Sam Burns leads with the largest prize in the history of the Open Championship.

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The winner of the 2026 Open Championship will secure the largest prize in the tournament's history, with $3.2 million at stake at Royal Birkdale in Southport, England. The total prize purse for the competition amounts to $17.75 million, a record figure for the championship.

Sam Burns leads the race for the title on the final day, holding a two-stroke advantage as he seeks his first major. The battle for the prestigious Claret Jug is intense, but the substantial prize is also a strong incentive for the golfers in attendance.

The prize table reveals a generous distribution for the top finishers, with the runner-up set to receive $1.842 million and the third-place finisher $1.181 million. Prizes remain high even for those at the lower end of the cut, with the 78th place securing $38,700.

This prize structure reflects the growing importance of the Open Championship on the global golf calendar, highlighting the investment and prestige of the event. The record amount attracts the best players and heightens the excitement for fans and participants alike.

Cameron Jourdan, assistant editor at Golfweek, stands out in the coverage of the tournament, following the developments of college, amateur, and PGA Tour competitions, keeping fans updated on the latest news and results from international golf.