In a move that turned some heads, Ryan Moore has played the 2009 season without any endorsement deals. Moore, who before winning the PGA Tour's 2009 Wyndham Championship struggled as a pro after a sterling amateur career, admitted that he doesn't know how much money he passed up for the freedom to play a mixed bag of clubs and wear what he pleases. We polled some of the game's top agents and player representatives in the business to see how much money those endorsements are worth.
All of the agents agreed that Moore's best option would be to signjavascript:void(0); an all-inclusive deal with a major equipment company. While individual deals like those listed on the right could see him earn around $300,000 at best, a single deal with a major club manufacturer to cover his hat, shirt and bag with its logo could net the young pro anywhere from $300,000 to $500,000, or a little less if he wanted to keep playing a mixed set. It might not match the $20 millionplus Tiger reportedly gets from Nike, but it's not bad work for the 120th-ranked player in the world.
The Hat — $200,000
Tour Agent: "He should
have kept his Ping
hat, even for free. Get
on good terms with a
company and you might
be rewarded later."
Chest logo —$50,000
Tour Agent: "They're
not easy to get, but
corporate logos can
bring big bucks because
they're so visible on TV."
The Bag — $50,000
Tour Agent: "Bags
don't pay much,
because they're not
always visible. Could
be a tough—but not
impossible—sell for a
mixed bag of clubs."
The Shoes — $0
Tour Agent: "Shoes
aren't that identifiable
and apparel companies
are not paying a lot.
Usually a throw-in on
an equipment deal."
