Jackson Koivun and Ryder Cowan finished tied for 23rd place at the 2026 US Open, outperforming four-time major winner Rory McIlroy, but will not receive any prize money due to their amateur status. The strict Rules of Amateur Status, governed by the USGA and the R&A, prohibit amateur golfers from accepting prize money in professional tournaments.
Amateurs Outshine McIlroy
At Shinnecock Hills, only three golfers finished below par, with Wyndham Clark securing his second US Open title. McIlroy, who won the event in 2011, ended T32 after rounds of 69, 71, 73 and 73, finishing at six-over-par. He was awarded approximately £96,500. Koivun and Cowan, both 21, would have pocketed £137,000 each for their T23 finish had they been professionals, according to tournament officials.
Prize Money Redistribution
Clark earned £3.4 million for his victory, while runner-up Sam Burns received £1.84 million from the record £17 million total prize fund. The nearly £280,000 left on the table by Koivun and Cowan was redistributed among the other professionals, not returned to the USGA.
Amateur Status Rules
When entering the US Open, players must declare their status. By checking the amateur box, they waive their right to prize money. Koivun and Cowan chose to retain their amateur standing for the event, forcing them to decline the money.
Koivun Turns Professional
Koivun, ranked World No. 1 amateur, announced earlier this month that he would turn professional after three years at Auburn University. He accepted PGA Tour membership immediately after the US Open, with his professional debut expected at the John Deere Classic. Koivun said: "I'm grateful to everyone at Auburn University for giving me the most incredible college experience I could've ever imagined. From bringing home a pair of national championships to the late nights and early mornings grinding at the facility and competing alongside guys I'll call brothers for the rest of my life. I wouldn't trade it for the world. With that being said, I've decided to forego my senior year to pursue my lifelong dream of playing on the PGA Tour."
Cowan Remains Amateur
Cowan, a rising senior at the University of Oklahoma, shared the Low Amateur prize with Koivun, receiving the USGA Silver Medal for the best-performing amateurs in the tournament. He has not announced plans to turn professional.
