On Tuesday, the USGA announced that both the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open prize purses had been raised by $500,000. For the first time in history, the winner of a women’s major championship will receive a check for $1 million.
The purse for this year’s U.S. Open is now $12.5 million, while the U.S. Women’s Open is $5.5 million – both of which are now the largest prize pots in major championship golf.
Speaking on the bump in prize money for both events this year, John Bodenhamer, USGA senior managing director, stated
“The USGA is committed to providing an unparalleled experience to every player competing in its championships. Through strategic investments in our player relations program, we are continuing the effort to create a competitor experience commensurate with the game’s most prestigious championships, and that includes an increased purse and a continued commitment to make playing in an Open championship unforgettable for the world’s top amateur players.”
This year’s U.S. Women’s Open winner will receive $1,000,000, up from $900,000 in 2018. Although that is isn’t the biggest prize in women’s golf, with the LPGA’s CME Group Tour Championship winner receiving $1.5 million, the overall purse of the U.S. Women’s Open is now 25 percent higher than the next-closest women’s major.
The 2019 U.S. Women’s Open gets underway from Country Club of Charleston on Thursday, while the U.S. Open begins the week beginning June, 10, from Pebble Beach Golf Links.