The 2025 PGA Championship is shaping up to be a clash of giants and not just on the leaderboard. As the world’s top golfers battle it out, the stakes are soaring far beyond the Wanamaker Trophy, setting up a record-breaking showdown.

Prize money has become a central storyline, with the purse ballooning to unprecedented levels. The winner’s share promises to turn heads across the sports world, adding extra drama to every swing and every clutch putt.

While fans marvel at the precision, the booming drives and the nerves of steel, there’s another quiet chaos unfolding behind the scenes: just how massive is the champion’s payday this year? The numbers are staggering.

What is the 2025 PGA Championship prize money?

The 2025 PGA Championship is set to feature a record-breaking purse, with the total prize money reaching an unprecedented $18.5 million. This significant increase underscores the growing financial stakes in professional golf.

The winner will receive a substantial payout of $3.33 million, maintaining the same amount as the previous year. The distribution of prize money continues to reward top performers generously, with the second-place finisher earning $1.998 million and the third-place finisher receiving $1.258 million.

The breakdown ensures that players across various positions are well-compensated for their efforts. This year’s purse reflects a consistent upward trend in the tournament’s financial offerings, according to Sporting News.

In 2024, the total prize money was also set at $18.5 million, with the winner’s share at $3.33 million. Notably, this marks the second consecutive year at this level, indicating a stabilization in the prize fund after previous increases.

PGA Championship prize money evolution

Over the past few years, the PGA Championship has seen a steady increase in its prize money, highlighting the tournament’s commitment to rewarding excellence in the sport. In 2023, the total purse was $15 million, with the winner taking home $2.7 million, as Sporting News reported.

The following year, the prize fund was boosted to $18.5 million, maintaining the winner’s share at $3.33 million. This consistent growth reflects the PGA’s efforts to enhance the financial incentives for players and attract top talent to the championship.

Looking ahead, the 2025 purse continues this trend, affirming the PGA Championship’s position as one of the most lucrative events in golf. While the prize money has stabilized, the overall increase over the past decade underscores the tournament’s evolution.

[Watch 2025 PGA Championship online in the US on Fubo]

The 107th edition of the PGA Championship is set for 2025 at Quail Hollow Club, with Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medalist Xander Schauffele returning to defend his title after edging out reigning U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau last year.

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, fresh off a victory at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson in Texas and the Paris 2024 Olympic gold, enters as a strong favorite, while two-time PGA Championship winner Rory McIlroy is also in the hunt. Golf’s biggest stars are primed to battle for one of the sport’s most coveted titles.

When will the 2025 PGA Championship match be played?

The 2025 PGA Championship runs from Thursday, May 15 through Sunday, May 18, with daily broadcasts starting at 8:00 a.m. (ET).

2025 PGA Championship: Time by State in the USA

ET: 8:00 AM

CT: 7:00 AM

MT: 6:00 AM

PT: 5:00 AM

How to watch 2025 PGA Championship in the USA

Don’t miss the 2025 PGA Championship in the USA. Watch all the action live on Fubo with a free trial. Other options: Paramount+, ESPN (Rounds 1 and 2) and CBS (Rounds 3 and 4).

As the 2025 PGA Championship approaches, anticipation builds for the field of 156 players vying for the prestigious Wanamaker Trophy. Among the notable names is Rickie Fowler, a six-time PGA Tour winner and fan favorite.

However, questions linger about his participation in this year’s tournament. His recent performances have been a mix of highs and lows. Competitions have seen him struggle, including a withdrawal at the WM Phoenix Open due to illness.

As the tournament at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, begins on May 15, all eyes will be on whether he can overcome recent setbacks and make a strong showing in one of golf‘s biggest events…

Will Rickie Fowler be playing in the 2025 PGA Championship?

Rickie Fowler is set to compete in the 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina. He will tee off at 7:38 a.m. on Thursday, May 15, alongside Shane Lowry and Brooks Koepka.

The six-time PGA Tour winner has had a mixed start to the 2025 season, with his best finish being a tie for 8th at the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches. Despite recent struggles, including dropping out of the top 100 in the Official World Golf Ranking, he remains a fan favorite.

As the tournament unfolds, all attention will be on him to see if he can leverage his experience to make a significant impact at Quail Hollow. His performance will be closely watched as he aims to reclaim his form on one of golf’s biggest stages.

Can Rickie Fowler break his Major Championship drought in 2025?

