Golf Prize Money Inflation Continues at The Open

THE man who lifts the Claret Jug at Royal Liverpool will also pocket a cheque for $3m. 

As impressive as that sum is, it represents the smallest first prize at golf’s four majors - the winner of the US PGA gets $3.15m, while it's $3.42m for The Masters and $3.6m for the US Open.

The R&A have been quick to defend their prize pool.

“Our aim is to ensure The Open remains at the pinnacle of world golf and we have almost doubled the prize fund since 2016,” said R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers.

“While we are seeing substantial increases in prize money across the men’s professional game, we are fulfilling our wider obligation to the sport by elevating the AIG Women’s Open, strengthening pathways in the elite amateur game and encouraging more people around the world to play golf.

“We believe that getting this balance right is vital to the long-term future of the sport.”

(Image Credit: Kevin Diss Photography)

If Cameron Smith were to successfully defend the Claret Jug he would earn less than he did in winning the latest LIV Golf event in Hertfordshire, an event which carried a $4m first prize. But which tournament do you think he would rather win?

The inflation rate in men’s professional golf has gone off the scale since LIV’s arrival on the scene with the elevated events on the PGA Tour now worth $3.6m to the winner. 

When Rory McIlroy won at Hoylake the last time the Open was staged there nine years ago he pocketed a ‘mere’ $1.66m.