John Huggan

The USGA’s decision to make the US open golf’s richest event highlights its contempt for the public.

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When Dustin Johnson holed out on the 18th green at Oakmont last June, he wasn’t exactly sure of his margin of victory in the 116th US Open. But the big-hitter was certain of one thing. Finishing first in what America likes to call the “National Open” was about to boost his already bulging bank balance by $1.8m, the biggest share of the $10m prize money.

This year, Johnson’s successor at Erin Hills will earn $2.16m from a total purse of $12m, an increase on both counts of a whopping 20 per cent. Nothing much else will change, though. As it did in 2016, it will still cost fans a minimum of $450 to attend every day of the championship week and $400 for the four days of official play. On both Monday and Tuesday the admission charge is $50. One day later that jumps to $60. The opening day’s play can be viewed for $110, before that fee rises to $125 for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.