With his finish at the Dubai World Championship two weeks ago, world No. 2Lee Westwood overtook Ernie Els as the leader on the European Tour's career money list. 

The Englishman, who surpassed £25 million in career earnings, said he believes golfers are paid too much compared to other contributors to society. 

"We play for a staggering amount of money, no doubt about it and I've always stressed we are very, very fortunate. I think we are paid too much money – compared to police and teachers and nurses," Westwood said, according to the U.K.-based Independent. 

He added, however, that golfers earn their keep more than in other sports.

"But then compare it to footballers. I think the only thing you can probably justify it by is that when golfers have a bad day, we don't get paid anything, but when we have a great day we get paid a lot. It's part of the pressure involved. There isn't a wage as such,” he said.