Masters Tournament Prize Money Hits Record $20 Million In 2026
Masters Tournament Prize Money Hits Record $20 Million In 2026...
The 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club will award a record $20 million in total prize money, with the winner taking home $3.6 million. The purse represents a 14% increase from 2025, continuing the tournament's trend of rising payouts amid golf's ongoing revenue boom.
This year's prize money is trending as the final round approaches on Sunday, April 13. Golf fans and sports bettors are calculating potential winnings for top contenders like defending champion Scottie Scheffler and rising star Ludvig Ã…berg.
Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley announced the increased purse Wednesday, citing growing global interest in the tournament. The Masters remains the most prestigious event in golf, with its prize money now rivaling LIV Golf's inflated purses.
The winner's $3.6 million check would be the largest in Masters history, surpassing Jon Rahm's $3.24 million payout in 2023. Second place earns $2.16 million, while even the 50th-place finisher takes home $37,800.
Prize money has nearly doubled since 2019, when Tiger Woods won $2.07 million. The increases reflect golf's lucrative new TV deals and sponsorship agreements. ESPN and CBS pay an estimated $35 million annually to broadcast the tournament.
Unlike other majors, the Masters doesn't publicly disclose its financial details. However, experts estimate the club generates over $150 million annually from merchandise, tickets, and hospitality. The tournament remains invitation-only, with about 90 players competing.
Sunday's final round begins at 10:15 AM ET, with Scheffler entering as the 3-1 betting favorite. The increased purse adds extra drama to golf's most-watched event, where careers are defined by the iconic green jacket.
