Sam Saunders made a lasting impression in golf as the grandson of Arnold Palmer and a steady professional in his own right.
In this article, you will know Sam Saunders’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Sam Saunders’ Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Samuel Palmer Saunders |
| Date of Birth | July 30, 1987 |
| Age | 38 |
| Education | Clemson University |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
| Weight | 175 lbs (79 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2009 |
| Net Worth | $5–8 million |
| Salary/Career Earnings | $3,456,499 (official tournament earnings) |
| Wife | Kelly Saunders |
| Children | Cohen Saunders, Ace Saunders |
| Instagram Profile | @samsaundersgolf |
| Residence | Colorado, USA |
Early Career
Sam Saunders grew up in Orlando, Florida and is the son of Roy and Amy Saunders, with Amy being the daughter of Arnold Palmer. He attended Trinity Prep in Winter Park, where he excelled at golf and made his mark as a champion at Bay Hill Club and Lodge by winning the club championship at a young age.
This early success earned him a spot in a PGA Tour event hosted by his grandfather. Saunders then attended Clemson University, where he competed for the Tigers but decided to skip his senior season to turn professional in 2009.
His amateur years were shaped by his family’s rich golf legacy and his ambition to build his own name in the sport.
Professional Career
Saunders began his professional journey in 2009 and spent the early years moving between the Korn Ferry Tour (previously Web.com Tour) and the PGA Tour. He found his breakthrough in 2014 by earning his PGA Tour card via the Korn Ferry Tour Finals.
Saunders competed in 158 PGA Tour events and 163 Korn Ferry Tour events, earning three runner-up finishes on the Korn Ferry circuit. His best PGA Tour result was a runner-up at the 2015 Puerto Rico Open, and he achieved a memorable 59 at the Web.com Tour Championship in 2017.
Over 15 years, Saunders built a reputation for resilience, overcoming injuries, and contributing meaningfully to tournaments before retiring in 2024 to focus on family and business pursuits.
Wife
Sam Saunders married Kelly Saunders after meeting her in Colorado through mutual friends.
Kelly, who worked in hospital sales, and Sam connected over shared values and quickly built a strong relationship founded on honesty and mutual respect. The couple have two sons, Cohen and Ace.
Saunders often credits his wife for providing unwavering support throughout his golf career, helping him stay grounded and focused, and encouraging him to grow as both an athlete and father.
The family has lived in both Colorado and Florida, choosing neighborhoods where their children can enjoy an active, outdoor lifestyle.
Sam Saunders Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Sam Saunders’s estimated net worth stands between $5 million and $8 million. His wealth comes from tournament earnings, endorsements, and recent business ventures after his retirement.
Career Earnings
| Year | Earnings |
|---|---|
| 2019–20 | $20,274 |
| 2018–19 | $413,887 |
| 2017–18 | $981,936 |
| 2016–17 | $678,117 |
| 2015–16 | $510,079 |
| 2014–15 | $578,571 |
| 2013–14 | $18,476 |
| 2012–13 | $15,184 |
| 2011–12 | $12,224 |
| 2010–11 | $132,525 |
| 2009–10 | $95,226 |
| Total | $3,456,499 |
Endorsements
Sam Saunders has benefited from a range of sponsorship deals with golf equipment companies, apparel brands, and sports-related businesses throughout his career.
Major brands associated with him include Mastercard and CDW, who have appeared as sponsors during tournaments and on his official PGA TOUR equipment listing. Recently, Saunders partnered with Onform Golf as their first official brand ambassador, reflecting his transition into post-playing business roles.
These endorsements, aligned with his Palmer family legacy and personal achievements, have contributed a substantial portion to his overall net worth in addition to his tournament earnings.
Career Stats
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Professional Wins | 0 PGA Tour, 4 Other |
| Runner-up Finishes | 1 (PGA), 3 (Korn Ferry) |
| Top-10 Finishes | 14 (2018–19), 14 (2017–18) |
| PGA Tour Starts | 158 |
| Korn Ferry T. Starts | 163 |
| 59 Round (Champ.) | 2017 (Web.com Tour) |
| Best PGA Finish | Runner-up (Puerto Rico Open 2015) |
| Cuts Made | 73 (all official events) |
FAQs
1. What is Sam Saunders’s net worth?
Sam Saunders’s estimated net worth is between $5 million and $8 million, earned through his golf career, endorsements, and various business ventures.
2. Is Sam Saunders related to Arnold Palmer?
Yes, Saunders is the grandson of golf legend Arnold Palmer, and his mother Amy is Palmer’s daughter. He grew up under the influence of the Palmer golfing legacy.
3. Who is Sam Saunders’s wife and does he have children?
Sam Saunders is married to Kelly Saunders, and they have two sons named Cohen and Ace. The family lives in Colorado.
4. When did Sam Saunders retire from pro golf?
Sam Saunders announced his retirement from professional golf in August 2024 after a 15-year-long career filled with memorable finishes and contributions on the PGA and Korn Ferry Tours.
5. What is Saunders’s biggest achievement in golf?
Saunders’s most celebrated moment is shooting a 59 at the Web.com Tour Championship. He also has a runner-up finish at the 2015 Puerto Rico Open on the PGA Tour.
