Our source lists prize money for the top 10 finishers only, so the rest of the field isn't shown.
Jack Nicklaus finished +2 and took 15% of the purse. That $30,000 is worth about $238,357 in 2026 dollars.
How the 1972 U.S. Open purse was split
Every finisher with a recorded payout, in finishing order.
1972 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 | Jack Nicklaus | +2 | $30,000 | $30,000 |
| 2 | Bruce Crampton | +5 | $15,000 | $15,000 |
| 3 | Arnold Palmer | +6 | $9,000 | $10,000 +11% |
| T4 | Homero Blancas | +7 | $7,500 | |
| T4 | Lee Trevino | +7 | $7,500 | |
| 6 | Kermit Zarley | +8 | $6,000 | |
| 7 | Johnny Miller | +9 | $5,000 | |
| 8 | Tom Weiskopf | +10 | $5,000 | $4,000 -20% |
| T9 | Chi-Chi Rodríguez | +11 | $3,325 | $3,250 |
| T9 | Cesar Sanudo | +11 | $3,325 | $3,250 |
U.S. Open winner's share over time
This year is labeled. Full tournament history →
1972 U.S. Open payout FAQ
How much did the winner of the 1972 U.S. Open get?
Jack Nicklaus won $30,000 from a $194,600 purse.
What was the 1972 U.S. Open purse?
$194,600.