Open Championship prize fund increased

The oldest major tournament in golf, the Open Championship, has increased its prize fund from US$6.3 million to US$7.25 million for its 150th anniversary this year.

The fund had been static since 2006, with the first prize at US$1.1 million. The winner will now take home US$1.3 million.

Chief executive at tournament organisers R&A, Peter Dawson, said: “The Open Championships sits at the forefront of world golf and it is appropriate that our prize fund reflects that position in the game. Over the last 18 months we have had to take account of the pound’s weakened position against the US dollar and euro and we have increased our prize money accordingly.”

This year’s Open Championship will take place between 15 and 18 July and will be held at St. Andrews golf course in Scotland.