Record $17.75M British Open Purse Still Behind U.S. & Masters

Purse Growth Highlights

The R&A set a new benchmark for The Open this week at Royal Birkdale, unveiling a $17.75 million purse. That total climbs $500,000 from last year and now represents the biggest payout in Open history. The R&A will need to keep finding new revenue streams to match the purses offered at Augusta, the U.S. Open, and the PGA Championship.

The champion’s share jumps to $3.2 million, $100,000 higher than the 2025 award. Compared with the event’s 2017 edition at the same venue, the purse has more than doubled—from $10.25 million to the current figure. Jordan Spieth collected $1.845 million when he lifted the Claret Jug, underscoring how far the prize money has expanded.

How The British Open Stacks Up

The Masters tops the list with a $22.5 million purse, while the PGA of America topped $20 million this season at $20.5 million. The PGA Tour’s flagship events typically sit around the $20 million mark, with The Players Championship reaching $25 million. This disparity means top golfers still earn significantly more at other majors.

Despite the record, The Open remains the smallest of the four men’s majors. This gap highlights the R&A’s continuing effort to close the financial gap, though The Open still trails its U.S. counterparts by several million dollars.

Full Payout Breakdown

Here is the prize money for the top finishers this week:

• 1st place – $3.2 million
• 2nd place – $1.842 million
• 3rd place – $1.181 million
• 4th place – $917,000
• 5th place – $738,000

The list continues down to 70th position, with earnings gradually declining, reflecting the standard PGA Tour payout structure. Participants outside the top 70 still receive a share, ensuring broader financial support for the field. If more than 70 golfers make the cut, the prize pool shrinks by $125 per spot, never dropping below $39,450.

What This Means for Players

The expanded purse makes Royal Birkdale one of the most lucrative stops on the PGA Tour for a single week. Even mid‑field finishers can secure six‑figure payouts, and the winner walks away with a check that rivals top PGA Tour events. The boosted prize pool also adds pressure, as more money is on the line for each shot.

While the increase is notable, the British Open still trails the $22.5 million offered at Augusta. Future tournaments may see further adjustments as the R&A evaluates fan interest and sponsor support.