Our source lists prize money for the top 10 finishers only, so the rest of the field isn't shown.
Gene Littler finished +1 and took 23% of the purse. That $14,000 is worth about $155,608 in 2026 dollars.
How the 1961 U.S. Open purse was split
Every finisher with a recorded payout, in finishing order.
1961 U.S. Open 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 | Gene Littler | +1 | $14,400 | $14,000 -3% |
| T2 | Bob Goalby | +2 | $6,000 | |
| T2 | Doug Sanders | +2 | $6,000 | |
| T4 | Jack Nicklaus Amateur | +4 | Not known | |
| T4 | Mike Souchak | +4 | $4,000 | |
| T6 | Dow Finsterwald | +6 | $2,616 | |
| T6 | Doug Ford | +6 | $2,616 | |
| T6 | Eric Monti | +6 | $2,616 | |
| T9 | Jacky Cupit | +7 | $1,950 | $1,750 |
| T9 | Gardner Dickinson | +7 | $1,950 | $1,750 |
| T9 | Gary Player | +7 | $1,950 | $1,750 |
U.S. Open winner's share over time
This year is labeled. Full tournament history →
1961 U.S. Open payout FAQ
How much did the winner of the 1961 U.S. Open get?
Gene Littler won $14,000 from a $60,500 purse.
What was the 1961 U.S. Open purse?
$60,500.