PGA Tour confirms $20 million purse for 2026 Memorial Tournament

The PGA Tour has released the financial details for the 2026 Memorial Tournament, confirming a total prize pool of $20 million. The event, held annually at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio, offers a $4 million share to the champion. This figure exceeds the $3.6 million awarded at no-cut signature events, a difference attributed to the tournament’s requirement for a mid-event cut.

The 72-player field will be reduced to the top 50 competitors and ties following the second round on Friday. Payouts decrease progressively from the winner’s share down to $40,000 for the player finishing in 62nd place. The financial structure reflects the increased difficulty of the cut, which has been a defining feature of Jack Nicklaus’ founding event since its inception in 1976.

Defending champion Scottie Scheffler enters the tournament aiming to secure his third consecutive victory. Having claimed the $4 million winner’s share in both 2024 and 2025, Scheffler is positioned to push his career earnings at Muirfield Village past the eight-figure mark. He joins a competitive field that includes Rory McIlroy, Cameron Young, Xander Schauffele, Ludvig Åberg, Tommy Fleetwood, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Russell Henley.

The Memorial Tournament remains a pivotal fixture on the PGA Tour calendar, often serving as the final preparation for the U.S. Open. The 2026 U.S. Open is scheduled to take place at Shinnecock Hills two weeks after the conclusion of the Memorial. The event’s history includes notable performances by Tiger Woods, who remains the only player to achieve a three-peat at the venue.

The full payout schedule allocates $2.2 million for second place and $1.4 million for third. The remaining distribution covers positions four through 62, with the lowest payout reserved for the 62nd place finisher. The tournament’s financial and structural parameters underscore its status as a premier event within the professional golf circuit.