At the 2025 US Open held at Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania, American golfer JJ Spaun captured his first major championship, securing victory with a dramatic birdie on the final hole.
Despite facing an early setback, a lengthy 96-minute weather delay, challenging course conditions, and a strong performance from Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre, Spaun finished two strokes ahead to claim the title. MacIntyre, who started the final round seven shots back of 54-hole leader Sam Burns, shot the best score of the day, setting the clubhouse lead at 1-over par.
Spaun responded with a crucial birdie at the short par-4 17th, followed by a spectacular putt on the 72nd hole, igniting wild celebrations from the crowd. Overwhelmed by emotion, Spaun embraced his caddie and wife, Melody, as he was crowned champion.
Beyond the trophy, Spaun earned several perks: a one-year possession of the US Open trophy, the prestigious Jack Nicklaus medal, exemptions into the next 10 US Opens, and invitations to The Masters through 2030.
Financially, Spaun’s victory also brought a significant reward. The USGA had previously announced that the tournament purse would remain at $21.5 million, the largest among men’s majors. As champion, Spaun collected $4.3 million. Comparatively, Rory McIlroy earned $4.2 million at The Masters (from a $21 million purse), while Scottie Scheffler took home $3.42 million at the PGA Championship (with a $19 million purse). The Open Championship, won by Xander Schauffele last year, had a total purse of $17 million, with no major increase expected for 2025.
2025 US Open Prize Money Payouts (Top Finishers)
| Position | Player | Score | Earnings |
| 1 | JJ Spaun | -1 | $4,300,000 |
| 2 | Robert MacIntyre | 1 | $2,322,000 |
| 3 | Viktor Hovland | 2 | $1,459,284 |
| T4 | Cameron Young | 3 | $876,869 |
| T4 | Tyrrell Hatton | 3 | $876,869 |
| T4 | Carlos Ortiz | 3 | $876,869 |
| T7 | Sam Burns | 4 | $614,423 |
| T7 | Jon Rahm | 4 | $614,423 |
| T7 | Scottie Scheffler | 4 | $614,423 |
(And so on for the remaining positions…)
2024 US Open Prize Money Comparison
Last year, Bryson DeChambeau won the 2024 US Open with a score of -6, earning the same $4.3 million as Spaun did this year. Rory McIlroy finished second at -5, collecting $2.322 million. Patrick Cantlay and Tony Finau tied for third at -4, each earning approximately $1.23 million. Other notable payouts included Hideki Matsuyama ($748,154 for 6th place) and Russell Henley/Xander Schauffele (both earning $639,289 for T7).
US Open Prize Money Growth Over the Years
- 2014: $9 million
- 2015: $10 million
- 2016: $10 million
- 2017: $12 million
- 2018: $12 million
- 2019: $12.5 million
- 2020: $12.5 million
- 2021: $12.5 million
- 2022: $17.5 million
- 2023: $20 million
- 2024: $21.5 million
- 2025: $21.5 million
The US Open continues to offer the highest prize fund in men’s major golf, maintaining its standing as the most lucrative event on the calendar.
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