The PGA Championship is one of the four major championships in professional golf and attracts the world’s best players every year. Beyond the prestige of winning a major title, the tournament offers one of the largest prize purses in golf.
Fans often wonder how much money the winner takes home and how payouts are distributed among the field. In this guide, we’ll break down the PGA Championship payout structure, explain how prize money is allocated, and examine why tournament purses continue to grow.
What Is the PGA Championship?
The PGA Championship is organized annually by the PGA of America and is considered one of golf’s most prestigious events. Alongside the Masters Tournament, U.S. Open, and The Open Championship, it forms golf’s four major championships.
Winning the PGA Championship provides:
A significant financial reward
Lifetime recognition in golf history
Exemptions into future major championships
Valuable FedEx Cup points
Increased sponsorship opportunities
PGA Championship Payout Overview
The PGA Championship purse has increased significantly over the past decade due to growing television revenue, sponsorship deals, and increased interest in professional golf.
PGA Championship Prize Money Distribution
Position
Estimated Payout Percentage
1st Place
18%
2nd Place
10.8%
3rd Place
6.8%
4th Place
4.8%
5th Place
4.0%
6th–10th Place
Varies
11th–25th Place
Varies
26th–70th Place
Varies
The winner typically receives around 18% of the total purse, making the PGA Championship one of the most lucrative events on the professional golf calendar.
