Two golfers enjoyed a stellar US Open but each forfeited £137,000 in prize money despite besting a trio of former winners13:23, 22 Jun 2026Jackson Koivun and Ryder Cowan finished T23 at the US Open, outperforming Rory McIlroy along the way. Yet neither will pocket a penny in prize money owing to their amateur status.‌Shinnecock Hills proved the ideal setting for a gruelling third major of the year, where scores below 70 were a rare commodity. Just three golfers managed to finish under par, with Wyndham Clark coming out on top to claim his second US Open title.‌McIlroy, who lifted the trophy back in 2011, ended up T32 after rounds of 69, 71, 73 and 73 left him at six-over-par. The Northern Irishman walked away with roughly £96,500 for his efforts, yet was bettered by two amateurs in Koivun and Cowan. The American duo would have collected £137,000 for their T23 finish, had they not been competing as non-professionals.‌Clark scooped a staggering £3.4million for his triumph, while Sam Burns, who came in as runner-up, received £1.84m from the record £17m total prize fund. Yet Koivun, ranked World No. 1 amateur, and Cowan went unrewarded despite their outstanding performances, finishing above McIlroy, Dustin Johnson and Jordan Spieth, who are all past winners of the competition.JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! All the best sports news and much more on our dedicated Facebook pageThe strict Rules of Amateur Status, as governed by the USGA and the R&A, bar amateur golfers from accepting prize money in professional competitions such as the US Open.‌When a player submits their entry form to qualify for the US Open, they must declare whether they are entering as a professional or an amateur. By ticking the amateur box, the USGA officially recognises that the player has forfeited their right to compete for prize money.Because both Koivun and Cowan opted to maintain their amateur status for the competition, they were forced to turn down the prize money. Nevertheless, following three outstanding years at Auburn University, Koivun announced earlier this month that he would be turning professional.‌He took up a PGA Tour membership straight after the US Open. His professional debut is expected to take place at the John Deere Classic.Koivun said: "I'm grateful to everyone at Auburn University for giving me the most incredible college experience I could've ever imagined.Article continues below"From bringing home a pair of national championships to the late nights and early mornings grinding at the facility and competing alongside guys I'll call brothers for the rest of my life. I wouldn't trade it for the world. With that being said, I've decided to forego my senior year to pursue my lifelong dream of playing on the PGA Tour."Cowan, an upcoming senior at the University of Oklahoma, shared the tournament's Low Amateur honour with Koivun. The duo are both 21 years of age and received the USGA Silver Medal for finishing level as the top-performing amateurs in the championship.The nearly £280,000 that was declined by the pair will not return to the USGA, though. It was reallocated among the other professionals.