U.S. Open purses increase; women's champion to earn $1M for 1st time

The purses for both the U.S. Open and U.S. Women's Open will increase by $500,000 in 2019, the United States Golf Association announced Tuesday.

History will be made for the women's competition, as the increase pushes the purse to $5.5 million, which means the winner - provided she is a professional - will take home $1 million for the first time ever. However, it will shortly thereafter become the second-largest winner's check on the LPGA Tour, as the season-ending CME Globe Tour Championship will award $1.5 million to the victor.

The men's tournament will have a $12.5-million prize pool, making it the largest of all major championships.

"The USGA is committed to providing an unparalleled experience to every player competing in its championships," said USGA senior managing director of championships John Bodenhamer. "We are continuing the effort to create a competitor experience commensurate with the game's most prestigious championships, and that includes an increased purse."

The 74th U.S. Women's Open starts Thursday at the Country Club of Charleston.

The men will head to Pebble Beach for the 119th running of the U.S. Open. It begins on June 13.