There have been a number of moments and events in the history of golf that have contributed to dramatic increases in purses and the amount of money that top professionals may win.
Arnold Palmer has long been the person who put professional golf on the map with his dramatic flair, style and go-for-broke attitude.
Tiger Woods with his overall excellence for a period of ten-plus years contributed immensely to the size of prize money available for touring professionals. “The Tiger Effect” is a real phenomena and every modern day player should thank Tiger for enhancing their livelihood.
Today is a new era in the money available to be won by Professional Golfers, especially in the Major Championships, as the bigger tournaments compete against each other for relevance, brand, and prestige.
The USGA has announced a total purse of $12,500,000 dollars for this years Open Championship with $2,250,000 going to the winner.
Making it the biggest purse available to a winner in history.
I have added a new podcast highlighting the history of championships contested at Pebble Beach.
Please listen now.
At the Open,
I’m Jeff Waters
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
