2008 US PGA Championship Prize Money
The winner of the 2008 US PGA Championship stands to make off with a sizeable win and the much treasured Wanamaker Trophy. The total purse at US PGA Championships now stands at over $7 million. This, in contrast with the modest prize money at the Championship's inception in 1916 - just $2,580! The winner nowadays makes off with over $1 million and the coveted award.
However this is not the only draw card for golfers. Although the 2008 US PGA Championship prize money is rather enticing, it's the promise of a secure career and many more benefits that makes this one of the top tournaments to compete in. The other, additional privileges for a US PGA champion include:
- Automatic qualification and invitation to the other three golfing Majors (the Masters, US Open and Open Championship) for the next five years
- Ryder Cup points
- Points toward the PGA Player of the Year Award
- Exemption from qualifying for the PGA Championship for life
- Membership on the PGA Tour for the following five seasons
- Invitations to the Players Championship for five years
In terms of the total purse itself, it is interesting to note the general increase of the 2008 US PGA Championship prize money in the context of increases in prize money for other tournaments worldwide. The win also counts towards the official money listing and career money earnings list. Players often make more money though on endorsements than actual prize money. Looking at a snapshot of US PGA Championship prize money, on average, the total purse seems to grow fairly significantly year on year:
- 2007 - Over $7 million
- 2004 - $6.25 million
- 2000 - $5 million
- 1997 - $2.6 million
- 1995 - $2 million
- 1990 - $1.35 million
- 1985 - $702,000
- 1980 - $376,400
- 1975 - $225,000
- 1970 - $200,000
Who will walk away with the 2008 US PGA Championship prize money?