Rickie Fowler’s quest for a major championship title has been a long-standing narrative in professional golf. Despite multiple close calls, including runner-up finishes at the U.S. Open and The Open Championship, a major victory has eluded him.

In the 2025 season, he has shown glimpses of his former prowess. Notably, he secured a tie for 8th place at the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches, marking his best finish of the year. However, consistency has been an issue, with several missed cuts and withdrawals.

He faces the challenge of overcoming a field stacked with talent and navigating the formidable Quail Hollow course. While a major win would be a significant milestone, it will require a return to peak form and mental fortitude to achieve.

Shortly after the Truist Championship, the best players in golf will square off once again, but this time in the major championship organized by the PGA of America. This time, the stakes are even higher as everybody wants to cement their place on the podium in the second major competition of the 2025 season.

However, Woods’ presence is one of the biggest areas of concern for fans, who hope to witness the, arguably, greatest of all time to ever put a peg in the ground. This has led to a big question, voiced almost in unison by fans: Will Tiger Woods participate in the 2025 PGA Championship?

Is Tiger Woods playing in the 2025 PGA Championship?

Tiger Woods won’t tee it up during the 2025 PGA Championship, as he is in the recovery and rehabilitation stage of his Achilles injury, which he suffered in March. Woods earned a lifetime invitation to the PGA Championship, as he won the major championship on four occasions, and winners are invited to the tournament for life.

This will be Woods’ third time in the last five years he won’t attend the PGA Championship. He missed the cut during last year’s edition, after being absent in 2021 and 2023, and withdrawing from the tournament in 2022.

Fond memories

Needless to say, Tiger Woods has had a lot of success in the PGA Championship throughout the years, as the 15-time major tournament winner has built an everlasting legacy throughout the different courses where the Championship has been held.

Throughout his career, Woods has attended 23 Championships, making the cut in 18 editions, and being crowned in 4 of them. Unfortunately, in 2025 Woods won’t be able to chase his fifth Wanamaker Trophy, which he previously hoisted in 1999, 2000, 2006, and 2007.

The Wanamaker Trophy has traveled countless miles, weathered near-disasters and emerged as a glittering symbol of glory in golf. Its silver curves have been kissed by legends, misplaced in basements and raised in roaring triumphs.

Born in 1916 from the vision of department store magnate Rodman Wanamaker, the trophy carries more than just weight — it carries a century of stories. From Walter Hagen’s swagger to present-day champs, it has seen it all.

Yet, beyond the shine and spectacle, the legacy hides charming quirks and near-mythic tales. To understand the heart of the PGA Championship, one must first understand the history and the fun behind its most prized possession.

How the Wanamaker Trophy came to be

In 1916, department store magnate Rodman Wanamaker envisioned elevating professional golf’s stature in America. He convened a meeting at New York’s Taplow Club, leading to the formation of the Professional Golfers’ Association of America.

To commemorate this, Wanamaker funded a $2,500 prize and commissioned a silver trophy for a new tournament: the PGA Championship, according to sources like Golf Monthly.

The inaugural PGA Championship took place in October 1916 at Siwanoy Country Club in Bronxville, New York. The final match saw Jim Barnes narrowly defeat Jock Hutchison, earning the distinction of being the first name engraved on the trophy.

Designed by Dieges & Clust, it was intended to symbolize the prestige of professional golf. Its creation marked a significant step in recognizing and celebrating the achievements of professional golfers in the United States.

Why the Wanamaker Trophy’s size matches its prestige?

The Wanamaker Trophy is renowned not just for its history but also for its impressive dimensions. Standing 28 inches tall, 10.5 inches in diameter and 27 inches from handle to handle, it weighs a substantial 27 pounds, making it the largest and heaviest trophy among golf’s major championships.

This grandeur has led to memorable moments, such as in 1963 when Jack Nicklaus found the trophy too hot to handle after it had been left in the sun during the Dallas Athletic Club’s sweltering summer.

Winners of the PGA Championship are awarded the original trophy to keep for a year. Afterward, they receive a 9:10 scale replica to commemorate their victory permanently, as National Club Golfer reported.

The Wanamaker’s journey through golf’s greatest eras

Over the decades, the Wanamaker Trophy has been held aloft by golf legends, each adding to its storied legacy. Walter Hagen’s dominance in the 1920s, with five PGA Championship wins, set a high bar for excellence.

Players like Brooks Koepka have etched their names into the trophy’s history. His back-to-back victories in 2018 and 2019 showcased his resilience, particularly in 2019 when he overcame a challenging final round to retain his title.

