Nobody expected JJ Spaun to walk away with the U.S. Open trophy. But even fewer imagined he’d leave Pinehurst over $4 million richer. The journeyman pro stunned the field and the golf world. And earned a life-changing payday.
The U.S. Open didn’t increase its purse for the first time in five years. Still, the numbers were jaw-dropping. The USGA held the total payout at $21.5 million, the highest among golf’s four major championships. And with that, Spaun took home a staggering $4.3 million for finishing one stroke ahead of Robert MacIntyre.
First-time major winner JJ Spaun banks $4.3 million as U.S. Open holds record-breaking purse steady
To put that into perspective, the same major offered just $12.5 million at Torrey Pines in 2021. Since then, prize money has nearly doubled. Even with no bump this year, the U.S. Open remains ahead of the Masters ($21 million), the PGA Championship ($19 million), and The Open Championship ($17 million). Only the Players Championship beats it with a $25 million purse.
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The winner’s share has exploded over time. When Ben Hogan won in 1950, he earned $4,000. Arnold Palmer got $14,400 in 1960. Tiger Woods picked up $800,000 in 2000. Jon Rahm made $2.25 million in 2021. Just last year, Bryson DeChambeau won $4.3 million. Exactly what Spaun earned on Sunday.
J.J. Spaun's win at the U.S. Open nets him $4.3 million, the largest payout for this major 💰😱
— DraftKings (@DraftKings) June 16, 2025
(h/t @spotrac) pic.twitter.com/XWFR3E1h53
The payout breakdown only adds to the story. MacIntyre, who finished second, earned $2.32 million. Viktor Hovland grabbed $1.46 million for third. Those tied at fourth, including Hatton, Ortiz, and Young, each pocketed nearly $880,000. Even those who missed the weekend still collected $10,000 just for teeing it up.
JJ Spaun’s first major victory wasn’t just a career highlight. It was a financial windfall. A breakthrough win. And a reminder that in today’s golf economy, one great week can change everything.
