I made the cut at the US Open... here's how much cash I really made
Each year, thousands of golfers try breaking into the field at the US Open through qualifiers or success on the PGA Tour. For amateurs this year, 975…
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Golfer James Nicholas Reveals Financial Journey at US Open: Expenses vs. Earnings
In a candid video, professional golfer James Nicholas offered an unprecedented look into the financial realities of competing in a major championship, detailing his expenses and earnings from his recent participation in the US Open. Nicholas, who successfully made the cut for the first time in a major, shared a comprehensive breakdown, revealing the costs associated with qualifying, travel, and on-site expenditures. According to Nicholas, the journey to the US Open involved approximately $2,186 in initial expenses for local and sectional qualifying, covering flights, hotels, and food. Once at the tournament, he noted significant perks, including a complimentary courtesy car from Lexus and various gifts from the USGA, such as golf balls, shoes, gloves, and a Garmin rangefinder. His personal expenditures during the event included $250 on merchandise and $315 for groceries. He also allocated $150 as a tip for the locker room staff and paid his caddie a base salary of $2,500, plus an 8% bonus from his winnings, totaling $3,500 for the caddie. Nicholas stated his total expenses for the week amounted to $7,220. Reflecting on his performance, Nicholas, who finished T-61st, earned $43,544 in prize money. After deducting his expenses, his net earnings from the tournament were $34,894. He concluded the video by expressing gratitude for the support from his sponsors, one of whom provided a private jet for his return flight, a luxury he hopes to experience more often by improving his future performance.
