GOLF is a numbers game where the object of the exercise is to go low. McIlroy knows the game better than anyone, but a consequent of his ability to shoot low means the Ulster man has jumped into a new league in terms of his earning power with industry analysts predicting he will break the €1 billion barrier in career earnings, reports Philip Reid.

The beauty of McIlroy’s choice of sport is that he has global marketing appeal, with brand sponsors viewing him as a player who can appeal across international boundaries and appealing to both genders. What’s more, he is in a sport that has traditionally rewarded its icons.

Take 2011 – despite the travails of Tiger Woods losing a couple of sponsors after his infidelities came to light, Woods still remained the top-paid sportsman in the US with earnings last year of $62.3 million (€47m). And Phil Mickelson was second with $61.2 million (€46m).

McIlroy might not be in that league – just yet – but his performances, as well as his off-course likeability, make him a marketing man’s dream with the potential to become one of the sport’s richest men.

He is already positioned 21st in the all-time money list on the European Tour – with prize money of €11,344,881 since turning professional – but this doesn’t take into account money won in regular tournaments on the US Tour (including wins in the Quail Hollow championship and the Honda Classic – nor does it take on board the $2 million (€1.5m) he won in claiming the Shanghai Masters last October. Prize money, though, is dwarfed by the earning power from endorsements.

McIlroy’s win in the US Open propelled him into a new league (although his main sponsors were already in place on multi-year deals with his estimated annual earnings from those endorsements put at €10 million) and any prolonged spell at world number one would make him a walking ATM when those deals come up for renewal. Industry analysts expect his annual income from endorsements to double or more – and, at 22, he has a very long and lucrative career ahead.