2026 Masters Prize Money Hits Record $20 Million As Golf's Top Stars Compete
The 2026 Masters Tournament has set a new benchmark in golf with a record $20 million purse, up 25% from 2025. Announced Tuesday by Augusta National Golf Club, the winner will take home $3.6 million—the largest single payout in the event's 90-year history.
This year's prize surge reflects golf's escalating financial stakes amid competition from LIV Golf and player demands for higher earnings. The Masters remains the most-watched golf tournament in the U.S., with last year's final round drawing 12.3 million viewers on CBS.
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler and rising star Ludvig Ă…berg headline the field, which features 18 of the world's top 20 players. Tournament chairman Fred Ridley cited "the evolving landscape of professional golf" as a key factor in the purse increase.
Fans and analysts are debating whether the boosted payout will influence player participation in future majors. The PGA Championship and U.S. Open are expected to announce similar increases before their summer events.
Tiger Woods, making his 28th Masters appearance at age 50, could become the oldest winner in tournament history. Woods last won at Augusta in 2019 when the total purse was $11.5 million—nearly half of this year's amount.
The prize money announcement comes as ticket resale prices hit $4,000 for Sunday's final round. Economic analysts note the Masters generates over $120 million annually for Georgia's economy through tourism and sponsorships.
Second-place finishers will now earn $2.16 million, while even players missing the cut receive $10,000—up from $5,000 in 2025. The increases follow player complaints about travel costs and expenses associated with competing in majors.
Augusta National has also doubled its charitable donations to local organizations this year, distributing $6 million through the newly created Masters Community Fund. The club maintains its tradition of not having corporate logos on the course despite the prize money growth.
Final round coverage begins Sunday at 2 PM ET on CBS, with streaming available on Paramount+ and the Masters app. Weather forecasts predict ideal 72-degree conditions for the weekend's decisive play.
