Golf-Woods wins inaugural Player Impact Program, collects $8 million

FILE PHOTO: Feb 20, 2022; Pacific Palisades, California, USA; Event host Tiger Woods reacts during the trophy presentation following the final round of the Genesis Invitational golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

(Reuters) -Tiger Woods has not competed in any official tournament for over a year but he still beat PGA Tour big hitters Phil Mickelson, Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson and Jon Rahm to win the inaugural Player Impact Program and its $8 million first prize, the U.S.-based circuit said on Wednesday.

The concept, which awarded a combined $40 million to the top 10 finishers, was implemented in 2021 as a way to reward players who positively "move the needle" and generate the most positive interest in the PGA Tour.