R&A chief exective warns golf must stem rise in prize funds at elite events

Open at Troon will pay record $3.1m (£2.38m) to winner.

CONCERNED: R&A ‘concerned’ over perception of sport due to increase in prize funds. Picture: AP Photo/Mike Stewart

The chief executive of the R&A has warned golf must take steps to halt a potentially unsustainable rise in prize funds at elite events. Martin Slumbers’s comments came as it was revealed this year’s Open Championship at Troon will pay $3.1m (£2.38m) to the winner from a purse of $17m.

Those figures are the highest in Open history, after $16.5m was distributed at Royal Liverpool in 2023. Even professionals who miss the cut at the oldest major receive a cheque.