The Biggest Payday in Open Championship History

The 152nd Open Championship represented the final opportunity this year for someone to etch their name in the history books alongside some of the greats of the game as a major champion. Royal Troon played host to the year's final major for the first time since Henrik Stenson outlasted Phil Mickelson in an epic duel at the 2016 British Open.

Elevating the Prestige of Golf's Oldest Major

A Stern Test at Royal Troon

Hosting the great championship for a tenth time, Royal Troon and the elements, which time and time again make the Open so spectacular, provided a real test for the best players in the world. With some big names sent packing early after being blown away during the second round, it was Irishman Shane Lowry who came into Moving Day at this year's British Open envisioning a second opportunity to hoist the iconic Claret Jug after some excellent golf over the first two days in Scotland.

Lowry's Stumble, Horschel's Opportunity

The 2019 Champion Golfer of the Year struggled to maintain his momentum during the third round of this year's Open, however, and like the majority of the field did well to just hang onto his hat in brutal conditions. A 6-over 77 saw Lowry relinquish his grasp on the lead, and it was Billy Horschel who capitalized on the opportunity after an exceptional 2-under 69 saw the 2014 FedEx Cup winner take a slim advantage into the final round of the year's final major championship.

A Chance at Major Glory

Horschel would attempt to hold off the chasing pack over the course of the final 18 holes at Royal Troon and claim his first major victory. Per Justin Ray of the Athletic, a win for the 37-year-old would not only see him become the oldest first-time major winner in the men's game since Henrik Stenson at Troon in 2016; but also mark the seventh consecutive time that the 54-hole leader or co-leader at a major went on to win.

The Biggest Prize Purse in Open History

Whether it was Horschel, Xander Schauffele, Sam Burns, Justin Rose, Scottie Scheffler, Shane Lowry, or any of the other big names waiting in the wings, whoever emerged victorious at this year's British Open would not only claim the Claret Jug but also a massive winner's share of the 152nd Open' record-setting purse. The purse for the 152nd edition of the British Open is set at a whopping million for 2024, a record-breaking amount for the Open Championship. The 10th Champion Golfer of the Year at Royal Troon will earn an eye-opening winner's share of .1 million; 0,000 more than 2023 Champion Golfer of the Year Brian Harman won at Royal Liverpool last year. This is also a 0,000 increase from the amount Cameron Smith won at St. Andrews in 2022.

A Lucrative Payday for All

The Open Championship has followed suit with the majority of big events in the sport in recent years and increased its prize purse substantially of late. In the last three years alone, the prize purse for golf's oldest major has witnessed an increase from million at the 150th Open to the record-breaking million that will be divvied out at the 152nd playing of the great championship. Every professional golfer who made the cut won't go home empty-handed either, with each player receiving at least ,750 in prize money. Meanwhile, the Top 4 finishers and ties will also secure a precious spot in next year's Masters, while the Top 10 finishers and ties will secure their spot in the 153rd Open at Royal Portrush.