With recent economic activities unfolding, high salaries in all industries are coming under increased scrutiny. While most attention is fixed on the financial sector, where large salaries and sizeable bonuses were run of the mill, even when incompetence and/or gross misconduct was evident, sport is no exception. Winston Bogarde, the former Champions League winning defender, is perhaps the best example. Signed in 2000, the Dutch international made 4 starts in his first year, and for three seasons did not make a single appearance. In the final season he did not possess a squad number and was training with the youths. Earning £40,000 a week, he proved to be a rather poor investment. Amazingly, he even picked up a bonus after a cup victory, despite not playing any game in that competition. In almost four years, Bogarde earned over £8,000,000, and could not be faulted for his honesty of his situation. 'This world is about money, so when you are offered those millions you take them. I may be one of the worst buys in the history of the Premiership but I don't care.
While soccer will always have cases of players earning inflated sums of money, they are generally few and far between, certainly greatly reduced in the past decade. Modern day equivalents of Tomas Brolin, Bosko Balaban and Marco Boogers are not as common. While the figures earned can be argued as to whether they merit such an income, they are the most talented players in their profession. One sport which appears to provide a comfortable living for many is golf. Undoubtedly a highly skilled game, it traditionally has been seen as an elitist sport. With its high membership fees, and expensive qualifying schools and entry level tournaments, the game was targeted more towards certain demographics. While this has changed greatly, particularly in Ireland with higher profile players, more courses and more competitive pricing, it is noticeable the amount of players earning “above average” salaries. Naturally, the income is dependent is the golfers ability and form, but it is obvious that you do not need to be challenging for top honours to make a good living. Or anywhere near it infact.
Jamie Elson is a great example. Jamie who?? Most likely you have not heard of him, but the 30 year old English golfer turned pro in 2003. His only tournament win was the Volvo Finnish Open in 2003, netting him a relatively modest €16,000. He has finished in money positions 37 times in his pro career, and currently sits in 67th place in the European Order of Merit. While his achievements thus far are modest to say the least, he has earned €104,030 this season. That is aside from any possible endorsements he may have. Between the PGA Tour and European Tour, there are 324 players that have earned over €50,000. There are many others up-and-coming, and the Senior Tour is gaining in popularity, and consequently sponsorship.While golf is a difficult game in which to make a breakthrough in, once/if that is made, then there are financial gains to be made. The other significant point is that a golfer’s career can span longer than possibly any other sport, and many get better with age. Sandy Lyle currently leads the Senior Order of Merit. The 53 year old turned pro in 1977, and has earned over €100,000 this season thus far. He obviously had a lucrative career in golf already, but there are many on the list still earning a very decent living in their 50’s and 60’s.
Unless you are as lucky as Winston Bogarde, if you are budding sports person motivated by money, it would appear golf is the game to keep working at.
