Figuring Out Where That Crazy Golf Money Went
Got curious watching the AmEx golf tournament last week. Saw that ridiculous $16 million prize pool and thought: who actually gets this cash? Started digging like I was hunting for lost balls in the rough.
First thing I did was pull up last year’s official payout sheet. Grabbed my coffee and squinted at those tiny numbers. The winner’s cut jumped out immediately – dude pocketed nearly three million bucks! That’s like finding a golden tee in your backyard.
- The meaty chunks: Top 10 finishers hogged over 60% of the whole pot. Felt like watching sharks at feeding time.
- Middle pack crumbs: Guys around 50th place? Barely cleared gas money – saw one payout for $18,330. That won’t cover their caddie’s hotel bill!
- Sad participation trophies: Anyone below 65th place got less than my monthly mortgage. Saw $16,800 at the very bottom. Ouch.
Went deeper checking where the rest vanished. Tournament operations ain’t cheap – those fancy leaderboards and bleachers? Probably swallowed another couple million. Then there’s the cut that goes to PGA Tour’s general prize fund, which sounds like a black hole for extra cash.
The weirdest discovery? That “Designated Event” label they slapped on this tournament means they’re forcing top players to show up. No wonder the pot’s so fat! Basically a bribe with trophy attached. My takeaway? Pro golf’s pay structure makes Las Vegas look sensible. Winners swim in caviar while half the field’s clipping grocery coupons. Next time someone complains about their office bonus pool? Show them golf’s payout sheet – instant perspective.
