Masters 2026 Winner To Take Home Record $3.6 Million Prize
Masters 2026 Winner To Take Home Record $3.6 Million Prize...
The winner of the 2026 Masters Tournament will earn a record $3.6 million, the highest payout in the event's history. Augusta National Golf Club announced the increased purse Sunday morning, just hours before the final round tees off in Georgia.
This year's champion will receive $400,000 more than Scottie Scheffler earned for his 2024 victory. The total tournament purse has grown to $20 million, up from $18 million last year. The runner-up will take home $2.16 million, while even the 50th-place finisher earns $37,800.
The prize money discussion is trending nationwide as golf fans speculate whether Tiger Woods could claim the record payout. The 50-year-old legend made the cut Friday, marking his 24th consecutive weekend at Augusta. Sportsbooks report heavy betting action on both Woods and current leader Rory McIlroy.
Prize increases reflect golf's growing revenue from TV deals and sponsorships. The PGA Tour's signature events now offer $20 million purses, forcing majors to keep pace. Last year's U.S. Open winner earned $4.3 million, while the British Open paid $3 million.
Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley said the club wants to "properly reward the world's best golfers." The Masters remains the most watched golf event annually, with 2025's final round drawing 12.6 million viewers. This year's tournament concludes Sunday evening on CBS.
Players outside the top 50 receive smaller payouts but still take home Masters-branded merchandise. The traditional champions dinner occurs Tuesday night, where last year's winner Scheffler will select the menu. All participants receive lifetime invitations to future tournaments.
Golf analysts note the rising purses make majors increasingly lucrative for top players. The 2026 Masters winner will earn more in four days than the average PGA Tour player makes in three seasons. Sunday's final round begins at 2:30 PM ET with McIlroy holding a two-stroke lead.
