The world golf number one Tiger Woods has become the first sportsman to break through the billion-dollar US earnings barrier according to Forbes magazine.
The 33-year-old American, who has won 14 majors, reached the latest landmark of his career when he won a $14 million bonus for his FedEx Cup victory last weekend.
According to the magazine's calculations, Woods went into the 2009 season on $US895 million which included prize money, endorsements, appearance fees as well as money earned through his golf course design business.
Even before picking up his end of season bonus, Woods had earned $US10.5 million on the USPGA Tour this year, winning six titles.
He's been the top-earning sportsman since 2002 when he took over from former Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher.
His most lucrative commercial deal is with Nike and brings him over $40 million a year.
Forbes estimated that retired NBA star Michael Jordan will be the next sportsman to earn a billion dollars.
