British Open Payout 2012: What Top Finishers Are Set to Make

The 2012 Open Championship at Royal Lytham & St. Annes ended in disappointment for 155 golfers who didn't capture the Claret Jug.

However, all of the event's competitors can expect a check for their efforts.

Specifically, the following eight players—all of whom shot below par—will be depositing small fortunes.

The 2012 prize money was identical to 2011's, according to the European Tour. Here's how it was divided up.

Thomas Aiken: £155,000 (Tied for 7th Place)

Score at 2012 British Open: 279 (-1)

As the No. 136 player in the World Rankings, Thomas Aiken was not supposed to crack the top 10.

His excellence shouldn't come as a complete surprise, though, considering that he achieved eighth place at the 2009 edition of this major.

Less-than-stellar weather during Round 4 caused Aiken and most others with afternoon tee times to post their highest scores of the tournament.

Nicolas Colsaerts: £155,000 (Tied for 7th Place)

Score at 2012 British Open: 279 (-1)

Nicolas Colsaerts, on the other hand, shot a five-under-par 65 on Sunday, which allowed the 29-year-old Belgian to soar up the leaderboard.

Tying for seventh was easily his best result through four major championships.

Colsaerts used to play exclusively on the European Tour, but he's gradually transitioning. This was his fifth time competing on the PGA in 2012.

Graeme McDowell: £210,000 (Tied for 5th Place)

Score at 2012 British Open: 278 (-2)

Graeme McDowell was aiming to improve upon his runner-up finish at the U.S. Open. Alas, his dreams were dashed after an ugly final-round performance.

Adam Scott had him at a deficit, but shooting par would have been enough to overcome it.

Instead, he suffered seven bogeys, matching his total from the previous 54 holes.

Luke Donald: £210,000 (Tied for 5th Place)

Score at 2012 British Open: 278 (-2)

Major championship victories continue to elude the planet's top-ranked golfer.

This being his first experience at Royal Lytham & St. Annes, at least he can take pride in having had a consistent showing (single-round scores of 70, 68, 71 and 69).

Naturally, there were plenty in attendance who rooted for the Englishman to succeed.

Tiger Woods: £335,000 (Tied for 3rd Place)

Score at 2012 British Open: 277 (-3)

Tiger Woods simply lacked confidence.

There were exciting moments, most notably a fist-pumping bunker shot, but overall, he looked like old Tiger, rather than the Tiger of old.

He was reluctant to go with the driver off the tee, especially during Round 4. It was a precaution he could not afford to take after screwing up on the sixth hole.

The next opportunity for Woods to end his majors drought will come next month at the PGA Championship.

Brandt Snedeker: £335,000 (Tied for 3rd Place)

Score at 2012 British Open: 277 (-3)

American Brandt Snedeker had never survived the cut in three previous trips to the British.

This time, however, he was the 36-hole leader at 10 under par entering the weekend. Dressed in magenta on Sunday, Snedeker was within striking distance.

These earnings—equivalent to $523,170—are the most he has received since winning the Farmers Insurance Open in January.

Adam Scott: £520,000 (2nd Place)

Score at 2012 British Open: 274 (-6)

Publicly, Adam Scott managed his emotions, but you know he must be devastated.

He was cruising through 68 holes before tragically bogeying each of the final four. His final putt—which would have forced a playoff—missed left by mere inches.

The 54-hole leader took chances off the tee throughout the week and led the field in driving distance.

It's hard to say that all of his preparation was for naught. Scott's reward for second place is more than $1 million U.S.

Ernie Els: £900,000 (1st Place)

Score at 2012 British Open: 273 (-7)

The two-time Open champion was very consistent throughout the tournament, with scores of 70 or better in all four rounds.

He hit far more greens in regulation than any other player, so his struggles with the putter weren't fatal.

Ernie Els sunk a clutch birdie on the 18th hole, which ultimately made the difference on the leaderboard.

This was his first professional win since 2010. The generous payday represents the largest of his career.

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