The 2025 PGA Championship concluded in dramatic fashion at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina — and not necessarily due to the competitive fire. The total purse amount was a record $19 million, marking the tournament as one of the most financially rewarding events in golf.
But it was Scottie Scheffler who stole the show (and the biggest chunk of the prize), pocketing a record $3.42 million after securing his third career major.
Record-Breaking Purse: PGA Championship Levels Up
The PGA of America upped the stakes in 2025 by increasing the purse to $19 million from $18.5 million, a clear indicator of golf’s expanding international popularity and competitive interest. This action makes the PGA Championship the third wealthiest major behind the U.S. Open ($21.5M) and The Masters ($21M) — but ahead of The Open Championship ($17M).
2025 PGA Championship Prize Split:
Winner (Scottie Scheffler): $3.42 million
Runners-up (Bryson DeChambeau, Harris English, Davis Riley): ~$1.42 million apiece
The minimum payout for players making the cut was set at $23,420, ensuring even the lowest-finishing competitors left Quail Hollow with a solid reward for their efforts.
Players missing the cut received a guaranteed payout of $4,000, recognizing their part in the championship despite an early exit.
This dramatic rise not only rewards top performance but also enables middle-of-the-pack and up-and-coming players to remain financially stable — a good change for the overall well-being of the sport.
SportSnip Analysis: Why Bigger Purses Matter
On SportSnip.com, we view the increased purse not only as a money story but as a declaration of purpose. While LIV Golf and other international tours push against conventional golf structures, the PGA of America’s purse increase is strategic and symbolic.
Increased prize money:
Consistently draws the best players
Boosts TV viewership with increased stakes in each stroke
Raises the stature of the championship
Scheffler’s under-pressure performance and the handsome payout increase the PGA Championship’s value in a congested schedule. The move also maintains American majors competitive with Saudi-funded tournaments, which have shaken up the golfing environment with stratospheric payouts.
Scheffler’s Legacy Keeps on Building
With his 2025 victory, Scottie Scheffler not only increased his career earnings to more than $80 million but also earned:
Lifetime PGA Championship eligibility
Five-year exemption into other majors
Seven-year DP World Tour card
A solid position on the annals of golf, akin to the likes of Tiger Woods with several majors won before he was 30 years old
The victory speaks volumes about Scheffler’s consistency and mental toughness, particularly on a tough Quail Hollow course.
What This Means for Golf in 2025
The boom in prize purses is evidence that performance and payment will go together in the future. It also puts pressure on other tours to follow suit, creating a chain reaction that could suit players, followers, and sponsors equally.
The PGA of America is obviously wagering heavily on the future — and with Scheffler’s stars shining, it is a wager to pay attention to.
SportSnip’s Last Word
The 2025 PGA Championship was not merely a game — it was a celebration of the evolution of modern golf. Record-breaking pay, up-and-coming stars, and historic victories, the PGA is showing that tradition and change go hand in hand.
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