The US Open 2026 prize money has been set at a record $22.5 million, with the winner at Shinnecock Hills taking home $4.5 million, USGA CEO Mike Whan announced on Wednesday.
That is a $1 million increase from last year and the fifth purse bump in the last six years. The winner’s share is also up $200,000 from the $4.3 million J.J. Spaun collected at Oakmont last year.
“Last time we were here was 2018. The purse was $12 million. We’re back in 2026 with a purse of $22.5 million. We’re proud of keeping that pace as well,” Whan said.
Why the Increase?
The US Open 2026 prize money now matches the Masters, which also raised its purse to $22.5 million this year. When asked if Augusta National‘s increase influenced the decision, Whan pushed back on the idea of a race between the majors.
“We also are not in a race. We’re not chasing,” Whan said. “We’re proud of where we are. We think it’s a measure of how we feel about our championship. It needs to be significant and stand out. We think $22.5 does.”
He was clear though on the ambition behind the decision. “We want to be big. We want to be the best. We want to make sure it’s life-changing in multiple ways,” he said.
How the US Open Compares to Other Majors
The US Open and Masters now sit joint top among the men’s majors at $22.5 million each. The PGA Championship increased its purse to $20.5 million this year following Aaron Rai’s win at Aronimink.
The Open Championship paid out $17 million at Royal Portrush in 2025. Only the Players Championship, with a $25 million purse, offers a bigger overall payday than the US Open 2026 prize money.
What Happens if You Miss the Cut?
The top 60 and ties advance past the 36-hole cut at Shinnecock Hills. Any professional who misses the cut still walks away with $10,000.
The full prize money breakdown will be confirmed once the cut is made, with adjustments depending on how many amateurs advance to the weekend.
