Overview
- The R&A published the full payout schedule Sunday and confirmed a tournament‑record $17.75 million total purse with a $3.2 million winner's share.
- The schedule guarantees payment to every qualifier, lists position‑by‑position sums for all 156 players, and specifies safety payments for those who miss the cut.
- A rule in the payout plan adds money but reduces each player’s share by $125 for every spot over 70 who make the weekend, down to a stated minimum per player.
- Winning also carries major non‑cash benefits, including year‑long possession of the Claret Jug, a winner’s medal, and multi‑year exemptions into senior and regular majors.
- Players’ take‑home pay will be materially lower than headline figures because winnings are taxed under UK rules and winners typically pay a 10% caddie commission plus further shares to coaches and physios; the R&A says the increase is aimed at reinvesting in the event even though the Open’s purse still trails some other majors.