The Open paid its prize money in pounds. Amounts are shown in US dollars, converted at the 1948 average rate of $4.03 per pound, with the original amount in pounds beside each one.
Our source lists prize money for the top 10 finishers only, so the rest of the field isn't shown.
Henry Cotton finished E and took 15% of the purse. That $604 is worth about $8,347 in 2026 dollars.
How the 1948 Open Championship purse was split
Every finisher with a recorded payout, in finishing order.
1948 Open Championship prize money for every player
Final positions and prize money, with what the same untied position paid the year before.
| Pos | Player | To par | Last year | Prize money |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Henry Cotton | E | $604 | $604 £150 |
| 2 | Fred Daly | +5 | $351 | $403 +15% £100 |
| T3 | Roberto De Vicenzo | +6 | $165 £41 | |
| T3 | Jack Hargreaves | +6 | $165 £41 | |
| T3 | Norman Von Nida | +6 | $165 £41 | |
| T3 | Charlie Ward | +6 | $165 £41 | |
| T7 | Johnny Bulla | +7 | $60 £15 | |
| T7 | Sam King | +7 | $60 £15 | |
| T7 | Alf Padgham | +7 | $60 £15 | |
| T7 | Flory Van Donck | +7 | $60 £15 |
The Open Championship winner's share over time
This year is labeled. Full tournament history →
1948 Open Championship payout FAQ
How much did the winner of the 1948 Open Championship get?
Henry Cotton won $604 from a $4,030 purse.
What was the 1948 Open Championship purse?
$4,030.