The British Open is swinging into Royal Birkdale this week with a record-setting $17.75 million purse, but here's the kicker: it’s *still* the lowest payout among all the major championships. Seriously, they're celebrating a new high for The Open, yet it barely cracks the top for overall major championship payouts.
A "Record" That Doesn't Quite Measure Up
The R&A announced on Tuesday that this $17.75 million pot is the biggest The Open has ever offered, marking a solid $500,000 jump from last year. And whoever snags that iconic Claret Jug on Sunday? They're walking away with a $3.2 million check, which is also a $100,000 increase from 2025 and a new record for the British Open winner. That's a lot of dough, no doubt. But when you look at the landscape of major championship golf, it’s clear the British Open still has some serious catching up to do.Staring Down the Competition (And Their Fat Wallets)
Here's where it gets real. The U.S. Open and the Masters each boasted an insane $22.5 million purse this season. Those are the largest in men's major championship history. The PGA Championship wasn't far behind, topping $20 million with a $20.5 million purse. Even the PGA Tour's regular signature events often hit $20 million, with The Players Championship leading the pack at a staggering $25 million. So while The Open is breaking its own records, it’s still significantly behind its counterparts in the United States. It's a record, sure, but it’s a record that puts them in last place for the majors.Massive Strides, But the Climb Continues
Don't get it twisted, The Open has made some serious moves since it was last at Royal Birkdale. Back in 2017, when Jordan Spieth lifted the Claret Jug, the total purse was only $10.25 million, and Spieth pocketed $1.845 million for his victory. So the growth is undeniable, a massive leap from where it was. But with golf purses skyrocketing across the board, the British Open still has a long way to go to truly stand shoulder to shoulder with the other majors. The action kicks off Thursday morning just north of Liverpool, with golfers vying for their piece of that record, yet comparatively smaller, pie. You just know everyone’s going to be fighting for every shot, especially with that $3.2 million winner's check on the line!This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.