In a stunning crossroad between tech and sports, Apple CEO Tim Cook has reportedly extended a jaw-dropping $199 million endorsement offer to none other than Scottie Scheffler, the 2025 Open Championship winner and current world No.1 golfer. The deal, said to be one of the most lucrative in the history of sports endorsements, was contingent on Scheffler publicly endorsing the upcoming iPhone lineup in a global advertising campaign.
Sources close to Apple claim the campaign will showcase major innovations in the iPhone 17 Pro Max, which includes advanced AI-powered camera technology and a revolutionary satellite-based communication system. The company is said to be looking for a fresh, iconic face to embody its next generation of innovation—and Scheffler, with his clean image and global popularity, fits that bill perfectly.
Tim Cook, known for his strategic alliances with prominent athletes and entertainers, reportedly met privately with Scheffler’s representatives just days after the golfer lifted the Claret Jug at St Andrews. The proposed deal would make Scheffler one of the highest-paid athlete-endorsers in Apple’s history, rivaling partnerships with the likes of Taylor Swift and LeBron James.
However, Scheffler’s response caught everyone off guard.
After reviewing the proposal, Scottie Scheffler sent back a single sentence via his agent:
“Thank you, but I don’t play golf for the cameras.”
That single line sent shockwaves through both the business and sports worlds. Within minutes of the statement going public, social media erupted. On X (formerly Twitter), “Scottie” and “$199M” were trending worldwide. Many applauded Scheffler’s integrity, noting his long-standing reputation as a grounded, family-oriented athlete who plays “for the love of the game.”
One fan wrote, “In a world where everyone’s chasing money, Scottie just reminded us what passion really looks like.” Others criticized the decision, calling it a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity turned down for the sake of pride.
Industry analysts are divided. Some suggest Scheffler may still leave the door open for future collaboration on different terms, while others believe his statement was final and unambiguous. Apple, for its part, has made no official comment, but insiders say Cook was “visibly surprised” by the rejection.
The move has sparked larger conversations about authenticity in sports, especially in a commercial era where major athletes are increasingly becoming brand ambassadors. Whether Scheffler’s response marks a rare exception or a new wave of athlete independence remains to be seen.
Regardless, one thing is clear: Scottie Scheffler just turned down $199 million—and in doing so, may have cemented his legacy beyond the golf course.
