The U.S. Open will offer a record final prize money purse of $24.2m, organisers said on Wednesday, with the golf tournament confirming its move from New York to Shinnecock Hills in Southampton.
After a re-think in the wake of the death of one of the tournament’s early figures, legendary tennis coach and former professional Arthur Ashe, the U.S. Open made the announcement in New York.
The first Major championship of the season, the U.S. Open has been held at Shinnecock Hills in Southampton since 2004.
“I want to thank USGA President Sandi Isaacs, USGA Senior Vice President Joanne Moore and Chairman Rick Kranefuss for their leadership and guidance,” USGA CEO Mike Davis said in a statement.
“We have done everything possible to implement Arthur Ashe’s vision for the US Open, and at the same time keep it relevant. I couldn’t be happier with the 2019 venue selection and feel we have made the right decision.”
The USGA had faced criticism last year when the tournament decided to give half of the $10m prize purse to the men’s champions on the final day.
The tournament went on to have its lowest prize money total of the modern era.
This year’s women’s champion will collect $1.91m and the men’s champion $2.62m, but winners this year will pocket $3.33m and $3.67m respectively.
“The sport continues to attract audiences around the world with sport’s strongest purse, creative broadcast packages and outstanding fields of golfers,” Kranefuss said.
“Our intent all along was to find a venue that would best showcase the game to an entire new generation of fans and create a lasting legacy for our great sport. Shinnecock Hills is that venue.”