Tiger Woods joins the exclusive billionaire athlete club!

Jupiter Island, Florida - Tiger Woods is now officially up there with NBA megastars Michael Jordan and LeBron James as the only athletes to have achieved billionaire status.

US Golfer Tiger Woods celebrates with the Masters Trophy during the Green Jacket Ceremony after winning the Masters.
US Golfer Tiger Woods celebrates with the Masters Trophy during the Green Jacket Ceremony after winning the Masters.  © Andrew Redington / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

Just last week, James became the NBA's first active player to hit the billion-dollar worth milestone.

Now, according to Forbes' estimations, Woods has joined the very short list of billionaire sportspeople still plying their trade.

The 15-time major winner's current net worth reflects his status as one of the greatest golfers of all time.

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However, despite his 27-year career being among the most trophy-laden the sport has ever seen, less than 10% of Woods' wealth came from what he's earned on the golf course.

The majority of his earnings came through sponsorship and endorsement deals with, among others, Nike, TaylorMade, Gatorade, and Monster Energy, which are all featured prominently on his golf bag.

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"He hit the right time in the right sport, being an athlete with a diverse background who was approachable," veteran sports business consultant Joe Favorito told Forbes. "Brands love knowing they’re getting someone who is embraced not just by the traditional but also by the casual fans."

One potentially lucrative income source that Woods hasn't tapped into is the LIV Golf Invitational Series, the Saudi-backed tournament recently launched in a haze of controversy.

He is reported to have turned down an offer in the "high nine digits" to participate in an event that has caused big names from golf to be suspended by the PGA Tour and lose their sponsorships.

Cover photo: Andrew Redington / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

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