In a historic moment for the PGA Championship, Xander Schauffele emerged victorious at Valhalla Golf Club, securing not only the prestigious Wanamaker Trophy but also the largest winner's check in the tournament's history. The PGA of America, in a bid to raise the stakes and attract top talent, increased the purse by $1 million from the previous year, resulting in a record-breaking total purse of $18.5 million.

Schauffele's remarkable performance, finishing an impressive 21 under par, earned him a whopping $3.3 million prize. While he took home the lion's share, other top-performing golfers who fell short of the championship title will not be disappointed. Those who made it to the podium are set to receive seven-figure sums, ensuring their efforts are richly rewarded.

Even outside of the top positions, players within the top 10 are guaranteed a minimum prize of $500,000, while those within the top 31 will take home checks surpassing $100,000. While these figures are impressive, they come slightly below the prize money distributed at the 2024 Masters and other signature events on the PGA Tour, both boasting purses of $20 million.

Scottie Scheffler, the previous Masters winner, may have walked away with a green jacket, but his $3.6 million prize pales in comparison to Schauffele's payday. Scheffler's success at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and the Players Championship yielded even larger sums of $4 million and $4.5 million, respectively.

Remarkably, even those who missed the cut at the PGA Championship will not go home empty-handed. All players who completed 36 holes will receive a respectable $4,000 for their efforts. Considering the presence of numerous PGA professionals in the championship, this payout reflects a fair reward for two days of dedicated play.

The purse increase and substantial cash prizes for top performers highlight the PGA of America's commitment to rewarding its players and fostering a competitive environment. This year's PGA Championship has undeniably set a new benchmark for prize money in the tournament's illustrious history.

As the golf world continues to marvel at the talent showcased at Valhalla Golf Club, it is clear that Xander Schauffele, alongside other top performers, will be remembered as part of a generation that redefines the financial landscape of professional golf tournaments.