The PGA Championship is stepping up its game in a big way. Tournament organizers announced Saturday morning, just before the third round at Aronimink Golf Club outside Philadelphia, that the purse has been boosted to a record-breaking $20.5 million. That's a $1.5 million jump from last year's $19 million payout at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte.
This is one of golf's four major championships, run by the PGA of America—not to be confused with the PGA Tour, as they're separate organizations. The PGA of America also handles the U.S. operations for the Ryder Cup, so they know a thing or two about big-stage events.
The winner walking away on Sunday will pocket a cool $3.69 million, up from the $3.42 million Scottie Scheffler took home in 2025. And it's not just the champion who's cashing in: the top three finishers will all earn over $1 million this weekend. Even the last-place finisher (82nd) will get $23,900, while players who missed the 36-hole cut still receive $4,300.
Over the past five years, the PGA Championship's purse has climbed steadily, reflecting the sport's booming financial landscape. But despite this record increase, it still ranks third among the four majors. The Masters set the bar in April with a $22.5 million purse—the highest ever for a major. The U.S. Open has paid out $21.5 million for the past two years, and could match or surpass the Masters with another bump next month. The Open Championship's 2025 purse, meanwhile, sits at $17 million.
PGA of America CEO Terry Clark noted Wednesday that the organization is taking "a balanced approach" to prize money, which has skyrocketed across men's golf since LIV Golf launched in 2022. LIV debuted with $25 million purses—$20 million for individual competition and $5 million for team events. In response, the PGA Tour introduced its signature event series in 2023, paying out $20 million per event, and increased the Players Championship purse to $25 million. LIV has since raised its per-event total to $33 million ($23 million for individuals, $10 million for teams).
USGA CEO Mike Whan recently told Front Office Sports that the U.S. Open's prize money strategy is "not a race" with the Masters or other majors, but with numbers like these, it's clear the competition is heating up both on and off the course. For fans and players alike, it's an exciting time in golf—and this weekend at Aronimink is just the latest proof.