The PGA Championship has increased its total prize purse to a record $20.5 million ahead of the third round at Aronimink Golf Club near Philadelphia. Organized by the PGA of America, the tournament’s prize pool rose by $1.5 million compared to last year’s $19 million payout at Quail Hollow Club.
The winner of the 2026 PGA Championship will earn $3.69 million, up from the $3.42 million won by Scottie Scheffler in 2025.
Prize money at the PGA Championship has steadily increased over the past five years:
- 2022: $15 million
- 2023: $17.5 million
- 2024: $18.5 million
- 2025: $19 million
- 2026: $20.5 million
This year, all top-three finishers will receive more than $1 million. Even the player finishing last among those making the cut will earn $23,900, while golfers missing the cut receive $4,300.
Despite the increase, the PGA Championship still ranks third among golf’s four major tournaments in terms of total prize money. The Masters Tournament offered a record $22.5 million purse earlier this year, while the U.S. Open paid out $21.5 million in each of the past two years. The Open Championship had a purse of $17 million in 2025.
PGA of America CEO Terry Clark said the organization is taking a “balanced approach” to prize money growth. The sharp rise in payouts across men’s golf began after the launch of LIV Golf in 2022.
LIV Golf initially introduced tournaments with $25 million purses and has since raised total event prize money to $33 million this year. In response, the PGA Tour launched its signature event series with $20 million purses and increased the prize money for The Players Championship to $25 million.
With this latest increase, the PGA Championship now surpasses the PGA Tour’s $20 million signature events for the first time.