Our source lists prize money for the top 10 finishers only, so the rest of the field isn't shown.
John Mahaffey finished -8 and took 17% of the purse. That $50,000 is worth about $254,657 in 2026 dollars.
How the 1978 PGA Championship purse was split
Every finisher with a recorded payout, in finishing order.
1978 PGA 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 | John Mahaffey | -8 | $45,000 | $50,000 +11% |
| T2 | Jerry Pate | -8 | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| T2 | Tom Watson | -8 | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| T4 | Gil Morgan | -4 | $12,000 | $14,500 |
| T4 | Tom Weiskopf | -4 | $12,000 | $14,500 |
| 6 | Craig Stadler | -2 | $7,300 | $10,000 +37% |
| T7 | Andy Bean | E | $8,000 | |
| T7 | Graham Marsh | E | $8,000 | |
| T7 | Lee Trevino | E | $8,000 | |
| 10 | Fuzzy Zoeller | +1 | $6,500 |
PGA Championship winner's share over time
This year is labeled. Full tournament history →
1978 PGA Championship payout FAQ
How much did the winner of the 1978 PGA Championship get?
John Mahaffey won $50,000 from a $300,240 purse.
What was the 1978 PGA Championship purse?
$300,240.