You know that buzz you get at the end of each and every month when pay day arrives? Well, that’s how Rory McIlroy must feel every year when arriving at the US PGA Championship.
Since making his US PGA debut at Hazeltine back in 2009, McIlroy has only once finished outside the top 20 in his seven starts in the season’s final Major Championship.
Following back-to-back third place finishes in his debut and in 2010, and a rare mid-pack finish in 2011, the Northern Irishman romped to an eight-shot victory in the 2012 edition at Kiawah Island to seal his second Major triumph in fine style.
Another top ten followed for McIlroy at Oak Hill in 2013 before 'The Boy Wonder' made it two Majors on the bounce in 2014 as victory at Valhalla came hot on the heels of his Hoylake heroics in The Open.
Indeed, at 69.75, McIlroy’s career average score at the US PGA is the lowest of any player to have completed at least 20 rounds in the event.
And all that success brings with it plenty of dough.
Only Tiger Woods has earned more money at the US PGA than McIlroy, despite the Holywood native having played only seven championships compared to the American's 18 appearances.
The 27 year old has earned $4,484,650 in his seven starts compared to $6,111,262 by Woods in his 18. Next best on the list, 2005 winner Phil Mickelson, is just $265,823 behind his younger counterpart – total, however, accrued over the princely sum of 23 appearances the US PGA.
McIlroy has averaged $640,664.29 per appearance, and an astonishing $2,296.29 per shot at the US PGA.
Rich pickings indeed.
