Golf’s Prize Money Boom Is Slowing Down

The recent trend of accelerating prize money increases at golf’s major championships is slowing down.  

This weekend, golfers at The Open Championship in Northern Ireland are competing for $17 million, which is the same purse as last year’s event. That marks the first time since 2012 that prize money at The Open hasn’t increased. 

In June, the U.S. Open—still golf’s richest major—offered the same purse as it did a year ago, $21.5 million. 

This comes after major spikes in prize money within the sport that coincided with the launch of LIV Golf in 2022. For example, the $17 million purse offered at The Open this year and last year is a 62% increase over the $10.75 million purse handed out the last time The Open was at Royal Portrush in 2019. That year, the U.S. Open purse was $12.5 million.

Here’s a look at purse amounts at the four men’s majors this year:

• U.S. Open: $21.5 million (no change)
• The Masters: $21 million (up $1 million)
• PGA Championship: $19 million (up $500,000)
• The Open: $17 million (no change)

Meanwhile, the PGA Tour’s flagship event, the Players Championship, stayed level at $25 million this year, but it remains the most lucrative regular-season event. Next month, the Tour Championship will offer a $40 million purse, after major changes to the FedEx Cup bonus money system.

LPGA Money Slowing, Too

The slowing prize-money increases are extending into parts of the LPGA majors as well.

• U.S. Women’s Open: $12 million (no change)
• KPMG Women’s PGA Championship: $12 million (up $1.6 million)
• AIG Women’s Open: TBD, $9.5 million in 2024 (up $500,000 from 2023)
• Chevron Championship: $8 million (up $100,000)
• Amundi Evian Championship: $8 million (no change)

It should be noted that the Women’s PGA Championship prize money increased by more than 13% compared to 2024 in an effort to be equal with the U.S. Women’s Open. The LPGA major season will conclude with the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Porthcawl Golf Course in Wales, beginning July 31.