South African golfers net worth is dominated by legends who built massive fortunes through major championships and global dominance. Gary Player leads at $250 million net worth from nine major victories and successful business ventures.
Ernie Els earned $85 million while Louis Oosthuizen accumulated $40 million from consistent tour play and LIV Golf contracts.
The country’s top golfers combine for roughly $500 million in total wealth. That is exceptional for an African nation of 60 million people.
South Africa produces consistent tour-level talent through strong amateur traditions and accessible public courses charging R100 to R250 per round making golf available to middle class families.
Discover the South African golf players biography and net worth by clicking on their name.
Top Richest South African Golfers
| Rank | Golfer | Net Worth | Career Earnings | Majors | Active/Retired | Primary Tour |
| 1 | Gary Player | ~$250M | $7.5M+ | 9 | Retired | PGA/Champions |
| 2 | Ernie Els | ~$85M | $49.3M+ | 4 | Retired | PGA Tour |
| 3 | Louis Oosthuizen | ~$40M | $52.4M+ | 1 | Active | LIV Golf |
| 4 | Charl Schwartzel | ~$35M | $46.5M+ | 1 | Active | LIV Golf |
| 5 | Retief Goosen | ~$30M | $33.4M+ | 2 | Retired | Champions Tour |
Gary Player dominates at $250 million net worth despite earning just $7.5 million in official prize money. His fortune came from business ventures including golf course design, real estate, and equipment endorsements spanning seven decades.
He won nine major championships completing the career Grand Slam before age 30. His Champions Tour success added nine more major titles.
Ernie Els earned $85 million from $49.3 million PGA Tour career earnings plus endorsements. He won four majors including two U.S. Opens and two Open Championships.
Louis Oosthuizen sits at $40 million from $52.4 million total earnings including massive LIV Golf contracts. Charl Schwartzel earned $46.5 million with $25.6 million from LIV Golf alone averaging $533,645 per event.
How Much Money Has Louis Oosthuizen Made from Golf?
Oosthuizen earned $52.4 million total career earnings ranking highest among active South African golfers. He won the 2010 Open Championship at St Andrews by seven strokes.
He finished runner-up six times at majors including 2012 Masters, 2015 and 2021 U.S. Opens, and 2017 and 2021 PGA Championships. Those near-misses cost him tens of millions in potential earnings.
His LIV Golf move transformed his income. He joined LIV in 2022 earning guaranteed contracts plus tournament prizes. His consistent ball-striking and putting make him competitive despite never winning a second major.
His $28.2 million PGA Tour earnings came from steady top-10 finishes rather than multiple victories.
Why Do South African Golfers Earn More Than Other African Nations?
South Africa has approximately 500 golf courses for 60 million people. Public courses charge R100 to R250 per round making golf accessible. Crown Mines Golf Club and State Mines Country Club near Johannesburg charge R150 to R200.
Empangeni Golf Course in KwaZulu-Natal costs R90 to R110. Those rates allow middle class families regular access.
Amateur traditions create competitive depth. South African Golf Association runs systematic junior programs identifying talent early. Compare this to Nigeria or Kenya where private clubs charge $50 to $100 per round eliminating 99% of the population.
South Africa’s apartheid legacy ironically created strong golf infrastructure for white communities that now serves broader populations.
The pathway from South African amateur to PGA Tour works efficiently. Players compete on Sunshine Tour first building confidence. Garrick Higgo, Thriston Lawrence, and Erik van Rooyen followed this route. That progression creates consistent talent flow to international tours.
Did Gary Player Build South Africa’s Golf Legacy?
Gary Player won nine major championships from 1959 to 1978 becoming one of five players to complete the career Grand Slam. His fitness obsession revolutionized golf conditioning.
He traveled 16 million miles competing globally earning his nickname “The International Ambassador of Golf.” His tournament prizes totaled just $7.5 million but his business empire generated $250 million net worth.
His Champions Tour dominance continued his legacy. He won nine senior majors and over 150 professional tournaments worldwide.
His golf course design business operates on six continents. His Gary Player Stud Farm breeds thoroughbred racehorses. His wine business produces award-winning vintages from South African vineyards.
Can You Play Golf Affordably in South Africa?
Yes, South Africa offers Africa’s most affordable golf. Public courses charge R100 to R250 per round. Crown Mines and State Mines near Johannesburg cost R150 to R200. Huddle Park charges R120 to R195.
Blue Valley costs R190 to R210. Those rates equal $6 to $14 USD making golf accessible for working families earning R15,000 monthly.
Municipal courses exist throughout major cities. Playmoregolfsa network offers membership access to 100 courses at reduced rates. Monthly fees provide free rounds plus discounted additional play.
That system makes golf affordable and accessible unlike most African nations where private clubs dominate.
Junior programs receive support through South African Golf Association. Schools in townships now offer golf programs previously unavailable. That systematic expansion creates pathways for talented kids from all backgrounds to pursue professional careers.
Which South African Golfer Has Won the Most Money?
Louis Oosthuizen with $52.4 million total career earnings including PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and LIV Golf combined. Among retired players Ernie Els leads with $49.3 million PGA Tour earnings.
Gary Player earned just $7.5 million in official prize money but his $250 million net worth from business ventures dwarfs all earnings. Charl Schwartzel earned $46.5 million with $25.6 million from LIV Golf since 2022.
FAQs
Who is the richest South African golfer?
Gary Player at $250 million net worth despite earning just $7.5 million in tournament prizes. He won nine major championships completing the career Grand Slam. His fortune came from golf course design, real estate, and equipment endorsements spanning seven decades. Among active players Louis Oosthuizen leads at $40 million.
How much did Ernie Els earn in his career?
Ernie Els earned $49.3 million from PGA Tour play across 32 years. He won four majors including two U.S. Opens and two Open Championships. His net worth reached $85 million including endorsements and business ventures. His best year was 2003-04 earning $5.8 million.
Has any South African golfer won major recently?
Louis Oosthuizen won the 2010 Open Championship, the most recent major by a South African. He finished runner-up six times at majors from 2012 to 2021 including losses at Masters, U.S. Open, and PGA Championship. Charl Schwartzel won 2011 Masters earning $1.44 million.
How many golf courses exist in South Africa?
South Africa has approximately 500 golf courses for 60 million people. Public courses charge R100 to R250 per round. Crown Mines and State Mines cost R150 to R200. Empangeni Golf Course charges R90 to R110 making golf accessible for middle class families.
Can you play golf affordably in South Africa?
Yes, South Africa offers Africa’s most affordable golf. Public courses charge R100 to R250 ($6 to $14 USD) per round. Playmoregolfsa network provides membership access to 100 courses at reduced rates. Municipal courses exist in major cities making golf accessible unlike most African nations dominated by expensive private clubs.
