Hardly worth going

PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland (AP) — The British Open is leaving the total prize money at $17 million, the first time since 2012 the R&A has chosen not to increase the purse.

The U.S. Open also did not boost its purse this year at Oakmont Country Club near Pittsburgh.

The winner this week at Royal Portrush will receive $3.1 million, the same amount Xander Schauffele earned last year at Royal Troon.

The four majors had been gradually increasing their prize money in recent years. The Masters increased its prize fund by $1 million to $21 million. The PGA Championship went up $500,000 to $19 million.

The U.S. Open left its purse at $21.5 million, still the highest of the four majors.

It’s an example that the biggest championships are not about prize money, but green jackets and claret jugs. The Players Championship on the PGA Tour has a $25 million purse. PGA Tour signature events and Saudi-funded LIV Golf events have $20 million prize funds.

Els withdraws from Open

PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland (AP) — Two-time champion Ernie Els has withdrawn from the British Open, the second time this year he has chosen not to compete in big championships.

The R&A did not give a reason Sunday for the withdrawal of the 55-year-old South African. Els was replaced in the field by Si Woo Kim, who was next on the alternate list taken from last week’s world ranking.

Els won the British Open at Muirfield in 2002 after a four-man playoff. He won again in 2012 at Royal Lytham & St. Annes when Adam Scott lost a late lead.

Open champions are exempt to play until they are 60. Els also chose not to compete this year in The Players Championship, for which he qualified by winning the Kaulig Companies Championship at Firestone Country Club in Akron in 2024.