In 1975 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 1975 average rate of $2.22 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.
Tom Watson finished -9 and took 10% of the purse. That $16,663 is worth about $102,871 in 2026 dollars.
How the 1975 Open Championship purse was split
Every finisher with a recorded payout, in finishing order.
1975 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 | Tom Watson | -9 | $12,872 | $16,663 +29% £7,500 |
| 2 | Jack Newton | -9 | $9,361 | $13,330 +42% £6,000 |
| T3 | Jack Nicklaus | -8 | $7,606 | $8,591 £3,867 |
| T3 | Johnny Miller | -8 | $7,606 | $8,591 £3,867 |
| T3 | Bobby Cole | -8 | $7,606 | $8,591 £3,867 |
| 6 | Graham Marsh | -7 | $6,665 £3,000 | |
| T7 | Peter Oosterhuis | -6 | $4,018 | $5,999 £2,700 |
| T7 | Neil Coles | -6 | $4,018 | $5,999 £2,700 |
| 9 | Hale Irwin | -5 | $5,332 £2,400 | |
| T10 | George Burns | -4 | $3,510 | $4,721 £2,125 |
| T10 | John Mahaffey | -4 | $3,510 | $4,721 £2,125 |
The Open Championship winner's share over time
This year is labeled. Full tournament history →
1975 Open Championship payout FAQ
How much did the winner of the 1975 Open Championship get?
Tom Watson won $16,663 from a $166,627 purse.
What was the 1975 Open Championship purse?
$166,627.