Pro Explains How Missing Top-25 Rankings Can Cost Players Money

At Glance

‣ Professional golf, particularly for women on the Ladies European Tour, involves significant financial challenges, with expenses often surpassing earnings even for those who perform relatively well in tournaments.

‣ Hannah Gregg, a pro golfer, has shared her personal financial struggles in the sport, revealing the hidden costs of competing professionally, such as travel, accommodation, entry fees, and work visas, which can amount to thousands of dollars.

‣ Despite the financial difficulties faced by many female golfers, there are instances of support and generosity within the golf community, such as free accommodation and car use, which help alleviate some of the financial pressures of competing on the tour.

Dreams of making it big in professional golf often clash with the harsh reality of financial struggles. Hannah Gregg, a 29-year-old Ladies European Tour pro, sheds light on this lesser-known aspect. Based in Arizona, she’s been open about the costs involved, something many fans are unaware of.

Gregg detailed her expenses for Q-School on social media, revealing that even the winner might not break even. In her first week on the LET of 2024, she highlighted the varied and costly expenses of chasing the dream. Meanwhile, the men’s golf world debates its future, sitting on piles of cash.

Some female golfers face real financial challenges. Gregg managed to save on accommodation and car rental during a trip to Australia, thanks to some generous help. She played in the Women’s NSW Open and the Australian Women’s Classic.

Despite making the cut at the Women’s NSW Open and finishing 54th, Gregg didn’t break even. She needed to finish at least 24th to do so, and only a 21st or higher finish would’ve actually earned her money. It’s a tough reality for many on the LET.

For the latest in golf, subscribing to the Golf Monthly newsletter is a good move. It keeps you updated with tour news, equipment reviews, and more. Gregg’s first-week expenses on the LET were eye-opening: Flights ($2600), Work Visa ($350), Food ($377), and more, with some costs offset by generous support.

Gregg’s financial breakdown shows the pressure to perform. With many LET events having a total prize fund of just €300,000, it’s financially challenging for many players. She spent $3672 getting to Australia, winning only $1244 for her 54th place finish.

Due to weather, a second tournament was cut short, affecting rankings and earnings. Yet, @GolfNSW compensated every player with $500 for showing up, a generous but not obligatory gesture. Gregg’s story highlights the often overlooked costs of professional golf, offering an eye-opening insight into the struggles within women’s golf on the LET. Despite the sport’s overall wealth, challenges persist, making Gregg’s journey all the more compelling.

Elliott Mitchell
Elliott Mitchell
Elliott Mitchell is a Golf Glance Senior Writer. After earning a degree in Sports Journalism, he joined the club in 2021. Elliott is in charge of Golf Glance's news, features, and travel sections, as well as the courses.

Recent Golf News