On Tuesday, the USGA announced that it has increased the purse for both the Men’s and Women’s U.S. Opens by $500,000. The increase for both events goes into effect this season, beginning with the Women’s U.S. Open this upcoming weekend at the Country Club of Charleston and the Men’s U.S. Open in two weeks at Pebble Beach.
“The USGA is committed to providing an unparalleled experience to every player competing in its championships,” said John Bodenhamer, senior managing director, championships. “Through strategic investments in our player relations program, we are continuing the effort to create a competitor experience commensurate with the game’s most prestigious championships, and that includes an increased purse and a continued commitment to make playing in an Open championship unforgettable for the world’s top amateur players.”
With the purse increases, the men will be playing for a total of $12.5 million while the women will be playing for a total of $5.5 million. The increase is significant for the women, as it will mean the winner will take home $1 million. That will make the Women’s U.S. Open the second most lucrative women’s professional golf event, behind only the LPGA’s CME Group Tour Championship, which pays its winner $1.5 million out of a $5 million purse.
For the men, the purse increase now makes the U.S. Open the most lucrative professional event on the men’s side as well.
