Woods tops TOUR's Player Impact Program list for 2nd straight year
Tiger Woods has topped the PGA TOUR's Player Impact Program list again this year, the TOUR announced Tuesday.
The 46-year-old only played in three events in the 2021-22 TOUR season but, by topping the PIP list, will earn a $15-million season bonus.
The PIP, first introduced for the 2020-21 TOUR season, awards players who "generate the most positive interest in the PGA TOUR."
It's based on five categories: internet searches, news articles, weekend television exposure, the U.S. population's awareness of them, and their social media reach and engagement.
Rory McIlroy, who won three tournaments, including the season-ending TOUR Championship, came second to Woods, earning $12 million. Jordan Spieth was third on the list ($9 million), Justin Thomas took fourth ($7.5 million), and Jon Rahm finished fifth ($6 million).
Masters champion Scottie Scheffler was sixth, Xander Schauffele seventh, Matt Fitzpatrick eighth, Will Zalatoris ninth, and Tony Finau finished 10th.
Unlike last season, this year's PIP payout extended to the top 20 on the list. It also included three additional players (Hideki Matsuyama, Cameron Young, and Sam Burns) who would've qualified under the criteria changes set for next year. They were awarded $2 million each.
Newly crowned two-time PIP winner Woods is set to return to play at the upcoming Hero World Challenge from Dec. 1-4, an unofficial TOUR tournament that he also hosts.