

Scheffler was a member of the US team that won the Presidents Cup and went on to win seven Tour titles, a Masters green jacket, a Players Championship, a season-ending Tour Championship, and an Olympic gold medal. The American golfer, of course, also took home the Player of the Year trophy. After Woods, he was the only other golfer to receive the Jack Nicklaus Award three times in a row. One presenter on the ‘Fore Play’ podcast, which recently covered the PIP rankings, said that this proves Tiger Woods would always be the “needle” as long as he is alive. Another golf insider, on the other hand, thought that Scottie Scheffler was more viral than the GOAT in 2024. He remarked, “The virality around Scottie had to have surpassed Tiger Woods this year. He was everywhere. He was on CNN for like weeks.”

In contrast, Mr. T has only appeared in 5 events throughout the year. This goes to show that the PIP rankings may not be based on recency but on the player’s impact as a whole in modern-day golf.

Although the PIP ended in 2024, the Tour recently introduced the Player Equity Program, which would award $100 million to the top 20 players according to a number of factors, some of which were also taken into consideration for the PIP. How do you feel about the new PEP? Tell us in the comment section!