The 2025 U.S. Open, hosted at Oakmont Country Club for a record tenth time, maintained a lucrative purse of $21.5 million, underscoring its position as one of the most rewarding events in major championship golf. J.J. Spaun emerged victorious, claiming his first major title and a winner's share of $4.3 million.
The USGA's decision to maintain the $21.5 million purse reflects a commitment to providing substantial financial rewards commensurate with the achievement of winning the U.S. Open. USGA CEO Mike Whan noted that when he started just four years prior, the purse was $12.5 million, highlighting the significant growth in prize money over recent years.
While the U.S. Open purse remained unchanged from 2024, it continues to lead amongst golf's major championships. The Masters Tournament awarded $21 million in April, while the PGA Championship distributed $19 million. The Open Championship in the previous year had a purse of $17 million. The Players Championship stands alone as the richest event in golf, offering a $25 million purse, with Rory McIlroy claiming the $4.5 million winner's share in March.
The runner-up at the 2025 U.S. Open, Robert MacIntyre, received $2,322,000, while Viktor Hovland took home $1,459,284 for finishing third. Even those who missed the cut were not left empty-handed, each receiving $10,000.
The U.S. Open purse has seen significant growth in recent years. From $12.5 million in 2021, it rose to $17.5 million in 2022, $20 million in 2023, and $21.5 million in 2024 and 2025. The U.S. Open's total purse is $1.5 million more than the PGA Tour's Signature Events, which offer $20 million purses.
The complete payout breakdown for the 2025 U.S. Open demonstrates the extensive distribution of prize money. The top four finishers all earned at least a million dollars. Beyond the top finishers, the purse was distributed amongst the 66 professionals who made the cut, with amounts decreasing incrementally based on their finishing position.
J.J. Spaun's victory was particularly notable. Entering the tournament as a 120-1 longshot without a major top-20 finish to his name, Spaun navigated the challenging conditions of Oakmont to secure his first major championship. His final round included a clutch 65-foot putt on the 18th hole, sealing his victory and the substantial $4.3 million prize.
The 2025 U.S. Open not only provided a compelling competition but also underscored the significant financial rewards available to golf's top players. The $21.5 million purse, with $4.3 million going to the winner, reflects the prestige and importance of this major championship.
