Our source lists prize money for the top 10 finishers only, so the rest of the field isn't shown.
Ralph Guldahl finished E and took 17% of the purse. That $1,000 is worth about $23,577 in 2026 dollars.
How the 1938 U.S. Open purse was split
Every finisher with a recorded payout, in finishing order.
1938 U.S. Open prize money for every player
Final positions and prize money, with what the same untied position paid the year before.
| Pos | Player | To par | Last year | Prize money |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ralph Guldahl | E | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| 2 | Dick Metz | +6 | $800 | $800 |
| T3 | Harry Cooper | +8 | $700 | $650 |
| T3 | Toney Penna | +8 | $700 | $650 |
| T5 | Byron Nelson | +10 | $450 | $412 |
| T5 | Emery Zimmerman | +10 | $450 | $412 |
| T7 | Frank Moore | +11 | $275 | $216 |
| T7 | Henry Picard | +11 | $275 | $216 |
| T7 | Paul Runyan | +11 | $275 | $216 |
| 10 | Gene Sarazen | +12 | $175 | $106 -39% |
U.S. Open winner's share over time
This year is labeled. Full tournament history →
1938 U.S. Open payout FAQ
How much did the winner of the 1938 U.S. Open get?
Ralph Guldahl won $1,000 from a $6,000 purse.
What was the 1938 U.S. Open purse?
$6,000.