[PHOTO: Oisin Keniry/R&A]
The R&A is following the USGA’s lead and holding steady on prizemoney for its flagship event.
For the first time since 2012, the Open Championship is not increasing its purse from the previous year. The total payouts will total $US17 million, with the winner receiving $US3.1 million. The US Open at Oakmont also kept its similar payout from 2024.
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The majors have been experiencing an annual jump in their allotments, particularly in the LIV Golf era. This year the Masters increased its payouts by $1 million (for a $US21 million purse), and the PGA Championship cracked $US19 million this year thanks to a half-million-dollar boost. The PGA Tour has also had to strengthen its payouts, with the Players Championship giving $US25 million this year and the FedEx Cup awarding more than $US75 million in bonus money.
Last year, departing R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers noted his worry that the routine increases were not sustainable.
“We have to make choices if we want to continue to build on the significant growth in participation that is essential for golf’s future,” Slumbers said at Royal Troon. “We remain concerned about the impact substantial increases in men’s professional prizemoney are having on the perception of the sport and its long-term financial sustainability. We are determined to act with the interests of the global game in mind as we pursue our goal of ensuring golf continues to thrive in 50 years’ time.”
