PGA Championship prize money on offer in record year as Rory McIlroy chases second 2026 major

Rory McIlroy's hometown celebrates his Masters victory

Callum Vurley

By Callum Vurley


Published: 16/05/2026

- 21:00

One lucky golfer will be walking away with a record amount of prize money this Sunday

The champion of this year's PGA Championship will pocket a record-breaking $3.69 million (£2.76 million) when the tournament concludes at Aronimink Golf Club in Pennsylvania on Sunday evening.

The PGA of America confirmed the unprecedented prize fund on Saturday morning, with the total purse reaching $20.5 million (£15.4 million) — representing a $1.5 million (£1.13 million) increase from the previous year.


Both figures establish new records for the 108th edition of the championship, which serves as the second major of the golfing calendar.

Alongside the substantial financial reward, the victor will also claim the prestigious Wanamaker trophy.

Rory McIlroy is chasing a record amount of prize money at the PGA Championship this year

Rory McIlroy is chasing a record amount of prize money at the PGA Championship this year

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REUTERS

The financial rewards extend well beyond the champion, with the runner-up set to collect $2.2 million (£1.65 million) — a sum that actually surpasses what Phil Mickelson earned for his triumph at Kiawah Island in 2021.

To illustrate how dramatically prize money has escalated, this year's winner's cheque exceeds the combined earnings from Rory McIlroy's two PGA Championship victories by half a million dollars.

The figure also represents triple what Tiger Woods received for his win at Medinah two decades ago.

Jimmy Walker claimed $1.8 million for his 2016 success at Baltusrol, while Scottie Scheffler took home $3.42 million following his Quail Hollow triumph last summer.

The prize money distribution rewards competitors throughout the field, with third place receiving $1.39 million and fourth earning $984,000.

Fifth position commands $820,000, while sixth through tenth place finishers collect between $727,600 and $553,000 respectively.

This year's PGA Championship has already been dripping in drama

This year's PGA Championship has already been dripping in drama

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REUTERS

Even those who failed to make the weekend cut will not leave empty-handed, with each receiving $4,300.

The player finishing in 82nd position — the final competitor to survive the cut — will earn just under $24,000.

Seventh place pays $681,050, eighth receives $636,400, and ninth takes home $593,700, demonstrating the depth of financial rewards available across the leaderboard.

PGA Championship prize money is up from last year's record amount

PGA Championship prize money is up from last year's record amount

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REUTERS

The PGA Championship purse sits below The Masters, which boasted a $22.5 million fund when McIlroy claimed $4.5 million for his victory last month, and trails the US Open's $21.5 million from last year.

However, it significantly exceeds The Open Championship's more modest $17 million offering.

PGA of America chief executive Terry Clark addressed the competitive landscape earlier this week, stating: "It's a balanced approach.

"We're really focused on all aspects of how do we improve and continue to look at improvement at the assets we have, including PGA Championships."

Clark indicated the organisation does not feel compelled to match payouts from LIV Golf or the PGA Tour directly.