Tiger Woods has become the first sportsman to earn $1billion, according to Forbes magazine.

The American money bible has been keeping track on Tiger's earnings since he turned pro and joined the PGA Tour way back in 1996.

And they believe that the $10million cheque he banked for winning this year's FedEX Cup title took him past the magical milestone.

As soon as Tiger joined the paid ranks he signed a $40million deal with Nike, and it's been a constant success story ever since.

Forbes claims Woods had earned $895million heading into 2009, and says his $20.5million on-course earnings this year plus his $100million annual off-course total means his career earnings are now into 10 figures.