Bubba Watson PGA Tour Career Earnings Before LIV Golf Move
Bubba Watson — the left-handed American golf star known for his long drives and two Masters Tournament victories — enjoyed a long and lucrative career on the PGA Tour before making the high-profile switch to LIV Golf. Over two decades on the PGA Tour, Watson accumulated significant prize money from wins, consistent finishes and sponsorships, helping define his legacy as one of golf’s most successful players.
Early Career and Breakthrough
Born in 1978 in Bagdad, Florida, Bubba Watson turned professional in 2002 after a standout amateur career. Watson’s unique playing style — especially his ability to curve the ball with extreme shot shapes — quickly made him a fan favorite on the PGA Tour. His breakthrough win came in 2010, though it was his back-to-back Masters victories in 2012 and 2014 that really elevated his profile in the golfing world.
Watson’s PGA Tour career featured consistent performance across major tournaments and regular tour events, contributing to his steady accumulation of prize money and earnings over time.
Total PGA Tour Earnings
By the time he left the PGA Tour to join LIV Golf in 2022, Bubba Watson had amassed around $48 million in official PGA Tour career earnings. This figure reflects his performance across hundreds of starts, including wins, high finishes and major championship payouts.
According to multiple golf statistics sources, Watson’s total PGA Tour earnings are consistently reported at roughly $48 million during his active years on the circuit.
It’s important to note that this total does not include endorsement deals and sponsorship income, which significantly boosted his overall financial success as one of golf’s most recognizable personalities.
Highlights of Watson’s PGA Tour Career
Watson’s PGA Tour career was marked by several memorable moments and significant financial rewards:
Masters Tournament Success
Watson’s signature achievements came at The Masters Tournament, golf’s prestigious major held at Augusta National. He captured the Green Jacket twice — in 2012 and 2014 — solidifying his place among the sport’s elite and earning substantial prize money from these wins.
Consistent Tour Victories
Across his PGA Tour tenure, Watson recorded 12 official PGA Tour wins, including two majors and numerous strong finishes that contributed to his steady earnings over the years.
FedEx Cup and Other Earnings
In addition to tournament prize money, Watson also earned significant payouts from regular PGA Tour events, FedEx Cup points, and performance bonuses — all reflected in his career total.
Decision to Join LIV Golf
In 2022, Watson made the decision to leave the PGA Tour and join LIV Golf, the Saudi Arabia-backed breakaway golf league that has attracted several big names with lucrative contracts and guaranteed money.
While exact figures from his LIV Golf deal have varied in reports, early coverage suggested Watson received a multi-million-dollar contract to join the league, offering guaranteed compensation beyond traditional PGA Tour earnings.
The move to LIV Golf marked a new chapter in Watson’s career — one at the forefront of the ongoing debate in professional golf about player pay, league formats and the future of the sport.
How PGA Tour Earnings Compare to LIV Golf
One key difference between Watson’s PGA Tour earnings and his LIV Golf compensation lies in the structure of payouts:
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PGA Tour: Earnings are primarily based on individual performance — finishing positions in tournaments, cuts made and major championship results.
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LIV Golf: The league guarantees players earnings through contracts and team structures, with guaranteed payouts for appearances and team results, regardless of individual finishes.
This structural shift has been attractive for many players transitioning from the PGA Tour, especially those later in their careers seeking financial security with less pressure on performance.
Watson’s Legacy on the PGA Tour
Watson’s PGA Tour legacy extends beyond his financial earnings. He is widely respected for:
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His two Masters titles, which are among golf’s most prestigious accomplishments.
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His charismatic personality and unique swing, which made him a crowd favorite.
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His contributions to golf culture, including mentoring teammates and engaging fans globally.
Even as Watson continues competing in alternative circuits like LIV Golf, his impact on the PGA Tour — both financially and competitively — remains significant.
What Fans Should Know
For golf fans tracking player earnings and career transitions:
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Bubba Watson’s approximate $48 million PGA Tour earnings reflect decades of consistent performance at the highest levels of golf.
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His move to LIV Golf was part of a trend that has reshaped the professional golf landscape, with players now weighing traditional tour legacy against lucrative guaranteed contracts in emerging leagues.
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Watson’s financial success also includes sponsorship deals and endorsements, which play a key role in overall athlete income beyond official tour money.
Conclusion
Bubba Watson’s PGA Tour career featured not only success in major championships and fan-favorite moments but also significant financial achievement. His roughly $48 million in PGA Tour earnings laid a strong foundation for his ongoing career in professional golf and allowed him to make the transition to LIV Golf with financial security and global recognition.
Whether measured by tournament earnings, tournament victories or influence on the sport, Watson’s legacy continues to resonate with golf fans worldwide.
This article is based on available reporting and official statistical sources. Earnings figures and contract details may evolve as new information becomes available or as players negotiate additional deals. Always refer to official PGA Tour and LIV Golf sources for the most current data.