US Open Winnings

The US Open has grown to be one of the most lucrative golf championships in the world, along with the three other major professional golf championships - the Open Championship, the PGA Championship and the Masters. The 2008 US Open prize money pool will be over $7 million, and the winner can expect to bag a total of around the $1.3 million mark.

The first ever US Open was played on October 4, 1895, in Newport, Rhode Island, and boasted a prize money pool of $335. Horace Rawlins was the winner of the tournament, and collected $150 for his efforts as well as a $50 gold medal. This is a stark contrast when compared to modern day US Open winnings.

2007 US Open prize money

The total prize money pool at the 2007 US Open at Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, Pennsylvania, was $7 million. The winner, Angel Cabrera, walked away with $1.26 million of the US Open winnings for his one stroke win over Tiger Woods and Jim Furyk, who each won $611,336. Fourth placed Niclas Fasth from Sweden bagged $325 923.

2006 US Open prize money

The prize money purse at the 2006 US Open at Winged Foot Golf Club, West Course in Mamaroneck, New York, was $6.8 million. Geoff Ogilvy won the 2006 US Open by one stroke and took home winnings of $1.225 million, while Phil Mickelson, Colin Montgomerie and Jim Furyk tied for second place, each bagging $501,249. Fifth place went to Padraig Harrington who won $255 642.

2005 US Open prize money

Michael Campbell of New Zealand was victorious at the 2005 US Open at Pinehurst with a two-stroke win over Tiger Woods. This netted him $1.125 million, while the total prize purse for the tournament that year was $6.25 million. Woods took home $700 000, and third-placed Sergio Garcia, Tim Clark and Mark Hensby each won $320 039.

The golf players aren't the only ones who can earn a pretty packet from the 2008 US Open winnings.