Unlike regular golf tour tournaments, players that miss the cut at a major championship actually get paid. The majors do not call it prize money but rather a stipend to help offset the cost of participating in a major.

Here is a break down of the stipends from 2025 by Major (organization running the championship):

Men’s Championships

(1) The Masters (Augusta National) – $25,000 (increase from $10,000 in previous years). This was the stipend last week (in 2026).

(2) The PGA Championship (PGA of America) – $4,000 (increased from $3,200 in 2021)

(3) The U.S. Open (USGA) – $10,000 (I know this was the amount as far back as 2014).

(4) The Open (R&A) – A sliding scale is used by the R&A; with the first 10 getting $12,350, 11-20 getting $10,300, and the rest of the players that missed the cut getting $8,750

Women’s Championship

(1) Chevron Championship (LPGA) – $10,000

(2) U.S. Women’s Open (USGA) – $10,000 (increased from $4,000 in 2024)

(3) KPMG Women’s PGA Championship (PGA of America) – $4,000

(4) AIG British Women’s Open (R&A) – $4,000

(5) Amundi Evian Championship (LPGA/LET) – $3,000

My source for all the amounts of stipends in 2025 were from Golfweek and Thegolfnews.net (which confirmed the same amounts so I have confidence that they are correct numbers).

I would not be surprised if we see increases to these amounts in 2026 or in the coming years. History has shown that if one major increases a purse or stipend that other majors will follow with an increase.

This might not seem like a big deal for the stars of the tours who can afford the expense (e.g., renting homes at the majors, etc); but for the journeymen golf professionals it is a wonderful benefit for the players that qualify to play in a major championship.

Finally, if you are wondering, Amateurs are not eligible for the stipend.