In 1980 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 1980 average rate of $2.32 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 -13 and took 12% of the purse. That $58,115 is worth about $234,300 in 2026 dollars.
How the 1980 Open Championship purse was split
Every finisher with a recorded payout, in finishing order.
1980 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 | -13 | $60,000 | $58,115 -3% £25,000 |
| 2 | Lee Trevino | -9 | $42,000 | $40,681 -3% £17,500 |
| 3 | Ben Crenshaw | -7 | $32,400 | $31,382 -3% £13,500 |
| T4 | Carl Mason | -4 | $22,200 | $21,503 £9,250 |
| T4 | Jack Nicklaus | -4 | $22,200 | $21,503 £9,250 |
| T6 | Andy Bean | -2 | $17,400 | $16,853 £7,250 |
| T6 | Ken Brown | -2 | $17,400 | $16,853 £7,250 |
| T6 | Hubert Green | -2 | $17,400 | $16,853 £7,250 |
| T6 | Craig Stadler | -2 | $17,400 | $16,853 £7,250 |
| T10 | Gil Morgan | -1 | $13,800 | $13,366 £5,750 |
| T10 | Jack Newton | -1 | $13,800 | $13,366 £5,750 |
The Open Championship winner's share over time
This year is labeled. Full tournament history →
1980 Open Championship payout FAQ
How much did the winner of the 1980 Open Championship get?
Tom Watson won $58,115 from a $464,920 purse.
What was the 1980 Open Championship purse?
$464,920.