The 14-times major champion, who trails only Jack Nicklaus (18 majors) on the all-time list, recently launched a competitive comeback after being sidelined for more than 15 months while recovering from back surgery.
Woods who went through a costly divorce in 2010 and lost several sponsors after revelations of multiple infidelity, is seventh on the list, while Mickelson is 18th, with an estimated worth of $375 million.
Jordan, 53, who retired in 2003 with the mantle of arguably the greatest basketballer, is worth $1.2 billion according to the magazine, good for fourth on the list, which is topped by filmmaker George Lucas ($4.6 billion).
Forbes says eligibility for the list was limited to United States citizens who are rich because of their fame, rather than famous because they are rich.
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According to Forbes, President-elect Donald Trump belongs in the latter category.
(Reporting by Andrew Both in Cary, North Carolina; Editing by Greg Stutchbury)
