The 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale features a record-breaking prize fund of £13.3 million, an increase of £560,000 from the 2025 event. The winner will receive £2.4 million, up nearly £75,000 from last year, along with the iconic Claret Jug.
Runner-Up and Third-Place Payouts
The runner-up will earn approximately £1.37 million, while the third-place finisher will claim around £881,000. These substantial sums reflect the tournament's status as one of golf's most lucrative events.
Tax Implications for Players
Since the tournament is held in the UK, all winnings are subject to British tax laws. Players earning over £125,140 face a top-tier income tax rate of 45%, significantly reducing their net earnings. This contrasts with tax-free or low-tax environments in other countries.
Caddie and Support Staff Bonuses
Elite golfers typically share a portion of their prize money with their support teams. A winning caddie traditionally receives a 10% commission, amounting to £240,000 before taxes. Performance coaches, sports psychologists, and physiotherapists also receive predetermined percentages of the final payout.
Compensation for Missed Cut
Players who miss the 36-hole cut are still compensated to cover costs. The top 10 players who miss the cut receive approximately £9,600 each, the next 20 receive £8,000 each, and all remaining players in the field are allocated £6,800 each.
