
With his finish at the Dubai World Championship two weeks ago, world No. 2 Lee Westwood overtook Ernie Els as the leader on the European Tour's career money list.
The Englishman, who surpassed £25 million in career earnings, said he believes golfers are paid too much compared to other contributors to society.
'We play for a staggering amount of money, no doubt about it and I've always stressed we are very, very fortunate. I think we are paid too much money – compared to police and teachers and nurses,' Westwood said, according to the U.K.-based Independent.
He added, however, that golfers earn their keep more than in other sports.
'But then compare it to footballers. I think the only thing you can probably justify it by is that when golfers have a bad day, we don't get paid anything, but when we have a great day we get paid a lot. It's part of the pressure involved. There isn't a wage as such,” he said.