Justin Rose wire-to-wire winner at the Farmers Insurance Open 2026 at Torrey Pines, setting a 72-hole course record and claiming $1,728,000 from a $9.6 million purse, with the article detailing the prize breakdown for the rest of the field.
Top U.S. players Madison Keys and Jessica Pegula are central to a group pressing the Grand Slams for higher prize money, more player governance input, and welfare contributions. Pegula defeated Keys 6-3, 6-4 in the Australian Open to reach the quarterfinals as the reform effort—spurred by letters to the majors and ongoing lobbying—continues, with some leaders like Djokovic noting the difficulty of balancing activism with playing. The group has yet to receive formal responses from the majors, while Keys and Pegula contend with busy schedules and the challenge of uniting diverse players, all while they also host a podcast together.
Amateur Jordan Smith stunned top pros by winning the Million Dollar One Point Slam at Rod Laver Arena, earning A$1 million after defeating Jannik Sinner, Amanda Anisimova and Pedro Martinez; fellow amateur Alec Reverente also shone, winning a car in a final between the top two amateurs which capped a night of upsets and entertainment.
The 2026 Australian Open runs Jan 18–Feb 1 at Melbourne Park, with the singles draw on Jan 15 and doubles on Jan 17. Top entrants include Carlos Alcaraz, defending champion Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev. Qualifying takes place Jan 12–14, the main draw runs Jan 18–27, with the doubles final on Jan 31 and the singles final on Feb 1; total prize money is AUD 111.5 million.
Elena Rybakina won the WTA Finals in Riyadh, defeating Aryna Sabalenka and earning a record $5.235 million prize, the biggest in women's tennis history, as part of Saudi Arabia's record-breaking prize money for the event.
The 54th NYC Marathon saw elite athletes like Eliud Kipchoge and Hellen Obiri compete in ideal weather, with Obiri winning the women's race and Hug securing his record seventh wheelchair victory. The event featured significant prize money, intense competition, and lively spectator support across the five boroughs.
Jannik Sinner won the Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia for the second year in a row, defeating Carlos Alcaraz 6-2, 6-4, and received a golden racket worth around $250,000 along with $6 million in prize money, highlighting their intense rivalry and mutual respect.
European captain Luke Donald clarified that his comments about playing for 'something money can't buy' at the Ryder Cup were not directed at the U.S. team, amid ongoing discussions about prize money and team motivations, emphasizing pride and legacy over monetary rewards.
The 2025 Walmart NW Arkansas Championship was shortened to 18 holes due to unplayable conditions caused by rain, leading to the tournament's cancellation beyond the first round. Despite the cancellation, a total of $2 million in prize money will be distributed, with players receiving compensation regardless of their leaderboard position, thanks to the generous support of Walmart, P&G, and Outlyr.
Olympic swimmer Ben Proud joined the controversial Enhanced Games, which offers significantly higher prize money and allows banned performance-enhancing drugs under medical supervision, sparking criticism from governing bodies and raising concerns about fair play and athlete health.
The US Open 2025 women's semi-finals feature Naomi Osaka vs. Amanda Anisimova and Jessica Pegula vs. Aryna Sabalenka, with matches scheduled for Friday. The tournament is broadcast on Sky Sports in the UK and ESPN in the US, with a total prize pot of $90 million. The finals are set for September 6 (women) and 7 (men), with defending champions Aryna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner aiming to defend their titles.
In the Season 10 finale of 'Bachelor in Paradise,' couples Alexe and Andrew, and Jess and Spencer, chose love over money, with Jess and Spencer getting engaged and winning $190,000, while Alexe and Andrew took home $125,000 after choosing love.
Tommy Fleetwood won his first PGA Tour title at the Tour Championship, earning $10 million, but will face a significant tax bill, potentially losing around $3 million, due to US withholding taxes as a non-resident alien. Despite the financial implications, Fleetwood expressed happiness over his victory, which ended a long wait for a major title.
Tommy Fleetwood won his first PGA Tour title at the Tour Championship, earning $10 million, but due to US and UK tax laws, he could lose over half of his prize money through withholding taxes and income tax, leaving him with approximately £2.3 million after taxes.
Tommy Fleetwood won his first PGA Tour event at the Tour Championship, earning a record $10 million from a $40 million purse, with the full payout distributed among the top finishers at East Lake Golf Club.