In 1959 The Open Championship didn’t count as official PGA Tour money, so this prize money isn’t part of anyone’s official PGA Tour total for the season.
The Open paid its prize money in pounds. Amounts are shown in US dollars, converted at the 1959 average rate of $2.80 per pound, with the original amount in pounds beside each one.
Our source lists prize money for the top 9 finishers only, so the rest of the field isn't shown.
Gary Player finished -4 and took 20% of the purse. That $2,800 is worth about $31,914 in 2026 dollars.
How the 1959 Open Championship purse was split
Every finisher with a recorded payout, in finishing order.
1959 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 | Gary Player | -4 | $2,800 | $2,800 £1,000 |
| T2 | Fred Bullock | -2 | $1,820 | $1,714 £612 |
| T2 | Flory Van Donck | -2 | $1,820 | $1,714 £612 |
| 4 | Syd Scott | -1 | $1,120 £400 | |
| T5 | Reid Jack Amateur | E | $770 | Not known |
| T5 | Sam King | E | $770 | $722 £258 |
| T5 | Christy O'Connor Snr | E | $770 | $722 £258 |
| T5 | John Panton | E | $770 | $722 £258 |
| T9 | Dai Rees | +1 | $384 £137 | |
| T9 | Leopoldo Ruiz | +1 | $384 £137 |
The Open Championship winner's share over time
This year is labeled. Full tournament history →
1959 Open Championship payout FAQ
How much did the winner of the 1959 Open Championship get?
Gary Player won $2,800 from a $14,000 purse.
What was the 1959 Open Championship purse?
$14,000.