In 1977 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 1977 average rate of $1.74 per pound, with the original amount in pounds beside each one.
Our source lists prize money for the top 12 finishers only, so the rest of the field isn't shown.
Tom Watson finished -12 and took 10% of the purse. That $17,449 is worth about $95,652 in 2026 dollars.
How the 1977 Open Championship purse was split
Every finisher with a recorded payout, in finishing order.
1977 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 | -12 | $13,536 | $17,449 +29% £10,000 |
| 2 | Jack Nicklaus | -11 | $9,475 | $13,959 +47% £8,000 |
| 3 | Hubert Green | -1 | $10,469 £6,000 | |
| 4 | Lee Trevino | E | $6,858 | $8,724 +27% £5,000 |
| T5 | George Burns | +1 | $5,090 | $7,416 £4,250 |
| T5 | Ben Crenshaw | +1 | $5,090 | $7,416 £4,250 |
| 7 | Arnold Palmer | +2 | $6,543 £3,750 | |
| 8 | Ray Floyd | +3 | $6,107 £3,500 | |
| T9 | John Schroeder | +4 | $5,017 £2,875 | |
| T9 | Mark Hayes | +4 | $5,017 £2,875 | |
| T9 | Johnny Miller | +4 | $5,017 £2,875 | |
| T9 | Tommy Horton | +4 | $5,017 £2,875 |
The Open Championship winner's share over time
This year is labeled. Full tournament history →
1977 Open Championship payout FAQ
How much did the winner of the 1977 Open Championship get?
Tom Watson won $17,449 from a $174,490 purse.
What was the 1977 Open Championship purse?
$174,490.