The PGA Championship returns Thursday at Aronimink Golf Club with one of the strongest fields in professional golf, but questions surrounding its prize money and long-term identity continue to follow the tournament.
While the PGA Championship remains one of golf’s four major championships, its purse has recently lagged behind several competing events, including other majors, PGA Tour signature events, and LIV Golf tournaments.
PGA Championship Purse Still Behind Other Major Events
The PGA of America will announce this year’s official purse on Saturday, following the tournament’s traditional schedule. Last year’s purse reached a record $19 million, an increase of $500,000 from 2024, but it still ranked third among the four majors.
The U.S. Open paid out $21.5 million, while the Masters Tournament distributed $21 million in 2025 before increasing its 2026 purse to $22.5 million. The Open Championship awarded $17 million.
Beyond the majors, the financial gap becomes even more noticeable. The PGA Tour currently hosts eight signature events with $20 million purses, while The Players Championship offers $25 million. Meanwhile, LIV Golf events are distributing $33 million this season, including both individual and team payouts.
Terry Clark Explains PGA Championship Strategy
PGA of America CEO Terry Clark addressed the tournament’s prize-money approach during his pre-tournament press conference.
Clark emphasized that the organization is focused on maintaining a balanced strategy instead of trying to outpace every competing event financially.
According to Clark, the PGA of America evaluates what “makes sense” for the championship each year while continuing to focus on keeping the purse competitive within the modern golf landscape.
The comments echo recent remarks from Mike Whan, who stated that the U.S. Open’s prize-money strategy is “not a race” against the Masters or other tournaments.
PGA Championship Staying in May
Clark also pushed back against speculation surrounding the future scheduling of the PGA Championship. Since 2019, the tournament has been held in May after previously occupying an August date on the golf calendar.
The move helped the PGA Tour complete its postseason before the start of the NFL season, creating a more streamlined sports calendar.
Clark indicated that the PGA Championship is likely to remain in May, saying the tournament currently holds a “strong position” during that part of the season.
No Plans for International PGA Championship
Another topic addressed during the press conference was the possibility of the PGA Championship being played outside the United States.
Clark dismissed the idea as a current priority, explaining that the tournament’s identity is closely connected to American venues and traditions. He noted that the PGA of America still sees significant opportunity to strengthen the championship’s brand domestically.
For now, the PGA Championship remains firmly rooted in the United States as it continues balancing tradition, prestige, and growing financial competition within professional golf.