France's 10 Richest Golfers: 2025 Fortune Ranking
France's richest golfers
Which French golfers have accumulated the biggest fortunes over the course of their careers? Between tournament winnings, sponsorship contracts and shrewd investments, some players have amassed real fortunes despite the fact that the sport doesn't put them at the top of the rankings. French sportsmen the richest. Discover the classification of France's 10 richest golfers. You may be surprised by some of the names!
10. Jean-François Remésy - 4 000 000 €
Jean-François Remésy, two-time winner of the Open de France (2004, 2005), opens the top 10. His performances on the European circuit have earned him around 3.96 million euros in career earnings. Including sponsorship contracts and ancillary income, his fortune is estimated at 4 million euros. A fine achievement for this discreet player who became a figure of French golf in the 2000s.
9. Jean Van de Velde - 5 000 000 €
Known to the general public for his incredible misadventure at the 1999 British Open, Jean Van de Velde has nevertheless enjoyed a lucrative career. The Landais has accumulated around 4.3 million euros in tournaments, notably thanks to a mythical 2ᵉ place at Carnoustie. Add to this his contracts (he was a brand ambassador after his failed feat) and consulting activities, his fortune approaches 5 million euros. Not bad for a man who just missed out on history!
8. Mike Lorenzo-Vera - 6 000 000 €
Still active on the DP World Tour, Mike Lorenzo-Vera has been a consistent performer. Although he has yet to win on the European circuit, his numerous top 10 finishes have earned him around 5.3 million euros of earnings. With its partnerships (equipment manufacturers, clothing sponsors, etc.), his fortune is estimated at around 6 million euros. The Basque, appreciated for his outspokenness, proves that you can earn a good living without necessarily lifting a major trophy.
7. Alexander Levy - 7 000 000 €
At the age of 33, Alexander Levy already boasts 5 victories on the European Tour and is one of the most successful Frenchmen of his generation. These successes, combined with consistent good results, have earned him almost 7.44 million euros in prize money. Betting on a high estimate (sponsorship contracts with Lacoste, Callaway...), Alexander Levy's fortune is estimated at 7 million euros. As the first French winner of a Rolex Series tournament, he still has plenty of time to build on his success.
6. Victor Perez - 7 000 000 €
The revelation of recent years, Victor Perez has rapidly climbed the world golfing ladder. Winner of the Dunhill Links (2019) and the prestigious Abu Dhabi Championship (2023), he has already amassed more than 4.5 million euros of earnings on the European circuit by the end of 2021 - a figure that climbs to around 6 million with his recent victories. Considering his current contracts (equipment manufacturer, personal sponsors) and his meteoric rise, his fortune is estimated at around 7 million euros. The Tarbes native could well climb the rankings in the years to come!
5. Grégory Bourdy - 8 000 000 €
With 4 European Tour titles, Grégory Bourdy has long been a pillar of French international golf. His performances have earned him around 8.14 million euros in cumulative earnings. Known for winning the Bordeaux Open (at home) in 2016, he has also signed a number of lucrative regional partnerships. His fortune is estimated at around 8 million eurosThe result of his sporting achievements and shrewd investments. A nice nest egg for this endearing man from Bordeaux, now retired from the main circuit.
4. Grégory Havret - 8 500 000 €
Grégory Havret made his mark by placing 2ᵉ at the 2010 U.S. Open, falling just short of Graeme McDowell. This stunning feat, coupled with three European Tour victories (including the 2007 Scottish Open), earned him over 8.14 million euros in official earnings. His longevity on the circuit and his contracts (notably with equipment brands) swell his assets. Grégory Havret's fortune is estimated at 8.5 million euros. Not bad for the man who thrilled the French golfing world at Pebble Beach!
