The 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club carries a total purse of $19 million, making it one of the richest prize funds in major championship golf. The Wanamaker Trophy returns to Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, from May 11 to 17 for the 108th edition of the event, and the winner will bank approximately $3.42 million for the week.
Below is everything you need to know about the PGA Championship 2026 prize money, including the full top-10 payout breakdown, a historical comparison of how the purse has grown, cut-line payments, and what the caddies stand to earn.
PGA Championship 2026: Total Purse
Total purse: $19,000,000
The $19 million purse matches the 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, where defending champion Scottie Scheffler earned $3.42 million for his five-stroke victory. The PGA of America has maintained this figure for the 2026 event at Aronimink. While major championships have grown substantially in recent seasons, the $19 million purse remains highly competitive on the global golf calendar.
For full details on the 2026 event, see our PGA Championship 2026 preview and key highlights.
Winner’s Share
Winner’s share: approximately $3,420,000
The PGA Championship distributes 18 percent of the total purse to the winner, in line with standard PGA Tour major payouts. Based on the $19 million purse, that places the winner’s cheque at approximately $3.42 million. For context, Scottie Scheffler earned exactly $3.42 million when he won the 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow.
The winner’s share at the PGA Championship is third among the four majors in 2026, trailing the Masters ($4.5 million on a $22.5 million purse) and the US Open ($3.87 million on a $21.5 million purse).
Top 10 Prize Money Breakdown
The following payout structure is based on the 2025 PGA Championship distribution, which applies the same percentage model as used at other PGA Tour major events.
| Position | Prize Money |
|---|---|
| 1st (winner) | $3,420,000 |
| T2 (per player) | $2,052,000 |
| T5 (per player) | $760,000 |
| T8 (per player) | $598,270 |
The official position-by-position breakdown for every player in the field will be published by the PGA of America in the week of the event. The overall prize pool is shared among those who make the cut (top 70 players and ties), with payouts decreasing incrementally from first place down to the last player to complete 72 holes.
Cut Line Payout
Players who miss the cut at the PGA Championship are not left empty-handed. Any player who submits a 36-hole score receives a flat payment of $4,000. This applies to all competitors who play both rounds but fail to progress to the weekend. Players who make the cut but fail to complete 72 holes also receive $4,000.
How the Purse Has Grown: 2021 to 2026
The prize money at the PGA Championship has nearly doubled in five years, reflecting the broader surge in PGA Tour and major championship payouts driven by increased media rights, sponsorship, and competitive pressure from the global golf market.
| Year | Venue | Total Purse | Winner’s Share | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Kiawah Island | $12,000,000 | $2,160,000 | Phil Mickelson |
| 2022 | Southern Hills | $15,000,000 | $2,700,000 | Justin Thomas |
| 2023 | Oak Hill | $17,500,000 | $3,150,000 | Brooks Koepka |
| 2024 | Valhalla | $18,500,000 | $3,330,000 | Xander Schauffele |
| 2025 | Quail Hollow | $19,000,000 | $3,420,000 | Scottie Scheffler |
| 2026 | Aronimink | $19,000,000 | ~$3,420,000 | TBC |
The jump from $12 million in 2021 to $19 million in 2026 represents a 58 percent increase across five years. After the large increase in 2022 ($3 million jump), growth has been steadier but the figure remains among the largest in professional golf outside of the no-cut events like the Tour Championship.
PGA Championship vs Other 2026 Majors: Purse Comparison
| Major | 2026 Purse | Winner’s Share |
|---|---|---|
| The Masters | $22,500,000 | $4,500,000 |
| US Open | $21,500,000 | ~$3,870,000 |
| PGA Championship | $19,000,000 | ~$3,420,000 |
| The Open Championship | $17,000,000 | ~$3,060,000 |
The Masters now carries the largest purse in major championship golf after Augusta National increased its total to a record $22.5 million in 2026. Rory McIlroy, who won his second consecutive Masters title this year, pocketed $4.5 million for the victory.
What the Caddies Earn
The standard caddie arrangement on the PGA Tour sees a bag carrier earn 10 percent of the winner’s earnings for a tournament victory. At the 2026 PGA Championship, that means the winning caddie stands to take home approximately $342,000 for the week alongside their player’s $3.42 million cheque.
Caddies on tour typically negotiate a percentage structure based on finish position. Standard rates are around 5 percent for missed cuts, 7 percent for top-10 finishes, and 10 percent for wins. At $342,000 for a first-place result at Aronimink, the caddie’s payday alone would rank among the best weeks in tour earnings for support staff.
Top Contenders and What They Stand to Earn
The 2026 PGA Championship has a clear hierarchy of favourites heading into the week at Aronimink. If the top names contend, here is what a strong finish could be worth:
- Scottie Scheffler (World No.1, defending champion): A second PGA title would be worth $3.42 million. See our full Scottie Scheffler profile for his career story.
- Rory McIlroy (2026 Masters champion): McIlroy chasing a third PGA Championship title. A win would put him at $3.42 million and push him closer to the Calendar Grand Slam. Read about his Calendar Grand Slam chances in 2026.
- Justin Rose, Tyrrell Hatton, Cameron Young (Masters T3 finishers): A top-5 finish this week would be worth approximately $760,000 or more per player.
- Russell Henley (Masters T3): Same bracket, a major Sunday appearance could be worth $598,000 to $2,052,000 depending on where he finishes.
How to Watch the 2026 PGA Championship
Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, hosts the 108th PGA Championship from May 11 to 17, 2026. For full broadcast details, streaming options, and viewing guides, see our how to watch PGA Championship 2026 guide.
Summary
The 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink carries a $19 million purse, a winner’s cheque of approximately $3.42 million, and stakes that extend well beyond money for the game’s top players. The purse has grown by 58 percent in five years, reflecting major golf’s expanding commercial profile. With Scottie Scheffler defending and Rory McIlroy chasing history, this year’s field makes the prize money one of the most competitive paydays in sports.
