Tiger Woods boosts billionaire net worth with US Open payout despite missing cut

Tiger Woods pocketed a small windfall despite the golf legend failing to make the cut at the US Open. The 48-year-old was aiming to win the prestigious tournament for a fourth time, but his hopes were dashed before the weekend began after a frustrating 36 holes.

Woods started strongly but finished seven over par across his two rounds and did not qualify for the weekend. He was two shots over the limit, with 74 golfers making the cut on five over. 

While the likes of Bryson DeChambeau and others chase glory, Woods’ wait for his first major title since his unforgettable 2019 Masters triumph continues. However, the golf icon still received £7.9k ($10k) for his time in North Carolina, as a reward for being among the few selected to compete.

"We pay you even if you miss the cut because we really believe that making the cut at the US Open is getting one of these 156 [spots]," USGA chief executive Mike Whan explained. "Think about it, of 10,200 [who attempt to qualify], only 156 are here."

The prize money will be little consolation for Woods, though, who is three short of equalling Jack Nicklaus’ record of winning 18 major titles. Woods has endured notable tough spells of form since his heyday but became only the second active athlete to be named a billionaire by Forbes in 2022, joining LeBron James

Forbes states that Woods has earned around £1.4bn ($1.8bn) during his career, including £95.5m ($121m) in PGA Tour prize money. His net worth is estimated to be £1bn ($1.3bn) and could have been significantly higher if Woods had not rejected a reported nine-figure offer to join the LIV Golf Tour.

“I thought I played well enough to be up there in contention. It just didn't work out.

"As far as my last Open Championship or U.S. Open Championship, I don't know what that is. It may or may not be."

He added: "I hit a lot of good shots that just didn't quite go my way, or I hit good putts, and then I put myself in a couple bad spots with some bad lag putts. But again, as I said, it was probably the highest score I could have shot today."

Woods has several endorsements to his name and has also made money through multiple investments. He is a partner in a real estate venture; launched a golf course design and high-end mini golf businesses; and started tech company TMRW Sports alongside Rory McIlroy with plans to create a new golf league.

However, that will all be a small comfort to Woods this weekend after missing out on his opportunity to win the US Open for the first time since 2008. Woods has confirmed that he will be competing at the upcoming Open Championship but also hinted at retirement when asked about the future.

“It's one of those things where in order to win a golf tournament, you have to make the cut," Woods said. "I can't win the tournament from where I'm at, so it certainly is frustrating