In 1970 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 1970 average rate of $2.40 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 -5 and took 13% of the purse. That $12,600 is worth about $107,824 in 2026 dollars.
How the 1970 Open Championship purse was split
Every finisher with a recorded payout, in finishing order.
1970 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 | -5 | $10,200 | $12,600 +24% £5,250 |
| 2 | Doug Sanders | -5 | $7,200 | $9,000 +25% £3,750 |
| T3 | Harold Henning | -3 | $5,100 | $6,600 £2,750 |
| T3 | Lee Trevino | -3 | $5,100 | $6,600 £2,750 |
| 5 | Tony Jacklin | -2 | $4,200 | $5,280 +26% £2,200 |
| T6 | Neil Coles | -1 | $3,300 | $4,200 £1,750 |
| T6 | Peter Oosterhuis | -1 | $3,300 | $4,200 £1,750 |
| 8 | Hugh Jackson | E | $2,640 | $3,360 +27% £1,400 |
| T9 | Tommy Horton | +1 | $2,400 | $2,880 £1,200 |
| T9 | John Panton | +1 | $2,400 | $2,880 £1,200 |
| T9 | Peter Thomson | +1 | $2,400 | $2,880 £1,200 |
The Open Championship winner's share over time
This year is labeled. Full tournament history →
1970 Open Championship payout FAQ
How much did the winner of the 1970 Open Championship get?
Jack Nicklaus won $12,600 from a $96,000 purse.
What was the 1970 Open Championship purse?
$96,000.