Golf has a very interesting business model

 With its only global superstar (Tiger) eclipsed and the lacklustre American economy hurting its sponsors, professional golf should be in deep financial trouble. Yet it is thriving. The average prize money for a PGA Tour event (the name derives from the Professional Golfers’ Association of America, from which the PGA Tour originally sprang) nearly doubled between 2000 and 2010, from $3.3m to $6m. The two highest-earning American athletes in 2010 (including endorsements and appearance fees) were both golfers. Mr Woods, despite his troubles, made more than $90m. Phil Mickelson, an amiable left-hander, made $61.7m. Even the 125th-ranked player on the PGA Tour made around $1m.

 More specifics about the business here.  A very interesting read throughout.  ...and even with Tiger seemingly on the way out, there is always hope in the future.