US Open Golf Prize Money

By Yatta Golf | May 3, 2025 

US Open Prize Money And Winnings

In recent years, the U.S. Open has led the charge when it comes to cash. The USGA doesn’t mess around. In 2024, the total purse hit a jaw-dropping $20 million, making it one of the richest tournaments in golf. That's not just life-changing money—that's buy-a-golf-course money.

Breaking Down The Big Bucks

The U.S. Open doesn’t just reward greatness—it throws money at it. Here’s how the $20 million purse was sliced up in 2024:

• 🥇 1st Place: $3,600,000
  
• 🥈 2nd Place: $2,160,000
• 🥉 3rd Place: $1,380,000
• 10th Place: $530,000
• 20th Place: ≈$200,000
• 30th Place: ≈$125,000

Don't Forget The Caddies

Behind every millionaire golfer is a caddie hauling clubs, reading greens, and probably talking you out of that risky 3-wood. At the U.S. Open, their 10% cut of a win is around $360,000—and that’s just the baseline.
Throw in:
- Performance bonuses
- Sponsorship tips
- “Thanks for not letting me implode” Rolexes
…and that loop just became one of the most lucrative gigs in sports.

Then vs. Now

Golf's always been a game of honor, skill, and a deep love for the grind—but let’s be honest, the money game has changed. And if you think today’s players are living large, just wait until you see how far the U.S. Open has come.

US Open Champion Payouts Throughout The Years:

• 1965 winner Gary Player won $25,000
• 1980 winner Jack Nicklaus won $55,000
• 1995 winner Corey Pavin won $350,000
• 2000 winner Tiger Woods won $800,000
• 2010 winner Graeme McDowell won $1,350,000

Play well at the U.S. Open and your life might never be the same. Even a decent finish is like hitting the lottery. And if you somehow win the thing?Well, get ready for your accountant, your caddie, and your entire extended family to start texting a lot more.