US Open Payout: How Much Did JJ Spaun Get From Winning His First Major?

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.

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.