In 1972 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 1972 average rate of $2.50 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.
Lee Trevino finished -6 and took 11% of the purse. That $13,769 is worth about $109,398 in 2026 dollars.
How the 1972 Open Championship purse was split
Every finisher with a recorded payout, in finishing order.
1972 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 | Lee Trevino | -6 | $13,443 | $13,769 +2% £5,500 |
| 2 | Jack Nicklaus | -5 | $9,777 | $10,014 +2% £4,000 |
| 3 | Tony Jacklin | -4 | $7,944 | $8,136 +2% £3,250 |
| 4 | Doug Sanders | -3 | $6,722 | $6,884 +2% £2,750 |
| 5 | Brian Barnes | -1 | $5,622 | $6,133 +9% £2,450 |
| 6 | Gary Player | +1 | $5,382 £2,150 | |
| T7 | Guy Hunt | +2 | $4,338 | $4,163 £1,663 |
| T7 | Arnold Palmer | +2 | $4,338 | $4,163 £1,663 |
| T7 | David Vaughan | +2 | $4,338 | $4,163 £1,663 |
| T7 | Tom Weiskopf | +2 | $4,338 | $4,163 £1,663 |
The Open Championship winner's share over time
This year is labeled. Full tournament history →
1972 Open Championship payout FAQ
How much did the winner of the 1972 Open Championship get?
Lee Trevino won $13,769 from a $125,170 purse.
What was the 1972 Open Championship purse?
$125,170.