The 2026 PGA Championship is here, and while the Wanamaker Trophy is the ultimate prize, the money at stake is nothing to scoff at. As the year's second major unfolds, golf fans are eager to see who will claim glory—and a massive paycheck.

Let's talk numbers. The official purse for the 2026 PGA Championship will be announced on Saturday during the third round. For context, last year's tournament boasted a $19 million purse—a $500,000 bump from the year before. That's serious cash, but here's the twist: it actually trails several of the PGA Tour's signature events and even some other majors.

When Scottie Scheffler won the 2025 PGA Championship, he walked away with $3.42 million. That payout ranks third among the four majors, just ahead of The Open Championship. The Masters and U.S. Open both offered larger purses, but don't let that fool you—winning a major still carries unmatched prestige.

Why the shift? In recent years, the PGA Tour has elevated select "signature events" with purses that rival—and sometimes exceed—the majors. That means the PGA Championship winner won't necessarily earn more than winners of certain regular-season tournaments. But as any golfer will tell you, the Wanamaker Trophy and the history it represents are worth far more than any dollar figure.

The full payout breakdown will be revealed after the second round, when the field is cut to the top 70 players and ties. Last year, 74 players made the cut and shared the wealth. Expect a similar distribution this time around, with the champion taking home the lion's share.

For fans watching at home or following the leaderboard, one thing is clear: whether you're chasing a major title or just dreaming of a day on the course, the PGA Championship reminds us why we love this game—and why a little extra green in the wallet never hurts.