Why Are Golfers Less Prominent On Forbes Top Athlete Earners List?

Granted, we've seen the passing of Arnold Palmer, the injuries and struggles of Tiger Woods and the inevitable decline in endorsement dollars going to Jack Nicklaus as he gets older.

Still, golfers have always played a dominant role in Forbes' World's Highest Athletes list. But 2018's list only includes Woods in the top 20, followed by Mickelson, Spieth and McIlroy arrive next at 22, 23rd and 26th and Justin Thomas landed 66th on the back of his FedExCup win. 

No one will lose sleep over any perceived decline in golfer income given the number of millionaires in the sport. But it is fascinating that on the upper end of the endorsement pay scale, golfers appear less valued than athletes in other sports. 

My theories, substantiated by nothing other than observation?

They range from this being a simple transition period to strides made by many of the top athletes--particularly NBA players who take up 40 spots on the list--to improve their likability cache via social media, style and overall intrigue factor as golfers have become a little less accessible, less stylish and less willing to stand out.