The trophy has also been part of celebratory traditions. In 2024, Xander Schauffele celebrated his first major win by drinking champagne from the Wanamaker Trophy, a moment that highlighted both his achievement and the trophy’s symbolic significance.

The most memorable moments around the trophy

One of the most intriguing tales involves Walter Hagen, who, after winning the 1925 PGA Championship, reportedly handed the trophy to a taxi driver to deliver to his hotel while he continued celebrating.

The trophy went missing for five years, only to be discovered in 1930 in the basement of L.A. Young & Company, his golf club manufacturer. This led the PGA of America to create a replica trophy, ensuring that future champions would have a version to display while the original remained safeguarded.

Such stories contribute to the rich tapestry of the Wanamaker Trophy’s history, making it not just a symbol of victory but also a repository of golf’s most captivating narratives.

In golf’s storied history, few titles carry the weight of the PGA Championship. As one of the sport’s four majors, it’s where legends cement their status and where careers are defined by clutch putts and Sunday drama.

From Walter Hagen to Tiger Woods, the battle for the glory has delivered iconic moments. Across eras, champions have lifted the Wanamaker Trophy and etched their names into the game’s rich tapestry.

As records have fallen and rivalries unfolded, one question endures: who truly reigns supreme when it comes to PGA Championship triumphs? The pursuit of that answer reveals a fascinating journey through golf’s greatest stages.

Which golfer has the most PGA Championship wins?

The golfer with the most PGA Championship wins is Jack Nicklaus, who captured the title five times. He’s tied at the top with Walter Hagen — though Hagen’s victories came during the match-play era, while Jack earned his in stroke play.

Golfers with the most PGA Championship victories

Jack Nicklaus

Jack Nicklaus stands atop the PGA Championship record books with five titles, won over nearly two decades. His first came in 1963, when he edged Dave Ragan by two shots. He added his second in 1971, overcoming a fierce challenge from Billy Casper.

But it was the 1973, 1975, and 1980 victories that cemented his legacy, each demonstrating his signature blend of power, precision and mental toughness. His PGA success reflects his unmatched consistency on golf’s biggest stages.

Whether overpowering courses or outthinking opponents, the Golden Bear’s adaptability was key. His ability to evolve across eras, from battling Arnold Palmer to facing Tom Watson, helped him claim a record 18 major titles, with the PGA Championship playing a starring role.

Walter Hagen

Before the PGA Championship switched to stroke play, Walter Hagen ruled the match play era with an iron fist. His five PGA titles, won between 1921 and 1927, included an astonishing run of four consecutive victories.

His showmanship and swagger made him a superstar, and his dominance in head-to-head duels became the stuff of legend. His impact extended beyond the trophy count.

He helped elevate professional golfers’ status at a time when amateurs ruled the game, demanding respect and raising purses. His PGA record has stood for nearly a century, a testament to his unmatched competitive edge and flair for the dramatic.

Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods burst onto the PGA Championship scene in 1999, winning a nail-biter against Sergio García at Medinah. He followed it with a dramatic playoff victory over Bob May in 2000, during the peak of his career.

His 2006 and 2007 titles further showcased his mastery, as he became the only player in the stroke-play era to win back-to-back PGAs twice. His PGA triumphs are emblematic of his mental fortitude under pressure.

Whether charging through fields or protecting a lead, Tiger’s ability to rise in big moments shaped his legend. His four PGA titles remain a critical part of his 15-major resume, keeping him just one short of Nicklaus in the all-time major race.

Gene Sarazen

Gene Sarazen won three PGA Championships in the early days of the event, in 1922, 1923, and 1933. Known for his grit and innovation (he famously invented the sand wedge), he was a fierce competitor during the match play years. His early back-to-back victories signaled the rise of a star who would go on to complete the career Grand Slam.

His influence stretched beyond his wins. He helped popularize golf in America and set a standard of excellence for generations to follow. His PGA dominance laid the groundwork for what became one of the most important majors in the sport, and his name remains etched in golf history.

Sam Snead

Sam Snead’s three PGA Championship wins came in 1942, 1949, and 1951, showcasing his remarkable longevity at the top. Known for his smooth swing and effortless power, he first lifted the Wanamaker Trophy during World War II and returned to claim two more as golf evolved in the postwar boom.

