Masters Tournament Prize Money Hits Record $20 Million In 2026

Masters Tournament Prize Money Hits Record $20 Million In 2026...

The 2026 Masters Tournament will award a record $20 million in total prize money, a 25% increase from last year, Augusta National Golf Club announced Sunday. The winner will take home $3.6 million, up from $3.24 million in 2025, as golf's premier event continues raising the stakes amid growing competition from rival tours.

This year's purse jump reflects the sport's escalating financial arms race following the PGA Tour's response to LIV Golf's lucrative player contracts. The Masters' total prize fund has nearly doubled since 2021, when it stood at $11.5 million. Tournament chairman Fred Ridley called the increase "a reflection of our commitment to the players who make the Masters so special."

The announcement comes as golf fans eagerly await Thursday's opening round at Augusta National. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler headlines the field seeking his second green jacket, while Tiger Woods makes his highly anticipated return after missing last year's tournament due to injury.

Prize money distribution shows significant increases down the leaderboard, with second place earning $2.16 million (up from $1.944 million) and even the 50th-place finisher taking home $49,000. The changes come after player complaints about stagnant payouts at non-major PGA Tour events.

Augusta National also revealed it will donate $10 million to local charities through the Masters Tournament Foundation, maintaining its tradition as golf's most philanthropic major. The 90th edition of the tournament runs April 9-12 with expected record attendance after last year's weather-disrupted event.

Golf analysts note the purse increase keeps the Masters competitive with other majors, as the PGA Championship and U.S. Open have also announced record payouts for 2026. The moves come as LIV Golf continues offering nine-figure contracts to top players, reshaping golf's economic landscape.