On May 24, 2025, during the third round of the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas, a deeper controversy unfolded beyond the golf course involving Jordan Spieth PGA Tour equity. This dispute centers on an equity distribution program initiated by the PGA Tour that excluded legendary players despite their distinguished careers, raising questions about fairness and the criteria used to determine who benefits from the scheme.
Uncovering the Hidden Formula Behind PGA Tour Equity Allocations
Padraig Harrington, three-time major champion, suspected the PGA Tour was withholding important details about its equity distribution and started an extensive investigation. His background in accounting helped him dissect the so-called “Career Points” system that the Tour had described only vaguely. Through detailed analysis and discussions, Harrington uncovered a points formula that rewards not just victories but sustained and recent participation as well.
The point system assigns high values to achievements such as major championships and Players Championship wins—both worth 5 points each—while Tour Championship appearances and World Golf Championship wins earn 3 points each. Regular PGA Tour victories contribute 2 points apiece, and consistent membership with at least 15 events annually adds 1 point per year. This approach privileges active players with long-term Tour commitment compared to those with sporadic participation.
The threshold to qualify for the equity program was set at 55 points, a cutoff that left many celebrated Hall of Famers out. Davis Love III affirmed Harrington’s calculations:
We sat down and he was spot on,
confirming the accuracy and impact of the formula. This revelation explains how well-known champions like Nick Faldo and Tony Jacklin, despite their major successes and longstanding contributions, were excluded due to lower event participation.
How Participation Levels Impacted Career Earnings for PGA Tour Legends
Nick Faldo, with six major wins, tallied only 306 career starts and rarely played more than nine events per season during critical years of his career. Moreover, his choice to relinquish his Tour card amid disputes during the “Home Circuit release” fight further diminished his standing in the equity system. Tony Jacklin, a two-time major winner and a foundational figure in the Tour’s history, suffered similarly due to his support of the European Tour, costing him membership points essential for equity eligibility.
This strategy by the PGA Tour clearly prioritized retaining current players over acknowledging the legacy of past legends amid the competitive threat posed by LIV Golf, which attracted stars with large guaranteed contracts. Jay Monahan, the Tour’s commissioner, rolled out the Player Equity Program in February 2024 as a countermeasure to this wave of defections. The result alienated veterans who had exhibited loyalty but did not meet the recent participation requirements.
Faldo reached out to Monahan directly, stating:
Asking about this equity thing, I assume I’m on the list.
The commissioner did not reply. Jacklin resorted to legal channels for clarity but was ignored. Meanwhile, $75 million was parceled out to only 36 past legends, excluding these Hall of Fame players from the lucrative payouts.
Jordan Spieth’s Current and Projected Standing in the Equity Program
Jordan Spieth’s situation contrasts sharply with excluded legends. His 13 PGA Tour victories provide 26 points, supplemented by three major championships worth 15 points. Additionally, his 12 years of continuous Tour membership contribute another 12 points. Estimations include at least 9 points from Tour Championship appearances and playoff successes, resulting in a cumulative total near 62 points—comfortably above the 55-point cutoff.
Considering Spieth’s typical participation rate of 15 to 20 events per year, his career could span another 14 years, potentially elevating his final score to approximately 76 points if he remains consistent. However, the program’s eight-year vesting period complicates matters financially, as taxable income begins to accrue at year four on half the equity value, potentially resulting in significant tax liabilities before the equity is liquidated.
This structure underscores a generational divide within the sport, favoring sustained presence over legacy. Legendary figures such as Faldo, whose career earnings total $5.9 million, would have seen their lifetime income double with a single equity grant valued between $2 million and $5 million. The exclusion of other foundational contributors like David Graham and Tony Jacklin, despite their vital roles in establishing the Tour, highlights a sharp departure from honoring historical achievement.
Legacy Versus Longevity: The Impact of Equity Distribution Decisions
The PGA Tour equity program reveals a preference for extended participation rather than pure accomplishments. Faldo’s six major championship titles were insufficient when measured against the established start requirements. Jacklin’s involvement in key player meetings in 1968, which shaped the modern Tour, went unrecognized in the equity valuation process.
Spieth’s induction into this select group is attributed to the timing of his career, benefiting from an era emphasizing continuous engagement. The transformation brought by LIV Golf heightened the need for loyalty incentives, indirectly disadvantaging established stars who had earned acclaim but lacked recent regular play.
Ultimately, Spieth’s position assures him long-term financial security in the equity pool despite tax complications. Conversely, the decision to exclude legends like Faldo and Jacklin symbolizes a rupture in professional golf, reflecting a broader conflict between honoring past heroes and securing the Tour’s future against emerging competition.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Jordan Spieth a millionaire?
A. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Spieth’s wealth is roughly valued at $120 million.
Q. Does Jordan Spieth have a private jet?
A. Jordan Spieth often travels using private jets, especially the Gulfstream G550, which is known for its great features and long-distance travel capabilities. However, he doesn’t own one entirely by himself; he shares ownership with others.