80-time winner Tiger Woods is ranked ninth on Forbes’ list of richest American celebrities after a successful return to competitive golf.
Woods returned to golf a little over a year ago after a fourth surgery on his ailing back. The 14-time Major champion contended a number of times throughout the season – including at The Open and the PGA Championship – before returning to the winner’s circle at the Tour Championship.
Endorsement deals with Monster Energy, Nike and Bridgestone have helped Woods increase his worth by $50-million this year. That figure is likely to increase after he penned a deal with Discovery, as the company plans to bring GOLFTV to the market.
Basketball legend Michael Jordan is the leading sporting celebrity in fourth place at $1.7-billion.
Star Wars creator George Lucas tops the chart with $5.4-billion.
