Scottie Scheffler’s commanding victory at The Open Championship has earned him the Claret Jug and a record-breaking £2.3 million winner’s cheque – but the American golfer may see almost half of his prize wiped out by tax.
Scheffler, 28, produced a flawless final round at Royal Troon to finish four shots clear of the field, cementing his status as the world’s top-ranked player. Yet under UK tax laws, the Texan is liable to pay income tax on earnings generated on British soil.
As a non-resident, Scheffler’s winnings are subject to HM Revenue & Customs’ additional rate of 45 per cent for income above £125,140. This means more than £1 million could be deducted before the money even leaves the country.
Foreign Tax Credit Limits Relief
While Scheffler can seek to offset some of the UK tax through a foreign tax credit in the United States, it is unlikely he will be able to recover the full amount, leaving him with a substantially reduced sum.
In addition, his caddie Ted Scott is entitled to a share of the prize, typically around 10 per cent for a major win, and agents’ fees and travel expenses will also eat into the total.
Even so, Scheffler’s triumph at Troon adds to an already glittering season and underscores his dominance at the top of the men’s game.
