‘We have to make choices’ – The Open to have minimal prize money increase amid golf sustainability ‘concern’

The winner at Royal Troon will receive a record $3.1m in prize money, an increase of just $100,000.

The total prize fund of $17m is up by just $500,000 on last year.

The launch of the LIV Golf League in 2022, which offers purses of $20m at each of its events, has prompted the PGA Tour to do likewise at a number of “signature” events in an attempt to prevent more players joining the Saudi-funded breakaway.

R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers said: “The R&A has a responsibility to strike a balance between maintaining The Open’s position in the global game, providing the funds required for governance and developing amateur and recreational golf in 146 countries internationally.

“We have to make choices if we want to continue to build on the significant growth in participation that is essential for golf’s future.

“We remain concerned about the impact substantial increases in men’s professional prize money are having on the perception of the sport and its long-term financial sustainability.

“We are determined to act with the interests of the global game in mind as we pursue our goal of ensuring golf continues to thrive in 50 years’ time.”

World number 15 Max Homa believes the focus on money in men’s professional golf is “quite nauseating”, while Rory McIlroy admitted he is “sick” of the topic.

“Whenever I dreamed of becoming a professional golfer, it was all about winning trophies and winning major championships,” McIlroy said on Sky Bet’s Stick to Football podcast.

“This happens in all sports, but to me, I’m sick of all the money talk in golf because the fans don’t care about it.

“They want to watch good golf and watch people compete against each other. The fans don’t care if you’re making this or this guy is on $200,000 a week, it just doesn’t resonate to them.”

Defending Open champion Brian Harman insisted he would be happy playing for less money, or even no money at all.

“Yeah, I would personally. I’m not sure everyone would, but I would,” the American said in his pre-championship press conference.

Asked why other players would not feel the same, the left-hander added: “Because some people care more about money than I do, I suppose.

“I play golf for me. I play golf because I enjoy torturing myself with things that are really hard to do. That’s just me. Most times when I get done with a tournament, I couldn’t tell you within commas of how much that I made that week.”