PGA Championship Increases Purse to Record $19 Million

The PGA of America has revealed a purse of $19 million (AUD$ 29 million) for this year’s PGA Championship, held at the Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, as the organisation continues to show growth in prize money for athletes.

This figure surpasses last year’s record of $18.5 million (AUD$28.8 million), which culminated in a payout of $3.33 million (AUD$5.19 million) for the champion, Xander Schauffele.

This year’s winner will receive $3.42 million (AUD$5.33 million), marking another record for the championship.

Notably, the top three finishers are assured to take home over $1 million (AUD$1.5 million) each.

Despite this significant increase, the PGA Championship continues to rank third in total prize money among the four major championships.

The U.S. Open currently leads with a purse of $21.5 million (AUD$33.5 million), while the Open Championship has set its purse at $17 million (AUD$26 million).

Earlier this year, the Masters elevated its purse to $21 million, and both the U.S. Open and Open Championship are anticipated to further increase their funds this June and July.

Managed by the PGA of America, the new prize allocation still falls short of the $20 million offered at the PGA Tour’s eight signature events, as well as the individual tournament purses seen at LIV Golf events.

The Players Championship currently holds the title for the highest purse in professional golf, with $25 million on the line, where Rory McIlroy’s victory this year netted him $4.5 million (AUD$7 million), a sum Scottie Scheffler also received in 2024.

As the final round at the PGA Championship approaches, Scheffler leads the leaderboard, holding a three-stroke advantage over Sweden’s Alex Norén. LIV golfers Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau are positioned within the top ten, indicating a competitive finish ahead.

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