There are a fair number of jokes made at the expense of the PGA Championship—the “Ringo” of men’s majors being arguably our favorite. But Ringo will forever be a member of the Beatles, and the winner of the PGA Championship will forever be able to call himself a major champion. Just ask Jason Dufner.
Bottom line: There are only four men’s majors played each year, and the PGA Championship is one of them. And besides being able to say you’re a major winner, there are also a number of spoils that come from grabbing the title.
The Wanamaker Trophy
At 28 inches tall, 27 inches wide and 27 pounds, the Wanamaker Trophy is the biggest piece of hardware handed out among the majors. If you win it, you’ll receiving a replica that’s only slightly smaller than the original.
A seven-figure payday
The PGA of America will announce the prize money payout at Quail Hollow on Saturday, and it’s expected that the payday will increase a bit from last year’s $18.5 million purse. That means this year’s winner is likely to make a little more than the $3.3 million that Xander Schauffele won claimed a year ago at Valhalla.
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Something or nothing? PGA Championship 2025: Did Scottie Scheffler just troll Lousiville PD by wearing this orange shirt to a PGA practice round? Lifetime exemption into the PGA Championship
If you don’t think it’s a big deal, ask Shaun Micheel, Martin Kaymer or Phil Mickelson
Seriously, it’s a fantastic perk.
Five-year exemption into the Masters, U.S. Open, Open Championship
Knowing you have a free pass into all the majors for that long is another sweet reward.
Five-year PGA Tour membership
Used to be 10 years. Five is still some great job security.
Seven-year DP World Tour membership
Would be kind of funny if Scottie Scheffler wins and says I’m taking my skills to Europe. But if you’re already playing on the DP World Tour, this gives you a great opportunity to know you have your base tour, but then can also moonlight on the PGA Tour
Ryder Cup points
American players earn 1.5 points for every $1,000 earned in relation to the Ryder Cup points standings, so it’s a sure way to make a huge jump up the list with six automatic spots set to be locked in later this summer. And a European winner enjoys similar benefits.
FedEx Cup and OWGR points
For PGA Tour players, the former (750 for the win) is big in terms of nearly guaranteeing a spot into East Lake and the Tour Championship. For LIV golfers, OWGR points are massive since they can’t earn any on their home circuit.
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PGA Championship PGA Championship 2025: Where have all the Cinderella major winners gone? MORE GOLF DIGEST PGA CHAMPIONSHIP COVERAGE
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This article was originally published on golfdigest.com