His record is part of a staggering career that includes 82 PGA Tour wins—still tied for the all-time lead. His ability to stay competitive across decades was rare, and his PGA titles reflect both his physical gifts and his ability to handle the game’s mental challenges over time.

Brooks Koepka

Brooks Koepka’s rise in the majors has been nothing short of spectacular, and his three PGA titles (2018, 2019, 2023) highlight his dominance. He became the first back-to-back PGA winner since Tiger Woods, and his 2023 win reaffirmed his status as one of golf’s most formidable major players.

What sets him apart is his ability to elevate his game on the biggest stages. With steely focus and unshakable confidence, he thrives when pressure peaks. His PGA success has been central to his reputation as a modern-day major assassin, with no signs of slowing down.

Each year, four golf tournaments rise above the rest, shaping careers and defining legacies. Known as “the majors”, they bring together the world’s top players for a test of skill, patience, and poise on the game’s biggest stages.

From the blooming azaleas of Augusta to the gusty coastlines of the UK, each major has its own identity. They don’t just differ in course or country—they tell completely different stories about what it means to master the sport.

Why do these four matter more than hundreds of others played yearly? It’s not just history or prize money—it’s tradition, challenge and global prestige. Let’s break down what makes each major unique, from format quirks to calendar spots.

The Masters

The Masters unfolds each April at the immaculate Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, the only major held at a permanent venue. Conceived by Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts in 1934, it marks the ceremonial start of golf’s biggest season. Participation is by invitation only, creating an elite field composed of former champions, top-ranked professionals and recent major winners.

What elevates The Masters is its ritualistic charm. From the ceremonial first tee shots to the Champion’s Dinner and the coveted Green Jacket, every detail contributes to a sense of reverence. Augusta’s setting—with its rolling fairways and blooming azaleas—adds visual drama to the intensity of competition.

The tournament follows a 72-hole stroke play format, with the top 50 and ties advancing after two rounds. Its slick, contoured greens and strategic layout demand creative shot-making and composure, especially under pressure. Though the youngest of the four majors, it carries a mystique that makes it unforgettable.

PGA Championship

Unlike its counterparts, the PGA Championship is reserved solely for professional golfers, a fact that defines its character. First held in 1916, it transitioned from match play to stroke play in 1958 and now occupies a prime slot in May. It’s overseen by the PGA of America—not to be confused with the PGA Tour—and consistently features one of the most competitive fields in golf.

This major is widely regarded as a proving ground for modern pros, with entry earned via rankings, recent performance and qualification by club professionals. The tournament’s venues vary each year, offering a mix of traditional layouts and contemporary challenges.

It is known for rewarding aggressive, high-level play while still requiring precision and strategy. Its format is 72-hole stroke play with a cut after 36 holes. Winners often emerge from thrilling final rounds, where shotmaking meets mental resilience. It’s a favorite among players for its balance of prestige and opportunity.

U.S. Open

Renowned as the toughest of the four, the U.S. Open is golf’s ultimate stress test. Organized by the USGA, it takes place in June at a rotating selection of demanding U.S. courses—venues like Winged Foot, Oakmont and Pebble Beach, known for unforgiving setups. Every element, from tight fairways to thick rough and rapid greens, is designed to challenge the limits of the field.

It’s also the most accessible major in terms of qualification. Thousands of professionals and amateurs compete in preliminary rounds, earning the tournament a reputation as golf’s most open crucible. Still, by the weekend, it’s usually the calmest heads and sharpest games that survive.

With a stroke play format over 72 holes and a cut to the top 60 and ties, the U.S. Open demands grit, patience and adaptability. Scoring under par is rarely the norm—often, even level par can lead to victory. The mental toll it takes has become part of its legend, making a win here a true badge of honor.

The Open Championship

The Open Championship—simply “The Open” to purists—is the oldest of the majors, first staged in 1860 at Prestwick, Scotland. Managed by The R&A, it travels each July to storied coastal courses such as St Andrews, Royal Portrush, and Muirfield. These rugged links terrains are exposed to the elements, giving The Open its distinctive personality.

Wind, firm fairways and pot bunkers demand improvisation and a deep understanding of trajectory and spin. Players must often abandon modern power play in favor of finesse and adaptability. The weather can shift within minutes, turning birdie chances into bogey scrambles.

The competition follows the standard 72-hole stroke play format, with a cut to the top 70 and ties after two rounds. The winner receives the Claret Jug, an enduring symbol of golfing excellence. Above all, The Open honors the origins of the sport—its grassroots spirit, global reach, and unvarnished purity remain at its heart.