3. Thomas Levet - 9 000 000 €
A true legend of French golf, Thomas Levet has an impressive track record (6 European titles, 2 Ryder Cups as a player). The first Frenchman to earn a card on the PGA Tour, he has accumulated around 7.9 million euros in wins on the European circuit. A media figure (TV consultant, Federation ambassador), he has capitalized on his reputation with renowned sponsors (Lacoste, etc.). His fortune is estimated at around 9 million euros. The "Squirrel" of French golf has grown his nuts, while remaining a beloved public figure.
2. Victor Dubuisson - 11 000 000 €
Prodigy at the magic game, Victor Dubuisson enjoyed a meteoric rise in the mid-2010s. Winner of two tournaments in Turkey and memorable finalist at the 2014 World Match Play, he has amassed almost 9.7 million euros winnings on the circuit. Nicknamed "VD" by his peers, he also benefited from juicy contracts in his heyday (Nike equipment, Titleist balls...). His fortune is estimated at around 11 million euros. Although he has recently stepped back from the limelight, the Cannois still has one of the biggest bank accounts in French golf.
1. Raphaël Jacquelin - 12 000 000 €
At the top of this ranking, Raphaël Jacquelin can pride itself on being the richest French golfer. A veritable metronome on the European circuit for over 25 years, the Lyonnais has amassed a wealth of experience and expertise. 11.83 million euros in tournament winnings - a record among French players. A four-time Tour winner, loyal brand partner (Titleist, BMW...) and now coach, Jacquelin has multiplied his sources of income. His fortune is estimated at 12 million euros. A well-deserved golden retirement for this gentleman of the fairway, a model of French longevity and success.
Summary
Who are the richest French golfers? Between tournament winnings, sponsorship contracts and shrewd investments, some players have amassed impressive fortunes. From Jean-François Remésy to Raphaël Jacquelin, this ranking reveals the 10 wealthiest French golfers. While some have excelled on the European Tour, others have capitalized on their reputation to maximize their income. With assets ranging from 4 to 12 million euros, these players prove that golf can be a lucrative discipline, even without winning a major tournament. Find out who tops this surprising ranking!
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q. Who is the richest French golfer?
R. Estimates, Raphaël Jacquelin would be the wealthiest French golfer, with around 12 million euros wealth. His long career on the European circuit (over €11.8m in winnings) and his advertising contracts have put him ahead of his compatriots in terms of wealth.
Q. How do French golfers earn their money?
R. Mainly thanks to tournament prizes (prize money from competitions won or good places achieved). For example, a top 10 finish on the European Tour can earn tens of thousands of euros, and a victory more than €200,000. Added to this are sponsoring agreements (equipment manufacturers, clothing brands, watches, cars...) and sometimes ancillary revenues (appearances, designed golf courses, media). Top golfers combine sporting success and commercial endorsements to build their fortunes.
Q. Are French golfers as rich as American stars?
R. No, the gap is enormous. The best French players have fortunes of around a few million euros, far behind the PGA Tour legends. Tiger Woods, for example, has amassed more than $1 billion over his career, and even players like Phil Mickelson and Rory McIlroy top the $100 million mark. French golf has not (yet) produced a global mega-star in financial terms, but it does boast some very solid millionaires on a European scale.
Q. What about French women golfers and their fortunes?
R. Female golfers (LPGA or LET professionals) generally earn less than their male counterparts, as women's endowments are lower. Nevertheless, champions like Céline Boutier are starting to earn a very good living with several victories on the American circuit. The highest-paid French player, Marie-José Pérecmay not be a golfer, but Céline Boutier is racking up prizes and sponsorships, and could be on the verge of becoming a multimillionaire in euros if her career continues to go from strength to strength.
Q. Can a golfer get rich without winning a major tournament?
R. Absolutely. Our ranking proves it: none of the French golfers mentioned above has won a major tournament. major tournamentAnd yet they're millionaires. Consistency on the professional circuits, victories in "classic" tournaments and the right investments are all it takes to build a comfortable fortune. In golf, performance pays off over time: being part of the elite for many seasons can earn as much (or even more) than a one-off feat. In short, you don't need a Masters or a British Open to make a good living from golf, even if it does make a big contribution!
