Money talks—especially in golf. The PGA TOUR’s prize purses have skyrocketed from that first million-dollar milestone back in 1983 to the jaw-dropping figures we see today. With LIV Golf shaking things up and the PGA stepping up its game, everyone’s asking the same question: what’s it like to play under the weight of all that cash? Tom Kim, fresh off a stunning 2024 Presidents Cup performance, was asked about staying focused amid the “craziness” of prize money, and he didn’t hold back.
For Kim, and for many pros, the answer’s simple: money matters. It’s not just motivation; it’s a way to fuel the dreams that got them here. “As a player, it’s something to be very grateful for because everyone works to provide for someone or for themselves, whoever it is,” Kim shared, speaking to the gratitude he feels for competing in today’s high-stakes world. “I’ve been very grateful to be part of this generation where the money has now become overwhelming.” With career dreams and family responsibilities in the mix, that prize money goes beyond winning—it’s about building a future.
As Kim gears up for the Shriners Children’s Open this week, with its cool $7 million purse, all eyes are on him. Can he take home the prize again, or will one of the TOUR’s veterans rise to the challenge? Share your thoughts and join the conversation!
