Since its inception in 1974 when Jack Nicklaus claimed victory and $50,000 from a total purse of $250,000, The Players Championship has become a cornerstone of the PGA Tour. The tournament found its permanent home at the iconic Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass in 1982, where Steve Pate emerged victorious. This Ponte Vedra Beach landmark has remained a favorite, synonymous with the event’s allure of high stakes and skilled contenders.
Considered a premier event, The Players Championship set a precedent in 2000 by awarding its first million-dollar prize to winner Hal Sutton. As other golf circuits like LIV Golf emerged, offering even more lucrative rewards, the PGA Tour responded with its own elevated events featuring increased prize funds. Amid this arms race, The Players Championship has maintained its status with a purse second only to the Tour Championship.
Prize money at The Players has seen substantial increases recently. In 2021, Justin Thomas won $2.7 million as part of a $15 million purse. This rose to $20 million in 2022, with Cameron Smith taking home $3.6 million for his win.
LEARN MORE: Catch up on Rory’s big 2025 win! >
In 2023 and 2024, Scottie Scheffler, ranked world number one, captured back-to-back titles and took home $4.5 million each year, as the purse climbed to $25 million. Now, Scheffler is back to chase a potential three-peat in 2025, with the victor pocketing yet another $4.5 million from the substantial purse.
Within the competitive landscape, finishing in the top five has been exceedingly lucrative, with each player earning over $1 million in recent years. Even the top 35 earners netted six-figure payouts, emphasizing the financial stakes tied to every swing.
For context, the 2024 DP World Tour Championship boasted a $10 million purse that marked the season’s peak, with Rory McIlroy taking a $3 million share. Additionally, the U.S. Ryder Cup team initiated a $200,000 stipend for qualifying players.
READ MORE: Get the full breakdown of the 2025 points and payouts >
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