New Zealand golfers net worth is led by LPGA superstar Lydia Ko who built a $25 million fortune through consistent dominance and historic achievements.
The Kiwi legend ranks second on the LPGA all-time earnings list with $20.6 million in career prize money, dwarfing every other New Zealand golfer combined.
The country’s top golfers combine for roughly $45-50 million in total wealth. That’s extraordinary for a nation of 5 million people where rugby dominates sports culture, yet golf has produced multiple tour winners and an Olympic gold medalist across professional circuits.
Discover the New Zealand golf players biography and net worth by clicking on their name.
| PGA Tour | DP World/Other |
| Danny Lee | Josh Geary |
| Ryan Fox | Tim Wilkinson |
Top Richest New Zealand Golfers
| Rank | Golfer | Net Worth | Career Earnings | Wins | Active/Retired | Primary Tour |
| 1 | Lydia Ko | ~$25M | $20.6M+ | 23 | Active | LPGA Tour |
| 2 | Ryan Fox | ~$10M | $16.5M+ | 3 | Active | PGA Tour |
| 3 | Steven Alker | ~$8M | $13.2M+ | 14 | Active | Champions Tour |
| 4 | Danny Lee | ~$7M | $14.7M | 1 | Active | PGA Tour |
| 5 | Michael Campbell | ~$5M | $10M+ | 15 | Retired | European Tour |
Lydia Ko dominates New Zealand golf wealth at $25 million net worth from $20.6 million LPGA career earnings.
After taxes and expenses averaging 40%, her net worth reflects smart investments and endorsement deals with PXG, Lululemon, and Rolex worth approximately $3 million annually.
Her 2024 Olympic gold medal boosted her marketability significantly across 23 LPGA Tour victories.
Ryan Fox sits second at roughly $10 million from $16.5 million career earnings. His 2023 BMW PGA Championship victory paid $1.53 million.
Steven Alker earned $13.2 million with 14 Champions Tour victories including back-to-back Charles Schwab Cup titles worth $3.4 million combined. Danny Lee’s $14.7 million came from consistent PGA Tour finishes over 13 seasons.
How Did Lydia Ko Build Her $25M Fortune?
Ko turned professional at 16 and became the youngest world number one at 17 in February 2015. Her $20.6 million career earnings place her second on the LPGA all-time money list behind only Annika Sorenstam’s $22.6 million.
She surpassed Karrie Webb in March 2025 after winning the HSBC Women’s World Championship earning $360,000.
Her biggest paydays came from major championships and season finales. The 2022 CME Group Tour Championship paid $2 million when she captured the title. Her three major victories generated over $3 million in prize money alone.
Her endorsement portfolio generates approximately $3 million annually from PXG equipment, Lululemon apparel, and Rolex watches.
Her Korean heritage expands marketability across Asian markets where women’s golf commands premium sponsorship rates. Her 2024 Olympics gold medal created massive media exposure in New Zealand.
What Makes Ryan Fox New Zealand’s Richest Male Golfer?
Fox’s $10 million net worth comes from $16.5 million career earnings since 2009. His 2025 PGA Tour season generated $3.98 million through December, ranking him 43rd on the money list.
That single season nearly matched his previous best year and came from consistent top-25 finishes without victories.
His 2023 BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth remains his signature win. The $1.53 million payday moved him inside the world’s top 30 rankings. His 2024 season produced $5.9 million from victories at the Myrtle Beach Classic and Canadian Open.
His endorsement income from Titleist and FootJoy equipment plus New Zealand sponsors adds an estimated $500,000 annually. His consistent ball-striking and length off the tee make him competitive on both PGA Tour and DP World Tour circuits.
Why Does Steven Alker Dominate Champions Tour Earnings?
Alker’s Champions Tour transformation shocked golf. He earned just $2 million across 15 years grinding PGA Tour and Web.com Tour events before turning 50. His Champions Tour breakthrough generated $11 million from 2022-2024 with 14 victories.
His back-to-back Charles Schwab Cup titles in 2022-2023 paid $3.4 million combined. He won the season-long points race both years, earning $1.7 million bonuses plus tournament prize money.
His 2025 season included his Simmons Bank Championship victory in October, improving his playoff record to 6-for-16 on Champions Tour.
His consistency amazes competitors. Smaller fields, shorter courses, and less competition from elite players create winning opportunities for steady ball-strikers.
His $8 million net worth exceeds what most New Zealand golfers earn in careers despite starting this run after age 50.
How New Zealand Produces Tour Winners from 5 Million People
Golf infrastructure includes roughly 400 courses nationwide with temperate climate allowing year-round play.
The New Zealand Golf Association identifies junior talent early through national development programs providing coaching and international competition funding.
Success breeds success through role models. Michael Campbell’s 2005 U.S. Open victory inspired Fox’s generation. Ko’s dominance showed young Kiwi girls that LPGA stardom was achievable. That lineage creates belief that New Zealand golfers belong at golf’s highest level.
Geographic proximity to Australia provides annual opportunities. New Zealand golfers receive sponsor exemptions at Australian events, creating pathways to secure tour status. The travel distance to Australian tournaments stays manageable compared to European or American tours.
FAQs
Who is the richest New Zealand golfer?
Lydia Ko at $25 million net worth from $20.6 million LPGA career earnings ranking second all-time behind Annika Sorenstam. She won 23 LPGA titles including Olympic gold in 2024. Her endorsements with PXG, Lululemon, and Rolex generate $3 million annually.
How much has Ryan Fox earned in 2025?
Ryan Fox earned $3.98 million in the 2025 PGA Tour season through December, ranking 43rd on the money list. His career earnings total $16.5 million including his 2023 BMW PGA Championship victory worth $1.53 million.
What is Steven Alker’s Champions Tour net worth?
Steven Alker’s net worth is $8 million from $13.2 million Champions Tour earnings. He won 14 times from 2022-2025 including back-to-back Charles Schwab Cup titles worth $3.4 million combined. His 2025 season included victory at the Simmons Bank Championship.
How many New Zealand golfers compete on major tours?
Four New Zealand golfers compete regularly: Lydia Ko (LPGA with $20.6M earnings), Ryan Fox (PGA Tour with $16.5M), Steven Alker (Champions Tour with $13.2M), and Danny Lee (PGA Tour with $14.7M). New Zealand produces consistent tour-level talent despite 5 million population.
