The stakes have never been higher at the 2025 PGA Championship, as the tournament returns to Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina. Golfers from around the world are competing not only for the coveted Wanamaker Trophy but also for a groundbreaking PGA Championship purse that reflects the sport’s surging popularity and rewarding excellence on the course.

2025 PGA Championship Purse: A New Record

This year, the PGA Championship purse has reached an astonishing $19 million—a record for the event. The tournament winner will take home a life-changing $3.42 million. To put this into perspective, the purse marks a $500,000 increase over last year’s total payout at Valhalla Golf Club and continues a trend of rising prize funds each year.

Golf Digest has provided a detailed breakdown of the 2025 PGA Championship prize payout, highlighting not just the winner’s share but also the incremental increases for every golfer making the cut. Even players finishing lower on the leaderboard will benefit from the record purse, with the 72nd-place finisher receiving $23,740. Players who miss the cut aren’t left empty-handed, as they collect $4,000 each for their effort.

Historical Growth of the PGA Championship Purse

The evolution of the PGA Championship purse mirrors the growth of professional golf and its global audience. When Jim Barnes won the inaugural event in 1916, he earned just $500 from a total purse of $2,580. Fast-forward to 2025, and both figures have skyrocketed.

For those curious about how prize money has changed, Golf Digest offers a concise timeline:

• 2000: Winner’s share hits $900,000; total purse $5,031,100
• 2018: Winner’s share $1,980,000; purse $11,000,000
• 2022: Winner’s share $2,700,000; purse $15,000,000
• 2024: Winner’s share $3,300,000; purse $18,500,000
• 2025: Winner’s share $3,420,000; purse $19,000,000

Curious to see the full historical breakdown? Visit the complete history of PGA Championship payouts for more insight.

How the 2025 Purse Compares Globally

The PGA Championship now ranks third among golf’s major championships for prize money. The 2024 U.S. Open leads with a $21.5 million purse, closely followed by the Masters at $21 million. The Open Championship at Royal Troon in 2024 awarded $17 million in total payouts. This surge reflects the ongoing battle among golf's leading tournaments to attract the world's best players and reward their elite performance.

Key Takeaways for Golf Fans

For golf enthusiasts tracking the action or those considering a professional career, watching the best compete for a record PGA Championship purse adds extra excitement. In addition to the massive prize pool, the event promises top-tier competition and plenty of drama through all four rounds. If you want to see how the purse impacts player motivation and tournament dynamics, check out the official 2025 PGA Championship prize money breakdown from NBC Sports.

Don’t Miss a Moment

Interested in following the live action at Quail Hollow? Yahoo Sports offers comprehensive guides on how to watch the 2025 PGA Championship, including broadcast schedules and tee times. Catch every pivotal moment as players compete for their share of the historic purse.

Conclusion

The 2025 PGA Championship purse sets a new standard for the sport, rewarding talent and perseverance at the highest level. The increase in prize money reflects golf’s ongoing expansion and popularity, adding an extra layer of excitement for both fans and competitors. Stay tuned to official sources for updates and final payout lists as the event unfolds at Quail Hollow.