By Brian Keogh, Founder Irish Golf Desk
Rory McIlroy and Caroline Woznaicki have tumbled in the SportsPros’ annual list of the Top 50 most marketable athletes on the planet. But they’re not the only ones to suffer a change in fortunes.
Ranked 3rd last year, McIlroy is now 24th with Wozniacki down 25 places from 23rd to 48th.
Lewis Hamilton takes over from Neymar as No 1 with the Braziiian down to seventh.
The top golfer this year is new world No 1 Adam Scott with Jordan Spieth next on the list at 19th.
McIlroy isn’t the only big name to fall. Lionel Messi’s average year with Barça has seen him fall from No 2 to 11th.
As for SportsPro’s take on McIlroy, they point to the 2016 Olympics and the next two Ryder Cups as huge for him.
If you’re wondering if he will compete in Rio, remember how much cash is at stake for him and his sponsors.
