Masters Winner To Take Home Record $3.6 Million Prize
Masters Winner To Take Home Record $3.6 Million Prize...
The 2026 Masters Tournament champion will earn a record $3.6 million, the highest payout in golf major history, as Augusta National announced another prize increase Sunday. The total purse rose to $20 million, up from $18 million in 2025, continuing the tournament's trend of elevating payouts to match growing PGA Tour purses.
This year's winner's share represents a 20% jump from Scottie Scheffler's $3 million payday in 2025. The topic is trending today as final-round coverage dominates sports media, with fans calculating potential earnings for leaders like Rory McIlroy and defending champion Scheffler.
Second place will receive $2.16 million, while even the player in 50th place earns $49,200. The increased purse follows LIV Golf's disruptive influence on player compensation, forcing traditional tournaments to remain competitive. Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley called the move "a reflection of our commitment to the players."
Golf analysts note the Masters payout still trails LIV's $4 million individual tournament prizes but surpasses other majors. The PGA Championship awarded $3.3 million to its 2025 winner, while the U.S. Open and British Open paid $3.15 million and $3 million respectively.
Viewership spikes annually during Masters Sunday, with 2025's final round drawing 12.1 million viewers. This year's dramatic leaderboard featuring McIlroy chasing the career Grand Slam has amplified interest in the financial stakes. The champion will also receive the iconic green jacket and lifetime Masters invitations.
Prize money has skyrocketed since Tiger Woods' first Masters win in 1997 earned him $486,000. Adjusted for inflation, that would equal about $950,000 today - just 26% of this year's winner's share. The dramatic increase reflects golf's booming revenue from media rights and sponsorships.
Players outside the top 50 receive no prize money but gain valuable world ranking points. Amateurs competing traditionally decline any earnings, though they're entitled to a portion if they turn professional within 60 days. The Masters remains the only major that publicly discloses specific payouts for every position.