After claiming the title, Hovland shared some candid admissions during his post-victory interview with NBC’s Golf Channel. Reflecting on his performance, he remarked, “I hit a lot of disgusting shots,” and admitted, “I’ve got no idea, still kind of sinking in.”

Hovland also revealed that even when Justin Thomas took the lead, he stayed composed under pressure. “J.T. made a birdie on 15 and he was three shots ahead. I still just felt well calm and wasn’t stressing even though I knew I had to make the putt on 14,” he said.

On his triumph, Hovland humorously admitted he didn’t change much in his game to make the cut and eventually win the tournament. “It’s still the same swing…” he commented, adding, “then my iron game, I could still hit good shots but I know there are some bad ones creeping in there. Somehow this week I was able to hit the good shot than I have in recent weeks.”

Hovland Knew Winning the Valspar Championship Would Be Tough

It was a challenging week for Hovland, who acknowledged that he still couldn’t believe he won the trophy. “It’s unbelievable to see that I could win because I honestly did not believe that I could do it this week,” he admitted, referencing his struggle to secure a title since 2023.

It’s worth noting that the last few months were quite rough for Hovland. Winning the Valspar Championship comes as a relief for him, as he had missed the cut in three consecutive tournaments: the Genesis Invitational, Arnold Palmer Invitational, and Players Championship.

Hovland’s Next Tournament

Hovland is expected to participate in The Masters. He earned an invitation to the tournament as one of the two players who finished in the leading four or tied for fourth place at the 2024 PGA Championship.

Following the tournament, where Thomas was expected to deliver a more commanding performance, he offered a candid self-critique. Reflecting on his future, he stated, “I just hopefully put myself in the same position in two weeks at Augusta and finish it off better.”

It’s worth noting that Thomas hasn’t won a tournament—at least one of the majors—since 2022. Expectations are high for him to bounce back as one of the favorites in The Masters, scheduled for April 13. However, in last year’s edition, he fell short of expectations.

Thomas didn’t have a losing mindset after being defeated by Viktor Hovland. He took the opportunity to congratulate the champion with a handshake, saying, “Well done. We’ll see you at Augusta.” Both will be present at The Masters, where Thomas will likely be considered a favorite.

Thomas knows there is still plenty to fight for in the PGA Championship

As a golfer, he showed that he can move forward, and that this defeat was just a setback. Despite losing, he continued signing autographs for the fans. However, he knows it was painful to lose the three-shot lead he had against Hovland.

On the other hand, champion Hovland spoke highly of Thomas, acknowledging that the lead was an important factor in the final round, but it didn’t cause him to lose control against Thomas.

[Watch the U.S. Open 2023 online free in the US on Fubo]

Third among golf’s “majors,” the U.S. Open Championship is a fixture on the PGA Tour and the European Tour’s official tournament calendars. Since 1898, competitors have battled it out over 72 holes of stroke play (4 rounds on an 18-hole course), with the lowest score determining the victor.

Each course that hosts the U.S. Open is meticulously prepared to make scoring very tough and put an emphasis on straight, precise driving. With a $17.5 million prize pool since 2022, the U.S. Open has the highest payout of the four major tournaments.

When will the U.S. Open 2023 be held?

The U.S. Open 2023 will start on Thursday, June 15, 2023, at the North Course of Los Angeles Country Club in Los Angeles, California.

U.S. Open 2023: Time by State in the US

ET: 9:40 AM
CT: 8:40 AM
MT: 7:40 AM
PT: 6:40 AM

How to watch the U.S. Open 2023

The 2023 U.S. Open Championship will be broadcast on Fubo (Free 7-day Trial) in the United States. Other options are NBC, Peacock, USA, NBCSports.com, USOpen.com, NBC Sports App, USGA App.

Another big favorite during the tournament was Corey Conners who led the second round and was close to the first spot during the first second, but that wasn’t enough.

Koekpa has three PGA Championship titles, the first was in 2018, then a back-to-back during the 2019 edition and finally the 2023 title where he was not a big favorite.

Koepka wins the 2023 PGA Championship: Memes and Reactions

No one expected him to win the tournament but after a strong performance during the third round all bets were on Koepka.

How much money did Koepka earn after winning the 2023 PGA Championship?

Koepka takes home a juicy check of $3,240,000, so far that has been one of the biggest prizes for a golfer in the PGA Championship in these first two and a half decades of the 21st century.