The 2026 PGA Championship purse at Aronimink Golf Club has climbed to a record $20.5 million, with the winner set to take home $3.69 million. The PGA of America announced the increase and the full payout breakdown on Saturday, just as the final round was set to unfold Sunday afternoon.
The new total is up from $19 million a year ago and leaves the second men’s major of the season with seven-figure checks for the top three finishers. The runner-up will receive $2.214 million, third place $1.394 million, fourth $984,000 and fifth $820,000. Players who missed the cut will still leave with $4,300 each.
The payout sheet covers the 82 players who made the cut, turning Sunday’s finish into more than a trophy chase. Alex Smalley began the final round with a two-shot lead over the field at six under, giving him the first crack at the biggest share of the money when play resumed. The final round was scheduled to be shown from 1-7 p.m. ET on CBS.
Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pa., is hosting this year’s championship, and the numbers underline how quickly the event’s financial stakes keep rising. Last month, Rory McIlroy claimed $4.5 million from the $22.5 million Masters purse, and this week’s PGA figure again puts the major championship prize race in the spotlight.
There was also a small note of levity around the payout news. GOLF.com described it this way: “Finally a membership that pays for itself.” But for everyone inside the ropes, the bigger point is plain enough: at this level, one round can still change a player’s year.
