British Open prize fund reaches five million pound

London: The British Open prize fund will reach five million pounds ($8.09 million) for the first time in next month`s edition at Sandwich, the Royal and Ancient (R&A) organisers said on Saturday.

The sum is an increase of 200,000 pounds on last year`s 150th anniversary championship at St Andrews. The 2011 champion will pick up a cheque for 900,000 pounds, a rise of 50,000. "Each year the R&A strives to ensure the Open provides the very best in all areas of the event," chief executive Peter Dawson said in a news release. "From spectator and media facilities to player experience and performance reward, every aspect of the Open is under regular review to ensure it remains at the forefront of championship golf." South African Louis Oosthuizen launches his title defence on July 14 at the Kent course in the south east corner of England. PRIZE MONEY Place Pounds 1 900,000 2 520,000 3 335,000 4 260,000 5 210,000 6 180,000 7 155,000 8 130,000 9 115,000 10 104,000 Bureau Report