What’s the biggest prize money in golf?

Answered by Tom Adger

The biggest prize money in golf can vary depending on the specific tournament or event. One notable example is the Tour Championship, which is the final event of the FedEx Cup playoffs on the PGA Tour. While the Tour Championship itself doesn’t have its own purse and winner’s share, it is part of a larger payout structure that includes the entire season.

The overall purse for the FedEx Cup playoffs is an astonishing $70 million, making it one of the most lucrative events in the golfing world. The winner of the Tour Championship receives a significant portion of this purse, with an impressive $17 million being awarded to the champion. This winner’s share is the largest in golf, and it reflects the prestige and importance of the event.

It’s important to note that the distribution of the prize money in the Tour Championship and the FedEx Cup playoffs is based on a player’s performance throughout the entire season. The better a player performs leading up to the Tour Championship, the higher their chances of earning a larger share of the prize money.

The concept of a combined purse for a tournament and season-long performance is unique to the FedEx Cup playoffs. Other tournaments, such as the major championships like the Masters, U.S. Open, The Open Championship, and PGA Championship, have their own separate purses and winner’s shares. While these events offer substantial prize money, they don’t reach the same level as the Tour Championship in terms of total payout.

In my personal experience, I have had the opportunity to witness the excitement and anticipation surrounding the Tour Championship. The event brings together the top players on the PGA Tour, all vying for a chance to win not only the prestigious title but also the substantial financial reward. The high stakes and intense competition create a thrilling atmosphere for both players and spectators alike.

The Tour Championship as part of the FedEx Cup playoffs currently offers the biggest prize money in golf. With a total purse of $70 million and a winner’s share of $17 million, it represents the pinnacle of financial rewards in the sport. However, it’s worth noting that other tournaments, such as the major championships, also provide substantial prize money, although not on the same scale as the Tour Championship.