October 23, 2024
Golf NIL is excited to unveil our inaugural Top 10 valuation rankings, showcasing our highest-rated golfers and their potential in the ever-changing landscape of NIL while exploring what makes these golfers stand out in today's competitive arena.
Rankings are based on our proprietary Valuation Metric System which evaluates athletes across six key areas: Performance and Accolades measures how well a player competes; Media Coverage assesses their media presence; Social Media Reach gauges their online visibility; NIL Opportunity highlights their personal brand growth potential; Current and Past NIL Deals provide insight into market value; and X-Factors consider unique attributes that set them apart.
Let's dive in.
1. J.R. Smith, North Carolina A&T
AP Photo | Woody Marshall/News & Record
With nearly nine million social followers, the two-time NBA Champion turned college golfer ranks as one of the most followed student-athletes across all sports. Now in his fourth year competing for North Carolina A&T, Smith has made significant strides in golf, securing deals with major labels that recognize his influence.
2. Luke Clanton, Florida State
Steven Garcia/ZUMA Press Wire
Boasting seven PGA TOUR starts that include six made cuts and three top 10 finishes, Luke Clanton, the world’s top-ranked amateur golfer, is one of the best examples of what college golf brings to NIL.
3. Charlie Woods, The Benjamin School
Debby Wong/ZUMA Press Wire
At just 15, Charlie Woods is one of the most recognized junior athletes, offering brands a level of exposure that few amateurs can match. Beyond his name, Woods is proving his competitive edge with significant accomplishments, including a state title and a South Florida PGA Junior Cup win.
4. Jackson Koivun, Auburn
AP Photo | Paul Sancya
As a freshman, Jackson Koivun recorded one of the best seasons in collegiate golf history, taking the Tigers to their first national championship while sweeping the individual award categories. Today, the World No. 2 is on everyone’s watch list.
5. Gordon Sargent, Vanderbilt
Wu Xiaoling/Xinhua/Alamy
Gordon Sargent has a unique advantage that even top college football and basketball players don't: a guaranteed ticket to the pros. With his PGA TOUR membership debut slated for June 2025, Sargent is showcasing how professional sports can help influence a player's NIL value.
6. John Daly II, Arkansas
Debby Wong/ZUMA Press Wire
John Daly II hasn't just inherited a famous name and skillful game; he has something many players hope for—a dedicated fan base. With almost 200,000 Instagram followers, Daly is sitting on significant untapped NIL potential.
7. Brendan Valdes, Auburn
AP Photo | Mike Buscher
With an impressive resume featuring a record-breaking 19 Top 10 finishes and playing a key role in securing the program’s first NCAA national title, Brendan Valdes stands out as one of Auburn Golf’s most accomplished players. Add in back-to-back U.S. Open appearances, and a recent runner-up finish at the Ben Hogan Collegiate Invitational, and Valdes continues to claim his share of the NIL spotlight.
8. Preston Summerhays, Arizona State
Michael Barrett Boesen/Alamy
As a talented player with a game that keeps him in the headlines, Preston Summerhays started the 2024-25 season strong with a victory at the Sahalee Players Championship. Between the PGA TOUR and Korn Ferry Tour, the Arizona State senior has made 11 professional starts, the most recent being at the 2024 Utah Championship.
9. Ben James, Virginia
PA Images
Following a runner-up finish at the 2024 NCAA Championships, Ben James is riding the momentum into the fall. His win at last month's Valero Texas Collegiate sets him up for his seventh PGA TOUR appearance in at the Valero Texas Open in April.
10. Kai Trump, The Benjamin School
Alberto E. Tamargo/Sipa USA
With over 400,000 followers on Instagram, Kai Trump is a social media powerhouse. The 17-year-old University of Miami commit regularly garners her fair share of media attention, amplifying her visibility and any brands she collaborates with.
