This year's British Open winner to scoop record £1.15m

The winner of the 2015 British Open will receive a record £1.15m in prize funds, the event's organisers have confirmed.

This year's purse is £175,000 higher than the amount that Rory McIlroy earned for coming first in 2014.

The overall prize fund totals £6.3m, £900,000 higher than last year, with the runner-up taking home £653,000, and the third-placed golfer pocketing £420,000.

"The Open is one of the world's pre-eminent sporting events," said Peter Dawson, chief executive of the Royal & Ancient, in a statement.

"The Championship represents the pinnacle for the world's greatest golfers and this increase is appropriate for an event with The Open's global appeal."

This year's British Open takes place at St Andrews in Scotland between July 16 and 19.