If you think women’s golf is still playing for "lunch money" compared to the men, you haven’t been paying attention lately. Honestly, the landscape shifted so fast it’s almost hard to keep up. Just a few years ago, the total purse for the biggest event in the game was sitting at $5.5 million. Fast forward to 2026, and we are looking at a completely different financial reality for these athletes.
The LPGA US Open payout is no longer just a "nice check." It’s a life-altering windfall.
The United States Golf Association (USGA) made a massive statement when they brought Ally Financial on board as a presenting sponsor. This wasn't just some marketing stunt with a few logo stickers on a hat. It was a multi-million-dollar infusion that stabilized the tournament's status as the richest event in women's golf. We’re talking about a $12 million total purse.
The $2.4 Million Question: Who Gets What?
When Yuka Saso stood on the green at Lancaster Country Club in 2024, she wasn't just holding a trophy. She was looking at a $2.4 million winner's check. That’s a long way from the $1 million she banked for her first title back in 2019. It’s funny how we talk about "growth" in abstract terms until you see a player's earnings more than double for the exact same achievement.
The USGA actually standardized the winner’s share to 20% of the total purse for both the men’s and women’s Opens. It’s a move toward equity that actually has teeth.
But here’s the thing people miss. The money isn't just top-heavy. In the 2025 championship at Erin Hills, where Maja Stark took home the title, the payout structure ensured that even the runners-up were becoming millionaires. Nelly Korda and Rio Takeda both pocketed over $1.05 million for their T-2 finish.
Think about that. You can finish second and still walk away with a seven-figure deposit.
Breaking Down the 2026 Payout Tiers
While the exact final cents depend on ties, the distribution generally follows a predictable—though very lucrative—pattern based on that $12 million pool.
- The Winner: $2,400,000 (The 20% standard).
- Second Place: Roughly $1,296,000.
- Third Place: Somewhere in the $800,000 range.
- The Top 10: Every player in the top 10 is virtually guaranteed to earn more than $270,000.
It’s a massive jump. You've got players in 20th place earning what the winners used to get back in the early 2000s. Basically, if you make the cut at Riviera Country Club this year, you’re looking at a very good week at the office.
Why This Specific Purse Matters More Than You Think
Is it just about the cash? Sorta. But it’s also about respect.
For a long time, the LPGA was stuck in a loop. To get big sponsors, you needed big TV ratings. To get big ratings, you needed a "major" feel. But you couldn't get that feeling without the massive prize pools that signal a high-stakes event.
Mike Whan, the USGA CEO, basically broke that loop. He’s been vocal about the fact that making the field for a US Open is an achievement in itself. Because of that, even the players who don’t play well on Friday still get paid.
Every professional who tees it up but misses the cut gets a $10,000 stipend.
Some critics might say, "Why pay people for failing?" But that’s a narrow way to look at it. Professional golf is expensive. Flights, hotels, caddie fees, coaches—it adds up. That $10,000 covers the costs of competing. It ensures that a bad week doesn't bankrupt a rising star who fought through qualifying just to get there. It’s a safety net that allows the best talent to actually stay in the game.
The Riviera Factor in 2026
This year, the tournament heads to Riviera Country Club. "The Hogan’s Alley." It’s one of the most iconic venues in the world, and playing for a $12 million purse there feels... right.
There’s been some chatter about whether the purse will stay at $12 million or tick even higher. While the $12 million figure is the current benchmark, the USGA has shown they aren't afraid to adjust if the revenue supports it. Ally’s partnership is multi-year, which provides a level of financial certainty the tour hasn't always had.
The LPGA US Open payout also sets the bar for other majors. When the US Open goes to $12 million, the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and the AIG Women’s Open feel the pressure to keep pace. We’re seeing a "purse race" that only benefits the players.
What Most Fans Get Wrong
A common misconception is that this money comes from the LPGA Tour’s pockets. It doesn't. This is a USGA event.
The USGA runs the show, and they’ve made it a priority to bridge the gap between the men’s and women’s prize funds. While the men’s US Open purse is still higher (sitting at $21.5 million recently), the percentage growth on the women's side is actually outpacing the men.
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Since 2014, the women's purse has increased by 200%. That’s staggering.
Realities of the Professional Grind
We see the big checks on Sunday. We don't see the tax man.
A player winning $2,400,000 isn't actually keeping $2,400,000. After you subtract the caddie’s 10% cut (standard for a win), management fees, and the hefty tax bill for an independent contractor, that number shrinks fast.
Still, it’s a far cry from the days when players had to share hotel rooms to make ends meet. The depth of the field is better because the money allows more players to focus 100% on their game rather than hunting for side sponsors just to pay for their next flight to Ohio.
What’s Next for the Money?
If you're following the trajectory, $15 million is the next logical milestone. The CME Group Tour Championship already offers a $4 million prize to its winner, which is currently the only check that beats the US Open's $2.4 million.
The USGA hates being second.
Expect to see continued pressure on broadcasters to elevate the time slots for these events. Better TV slots lead to better ad rates, which leads to... you guessed it, more money for the payout.
To really understand the impact, keep an eye on the "stipend" and the lower-tier payouts this year. While the winner gets the headlines, the health of the sport is measured by what the 40th-place finisher takes home. At the 2026 US Women's Open, that 40th-place check will likely be around $45,000. For four days of work, that’s a signal that women’s golf has finally arrived in the big leagues of professional sports.
Practical Realities for Fans and Players
- For Players: Focus on the "all-in" cost. The $10,000 miss-the-cut fee is a game-changer for those outside the top 50 in the world rankings.
- For Fans: Look at the leaderboard on Sunday afternoon. The "Pressure Putts" are different when there's a $300,000 difference between a solo 3rd and a T-6 finish.
- For the Industry: The Ally sponsorship isn't just a donor situation; it's a data-driven business move. They are betting that the audience for the LPGA is more engaged and loyal than almost any other demographic in sports.
The financial story of the US Women’s Open is no longer about "closing the gap." It’s about creating a sustainable, high-value product that stands on its own. Whether the purse hits $13 million or $15 million in the next two years is almost secondary to the fact that the floor has been permanently raised.
To keep a pulse on how these payouts are trending, watch for the official USGA purse announcement usually made the Wednesday of tournament week. That’s when the "official" numbers are locked in, often reflecting any last-minute adjustments or additional bonus pools.