5 Perks Of Winning The Open - What Brian Harman Gets

A lot comes with an Open victory, including money, one of the sport's greatest trophies, exemptions and more

Brian Harman of the United States kisses the Claret Jug whilst celebrating winning the The Open on the 18th green on Day Four of The 151st Open at Royal Liverpool Golf Club
(Image credit: Getty Images)

As the Champion Golfer of the Year, Brian Harman's name is etched into the history books but there are plenty more benefits to winning The Open as well.

In this day and age, winners of any pro events, but especially Majors, walk away with no shortage of exemptions and prize money. So without further ado, we list some of the perks that Harman will receive after his stunning win at Royal Liverpool. 

Video: Perks Of Winning The Open

1. Claret Jug

Claret Jug trophy pictured

(Image credit: Getty Images)

First thing to mention is undoubtedly the prestige of winning the oldest Major Championship in golf. That in itself, and the name being etched into history, is a perk.

Adding to that the winner also receives arguably the best trophy in golf too in the Claret Jug, which was first awarded in 1873. The winner gets to keep it for an entire year. Once the champion returns the original trophy at the following year's championship they are given a replica to keep.

2. Gold Medal

Tony Jacklin with the Claret Jug and Gold Medal in 1969

The Open originally gave a Challenge Belt to its winner, but this was permanently given to Young Tom Morris after he won three consecutive tournaments.

It was replaced by the Gold Medal from 1872, which winners still receive.

3. Prize Money

This year's Champion Golfer of the Year will win the largest first prize in the tournament's history after The Open prize money was raised to a record $16.5m.

The winner will take home a huge $3m.

4. Exemptions

The Open winner is guaranteed entry to all future Open Championships until the age of 60, and entry to the next ten Opens, even if over the age of 60.

They also gain five year exemptions to The Masters, PGA Championship and US Open, and they also earn membership to both the DP World Tour and PGA Tour for five years.

Victory also comes with a place in the next five editions of the The Players Championship and the five invitational tournaments (Genesis Invitational, Fort Worth Invitational (now the Charles Schwab Challenge), Arnold Palmer Invitational, RBC Heritage, and Memorial Tournament) on the PGA Tour.

Lifting the Claret Jug also ensure an automatic invitation to three of the five senior Majors once the winner turns 50, with a one-year invitation to the US Senior Open and a lifetime invitation to the Senior PGA Championship and Senior Open Championship.

5. Ranking points

And for the man who conquers Royal Liverpool comes a very nice haul of World Ranking and FedEx Cup points.

All Major championships offer up 100 OWGR points to the winner, as well as 600 FedEx Cup points in the season-long race.

Sam Tremlett
E-commerce Editor

A golfer for most of his life, Sam is a Senior Staff Writer for Golf Monthly. 

Working with golf gear and equipment over the last six years, Sam has quickly built outstanding knowledge and expertise on golf products ranging from drivers, to balls, to shoes. 

He combines this knowledge with a passion for helping golfers get the best gear for them, and as such Sam manages a team of writers that look to deliver the most accurate and informative reviews and buying advice. This is so the reader can find exactly what they are looking for.


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Unfortunately, Sam is not a member of any club at the moment but regularly gets out on the golf course to keep up the facade of having a handicap of five. 


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