How Nice To Get Paid Just To Be You

One of the nice things about being a really good golfer, a pro golfer, is people give you money.  Sure, you win money for playing, but you also get money for just being you.  I think I could get used to that.    Ever wonder how the money works.  Take a look at a couple of our favorite players and their money deals ....big money, and the figures are at least five years old.

Els, like fellow South African trailblazer Gary Player, easily leads professional golf in miles traveled each year. When he's not recovering from knee surgery, it is not unusual for Els to play tournaments -- and win -- on the PGA Tour, European tour, Sunshine Tour, and Australasia tour all in the same year. Basing himself near London and using a private jet positions him perfectly for travel. And his endorsement partners benefit greatly from the worldwide exposure he brings to their products. Annual income figures are listed here.

PHITEN
Els has worn this titanium necklace since early 2004. Income: Less than $100,000

SAP
It gets the hat and chest (two spots in every photo) and lots of prime TV.
Income: $3 million

MERCEDES
Els canceled this deal -- the five-days-a-year commitment to outings conflicted with his travel and family life.

OMEGA
The watch gets in all those hoisting-the-trophy photos.
Income: $250,000

FIDRA
With Cleveland Golf and Fidra now owned by the same company, Quiksilver, Els could be looking for a new clothing deal for 2006.
Income: Mid six figures

TITLEIST
It gets him for lower than the market rate by allowing him to sell his hat space to another company.
Income: $3 million

APPEARANCE FEES
$750,000 to $1 million a pop for non-PGA Tour events. Els plays up to 10 tournaments outside the U.S.

With six career victories, Kerr has emerged as one of the best American women players. A radical physical transformation several years ago in which she lost 50 pounds has made her not only a better competitor, but has opened up a variety of endorsement opportunities. Only 28, Kerr is positioned to cash in on the surge of interest in the LPGA likely to come as talented teens Paula Creamer, Morgan Pressel, and Michelle Wie bring attention to the women's game.

LACOSTE
Next to the hat, this is the most lucrative logo position. Such deals are loaded with performance bonuses. With five wins and 21 top-10s the last two years, Kerr should cash in big time.
Income: $500,000

GINN CLUBS & RESORTS
The left sleeve (under the sweater) is next in logo prominence, followed by the right sleeve, the yoke of the collar, and then the tab of the collar.
Income: $100,000

AUDEMARS PIGUET
The real value in this deal can come in product, with the player getting a couple of luxury watches a year.
Income: $25,000

TITLEIST/FOOTJOY
$5,000 guarantee with $5,000 bonus for a win with its ball, and $1,000 for a top-10 finish.
Income: $45,000

OUTINGS
Kerr likely earns between $10,000 and $20,000 a day for appearances beyond her contractual obligations.
Income: $100,000

MUTUAL OF OMAHA
Kerr could earn $500,000 a year for a hat- and-bag deal, especially playing the way she has the last two years.