Scottie Scheffler celebrates his victory at the 2025 Open Championship with the iconic Claret Jug in hand.
The 2025 Open Championship concluded this Sunday at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, marking the final major golf tournament of the season. Fans around the world witnessed elite competition as top golfers battled for one of the sport’s most historic trophies — the Claret Jug — and a share of the $17 million purse.
While the money at stake was significant, it’s the prestige and legacy of The Open that continue to set it apart from other tournaments. This year, it was Scottie Scheffler who emerged victorious, pocketing a $3.1 million winner’s check and adding a third major to his career tally — bringing him one step closer to the elusive career grand slam.
Royal Portrush Hosts a Thrilling Finale
Royal Portrush, nestled along the stunning coastline of Northern Ireland, once again proved to be a challenging yet fair test for players. Known for its unpredictable winds and undulating terrain, the course played a pivotal role in determining the final outcome.
Scheffler displayed remarkable composure throughout the tournament, pulling away from the field on Sunday with a commanding performance. His consistency and mental toughness were on full display, confirming his place among golf’s modern greats.
Payouts at a Glance
Although The Open is traditionally the lowest-paying major when compared to The Masters, PGA Championship, or U.S. Open, the $17 million purse remains a substantial incentive for players. The R&A (The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews) maintained last year’s record-setting prize pool, underlining its commitment to fair compensation without compromising the event’s integrity.
Here are the top payouts for 2025:
- 🥇 1st Place: Scottie Scheffler — $3,100,000
- 🥈 2nd Place: Harris English — $1,759,000
- 🥉 3rd Place: Chris Gotterup — $1,128,000
- 4th Place: Matt Fitzpatrick, Haotong Li, Wyndham Clark — $876,000 each
- 5th Place: $705,000
- 7th Place: Rory McIlroy, Robert MacIntyre, Xander Schauffele — $525,000 each
Even players who finished between 60th and 70th positions took home around $38,900–$41,400, showcasing the depth of earnings across the leaderboard.
What Makes The Open Championship Special
Despite being one of the more modest-paying majors, The Open Championship holds unmatched prestige in the world of golf. First held in 1860, it is the oldest major championship and is seen by many, especially in the UK, as the most important event on the calendar.
For players, it’s about more than the money. Winning The Open means etching one’s name into the sport’s history books alongside legends like Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and Seve Ballesteros.
Scheffler’s Chase for History
With this victory, Scottie Scheffler is now just one major title away from completing a career grand slam — an achievement only a select few golfers have ever reached. He’s previously won The Masters and the PGA Championship, and now The Open.
Fans and analysts alike are already speculating whether he can complete the set next year at the U.S. Open. Regardless of what lies ahead, his dominance in 2025 is undeniable.
The Growing Stakes in Professional Golf
While $3.1 million is a life-changing sum for most, in the current landscape of pro golf — especially with the rise of LIV Golf and expanded PGA Tour purses — such winnings are becoming more common. However, The Open remains a symbol of tradition, honor, and resilience — where history matters more than money.
The R&A has resisted the trend of chasing the biggest purses, instead focusing on delivering world-class tournaments that honor the game’s roots. This approach continues to draw both fans and players who appreciate the heritage of the sport.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Open Championship at Royal Portrush offered everything fans could ask for: drama, world-class golf, and a deserving champion in Scottie Scheffler. While the season’s final major is now behind us, its impact will be felt for months as the conversation shifts to Scheffler’s potential grand slam and the future of professional golf.
With another memorable Open in the books, all eyes now turn to what 2026 has in store.