In 1966 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 1966 average rate of $2.80 per pound, with the original amount in pounds beside each one.
Our source lists prize money for the top 11 finishers only, so the rest of the field isn't shown.
Jack Nicklaus finished -2 and took 14% of the purse. That $5,880 is worth about $60,188 in 2026 dollars.
How the 1966 Open Championship purse was split
Every finisher with a recorded payout, in finishing order.
1966 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 | Jack Nicklaus | -2 | $4,900 | $5,880 +20% £2,100 |
| T2 | Doug Sanders | -1 | $3,150 | $3,780 £1,350 |
| T2 | Dave Thomas | -1 | $3,150 | $3,780 £1,350 |
| T4 | Bruce Devlin | +2 | $2,100 | $1,949 £696 |
| T4 | Kel Nagle | +2 | $2,100 | $1,949 £696 |
| T4 | Gary Player | +2 | $2,100 | $1,949 £696 |
| T4 | Phil Rodgers | +2 | $2,100 | $1,949 £696 |
| T8 | Dave Marr | +4 | $770 | $924 £330 |
| T8 | Sebastián Miguel | +4 | $770 | $924 £330 |
| T8 | Arnold Palmer | +4 | $770 | $924 £330 |
| T8 | Peter Thomson | +4 | $770 | $924 £330 |
The Open Championship winner's share over time
This year is labeled. Full tournament history →
1966 Open Championship payout FAQ
How much did the winner of the 1966 Open Championship get?
Jack Nicklaus won $5,880 from a $42,000 purse.
What was the 1966 Open Championship purse?
$42,000.