The Open prize money: Find out how much each player will win in 2026
The Open kicks off this Thursday, and here’s a friendly guide to the prize money up for grabs at golf’s final major of 2026.
A total of 156 players will come together at Southport’s famous Royal Birkdale course for four days filled with great golf. Many will be hopeful to lift the prestigious Claret Jug by the end of the tournament.
Scottie Scheffler, last year’s champion who won his first Open at Royal Portrush, is seen as the favorite to win back-to-back titles – something no one has done since Padraig Harrington in 2008. Scheffler, currently the world No.1, is eager to match Harrington’s achievement and claim his first major win of 2026. Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy hopes to add a second major to his name this year.
McIlroy already made history by winning back-to-back Masters titles in April – a rare feat achieved only by legends like Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, and Tiger Woods. But how much cash could Scheffler, McIlroy, and others take home if they win on Sunday? Let’s break it down!
The total prize fund for The Open is a record $17.75 million (£13.3 million), which is $750,000 (£560,000) more than last year’s event at Royal Portrush. The winner will pocket $3.2 million (£2.4 million), and the top three finishers will each get over $1.1 million (£820,000). Players finishing in the top seven are guaranteed at least $500,000 (£372,900).
If more than 70 players make the cut, the prize money for those below 70 drops by just $125 (£93) per extra player, with a minimum payout of $39,450 (£29,400).
Even though The Open is offering a record prize pot, it’s still the smallest compared to the other major golf tournaments. For comparison, McIlroy won a huge $4.5 million (£3.3 million) for his second Masters win in April. Aaron Rai earned $3.6 million (£2.7 million) for his first major victory at the PGA Championship in May, and Wyndham Clark took home the same amount for winning the US Open last month.
It’s shaping up to be an exciting Open with plenty at stake – both the title and some serious prize money!