The PGA Tour’s Rookie of the Year title is an award that reflects who PGA Tour members view as having had the best first year on the circuit.
It is awarded after a member’s vote.
But who was the best of them, and who won the most money?
Here’s a list of the top 10 highest-earning Rookies of the Year, with a little explanation of how they compiled their life-changing amounts of money.
We revealed who won most, but who was best?
1. Cameron Young 2022 $6,520,597
Justifiably top because the New York man registered no less than seven top-three finishes, including third in the PGA Championship and second in the Open.
If there was one gap, it was a win. It proved to be a tricky gap to fill on his CV. When he won the 2025 Wyndham Championship, it was his 12th top-three three on the main tours but his first victory.
2. Xander Schauffele 2017 $4,4312,674
The Californian had enjoyed a good first year on the PGA Tour, ur but he finished it in sensational style. First, he won the Wyndham Championship, and then he landed the Tour Championship.
Back in 2017, that didn’t guarantee FedEx Cup triumph, but he finished third. He became a prolific winner and, in 20,24, made a major championship breakthrough with wins in the PGA Championship and Open.
3. Will Zalatoris 2021 3,935,686
The stick-thin blondy was an immediate hit on the PGA Tour, racking up top 10 finishes with apparent ease. He was particularly strong in the majors and the big events due to a fine tee-to-green game (albeit stymied by a dodgy putter). His rookie year featured second place in the Masters.
He would win the St Jude Championship in his Sophomore year, but an injury has delayed further progress.
4. Jordan Spieth 2013 $3,879,820
The Texan was another immediate marvel, but, unlike Zalatoris, putting was his strength. He won the John Deere Classic and was second three times, including the lucrative Tour Championship.
He’s now a three-time major winner, including the first two played in 2015, which briefly introduced the idea of a grand slam.
5. Trevor Immelman 2006 $3,844,189
The South African is primarily remembered for winning the 2008 Masters, but he was dynamite as a rookie in 2006. Ironically, he missed the cut at Augusta National, one of four missed cuts in a row.
But then he landed back-to-back seconds in the Wachovia Championship at the Byron Nelson Championship. It started a run of 14 top 25s in 15 starts, ending with fifth in the Tour Championship.
6. Keegan Bradley 2011 $3,758,600
If Immelman compiled money via consistency, Bradley did it with two inspired weeks of golf. It was impressive enough to be a regular winner as a rookie, which he achieved with success in the Byron Nelson Championship in May, but he also added the PGA Championship in August.
7. Eric Cole 2024 $3,726,147
The second-oldest rookie of the year, he is the son of LPGA star Laura Baugh and one-time PGA Tour tyro Bobby Cole.
He had been prolific on the minor tours (56 wins), but it was only aged 35 that he found the key at the top of the game. Seven top 10s earned him the title and a lot of money.
8. Aaron Wise 2018 $3,486,407
If Cole were a steady Eddie, Wise thrived because of a hot spot. He finished second in the Wells Fargo Championship in early May and then, in his next start two weeks later, he won the Byron Nelson Championship.
9. Emiliano Grillo 2016 $3,371,705
Argentina had impressed on the European Tour before crossing the Atlantic, where he was an absolute make-the-cut machine. He missed just two cuts all year and made 10 top 20s in his 23 starts.
10. Todd Hamilton 2004 $3,063,778
It might be over two decades ago,o but the sensational 2004 of Todd Hamilton was mighty rewarding. He had done almost nothing at the top end of the game before that year. Instead, he had honed his craft on the Japan Tour.
Winning then the Honda Classic was thought to be the best he could do. Then he defeated Ernie Els in a playoff to win the Open.
Highest earning PGA Tour Rookies of the Year – 11 to 15:
11. Daniel Berger 2015 $3,028,901
12. Rickie Fowler 2010 $2,857,108
13. Sungjae Im 2019 $2,851,134
14. Brandt Snedeker 2007 $2,836,643
15. Scottie Scheffler 2020 $2,833,438
Why is Scottie Scheffler so low?
Hang on – Scottie Scheffler only ranks 15th? Yes, although he made six top 10s, his year was abbreviated because of COVID restrictions, so he had less time to accumulate money. He’s made up for it since, though.
READ MORE: All you need to know about Luke Donald as he leads Ryder Cup defence for Europe
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Article Link: Richest PGA Tour rookies: Shock leader racked up $6m