The Richest Major: Unpacking the $21.5 Million Purse at the 2025 U.S. Open
OAKMONT, PA – Beyond the glory of lifting the U.S. Open trophy, this year's champion, J.J. Spaun, also walked away with a monumental payday. The 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club featured a staggering $21.5 million total purse, solidifying its position as the largest prize pool among golf's four major championships.
This marked the second consecutive year the U.S. Open maintained this record-setting purse, a figure that has nearly doubled since 2021 when it stood at $12.5 million. According to USGA CEO Mike Whan, the organization is committed to ensuring "the money to be commensurate with the achievement."
The Champion's Share: A Record Payout
For his dramatic victory at Oakmont, J.J. Spaun received a winner's share of $4.3 million. This substantial sum matches the highest single-winner payout in major championship history, first set by Bryson DeChambeau at the 2024 U.S. Open.
Payout Breakdown: Millions for the Top Finishers
The generous purse ensured that even those who didn't claim the top spot took home significant earnings. The top four finishers at the 2025 U.S. Open each earned over $1 million, a testament to the event's financial stature.
Here's a look at the top payouts:
- 1st Place (J.J. Spaun): $4,300,000
- 2nd Place (Robert MacIntyre): $2,322,000
- 3rd Place (Viktor Hovland): $1,459,284
- T4 (Cameron Young, Tyrrell Hatton, Carlos Ortiz): $876,869 each
Even players who missed the cut at Oakmont received a payout of $10,000, ensuring a minimum reward for all professionals who participated in the championship.
U.S. Open vs. Other Majors and Tournaments
While the U.S. Open boasts the largest purse among the four majors, it's worth noting how it compares to other significant events in professional golf:
- The Masters (2025): Offered a $21 million purse, with Rory McIlroy taking home $4.2 million for his victory.
- PGA Championship (2025): Had a $19 million purse, with Scottie Scheffler earning $3.42 million.
- The Players Championship: Remains the richest event in golf with a total purse of $25 million and a winner's share of $4.5 million, claimed by Rory McIlroy in March 2025.
The consistent growth of the U.S. Open purse underscores the financial health of professional golf and the USGA's commitment to rewarding players at the highest levels of the sport. J.J. Spaun's clutch performance at Oakmont not only secured him a major title but also an incredibly significant financial windfall.
