Who earned the most prize money in golf's major championships this year?

Rory McIlroy topped the list with $5.34 million earned across the four major championships.

Which major championship contributed most to Rory McIlroy's earnings?

His victory at the Masters accounted for $4.5 million of his total major prize money.

Did all major winners earn more than non-winners in total major prize money?

No, Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns, who did not win a major, earned more in major prize money than major winners Aaron Rai and Ryan Fox.

PlayersBy the GolfOdds Editorial TeamAug 13, 2026, 5:00 PM ET

Rory McIlroy Leads Major Prize Money List with $5.34 Million After Record Season

Rory McIlroy finished the major championship season as the top earner, collecting over $5 million, largely driven by his Masters victory in a year that saw record payouts.

Rory McIlroy concluded the major championship season as the leading prize money earner, accumulating $5.34 million across the four events. This figure contributed to a record-setting year for major championship payouts, which collectively distributed $83.25 million. McIlroy's significant earnings were primarily boosted by his $4.5 million paycheck from winning his second consecutive Masters.

Beyond his Masters triumph, McIlroy demonstrated consistent performance, being one of 14 players to make the cut in all four majors. He secured $637,050 for a tie for seventh place at the PGA Championship, added $128,756 for a T32 finish at the U.S. Open, and earned $69,750 for placing T40 at the Open Championship.

Other top earners included major winners Wyndham Clark, who earned $4.75 million, Aaron Rai, and Ryan Fox. Notably, Scottie Scheffler, with $4.54 million, and Sam Burns, both of whom did not secure a major victory this season, still out-earned major champions Rai and Fox in total major prize money.

Looking at current market perceptions for upcoming events like the FedEx St. Jude Championship, Scottie Scheffler is widely considered a strong contender, with his price currently at +650 (FanDuel). Rory McIlroy, despite his major earnings, is a longer shot at +25000 (Bovada). Wyndham Clark, another major winner this season, is priced at +7000 (FanDuel).

Sam Burns, who had a notable major season without a win, is listed at +1600 (FanDuel). Meanwhile, major champions Aaron Rai and Ryan Fox are considerably longer shots in the market, with prices of +75000 (FanDuel) and +250000 (Bovada) respectively, indicating a difference between their major championship earnings and their current betting market valuations.

Compare the odds

U.S. Open odds →The Open Championship odds →FedEx St. Jude Championship odds →PGA Championship odds →U.S. Open odds →The Open Championship odds →FedEx St. Jude odds →Sam Burns Ryan Fox Wyndham Clark Aaron Rai Scottie Scheffler Rory McIlroy

FAQ

Who earned the most prize money in golf's major championships this year?: Rory McIlroy topped the list with $5.34 million earned across the four major championships.
Which major championship contributed most to Rory McIlroy's earnings?: His victory at the Masters accounted for $4.5 million of his total major prize money.
Did all major winners earn more than non-winners in total major prize money?: No, Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns, who did not win a major, earned more in major prize money than major winners Aaron Rai and Ryan Fox.