The Open prize money with winner set for record-breaking payday | Golf | Sport
Prize money has increased since Scottie Scheffler lifted the Claret Jug in 2025 (Image: Getty)
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The Open Championship prize money explained
- Total tournament purse: The R&A has announced a record-breaking prize fund for the 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. The overall sum available stands at £13.3million, representing an increase from the 2025 event.
- Champion golfer payout: The player who claims the iconic Claret Jug will receive a substantial individual reward. This winner’s portion amounts to £2.4m, making it the largest payout in the tournament’s history.
- Runner-up: Securing the leading positions behind the victor remains extremely profitable. The second-place finisher receives approximately £1.37m. The third-place competitor will collect a six-figure sum of roughly £881,000.
- Tax deductions: As the event falls under R&A governance and takes place on British territory, all player winnings are liable to domestic tax regulations. Champions face a top-tier UK income tax rate of 45% on earnings above £125,140, which substantially reduces the net income. This elevated tax rate contrasts sharply with certain lower-tax venues on professional golf circuits.
- Caddie and staff bonuses: Top professionals dedicate a substantial portion of their earnings to their support personnel. Generally, a tournament-winning caddie receives a 10% share of the prize money, amounting to approximately £240,000 from the champion’s winnings pre-tax. Additional staff members, including coaches and physios, will also claim percentages of the ultimate payout.
- Missed cut compensation: Even competitors who fail to advance to the final two rounds are awarded financial remuneration. The leading 10 players who miss the 36-hole cut will collect a payment of around £9,600 to assist with costs. The following 20 players will secure £8,000 apiece, while the remaining players get £6,800 each.
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