The well-publicised personal life problems Woods endured, after allegations began to find their way into the public gaze in late 2009, eventually led to him losing a number of big endorsement deals.

Woods also suffered on the course, as he took in his lowest annual tournament earnings in over 10 years.

The 14-time Major winner earned $74.2 million in 2010, compared to the $121.9m he took in 2009, according Golf Digest magazine. Despite the $48m drop, Woods easily remained as the sport’s biggest earner in the year just passed.

Phil Mickelson is second on the list, with total earning of $40.18m. Arnold Palmer, with $36m, is third, while Greg Norman ($30m) is fourth, with Jack Nicklaus’ $25.17m putting him in fifth place.

Jim Furyk earned $23.58m and that places him sixth, with South Africans Ernie Els ($21.5m) and Gary Player ($15.01m) in seventh and eighth places respectively. Lee Westwood is ninth ($14.73m), with his fellow Englishman Luke Donald ($12.5m) completing the top 10.