Masters Purse Breakdown: Record $20 Million Prize Pool Announced
The 2026 Masters Tournament will award a record $20 million purse, marking the largest prize pool in golf major history. Augusta National Golf Club confirmed the 25% increase Wednesday morning, with the winner taking home $3.6 million. The announcement comes as ticket resale prices for this year's tournament hit all-time highs.
This year's purse surpasses the 2025 Masters' $16 million total and the PGA Championship's previous record $18 million payout. The winner's share alone exceeds the entire purse from the 2016 tournament, reflecting golf's booming revenue from media rights and sponsorships. Second place will earn $2.16 million, while all players making the cut receive at least $50,000.
The breakdown shows significant increases down the leaderboard, with 10th place paying $500,000 (up from $390,000 last year) and 50th place awarding $75,000. Amateurs still receive no prize money but get traditional crystal awards. The changes come as LIV Golf's lucrative contracts continue reshaping player compensation expectations.
Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley cited "the tournament's growing global stature" when announcing the increase. Golf analysts note the move helps maintain the Masters' prestige amid competition from LIV's $25 million events. The purse announcement trended nationally as fans debated whether major championships should prioritize tradition or keep pace with rival tours.
Tiger Woods' surprise practice round appearance Tuesday added to the Masters hype, with ESPN reporting a 40% spike in ticket searches after his arrival. The tournament begins Thursday under new broadcast agreements with ESPN and CBS that reportedly doubled rights fees. Players will compete for the green jacket and the richest prize in major championship history.
Prize money distribution has become a hot topic in golf circles following last month's Players Championship purse increase to $25 million. The Masters remains the only major where players aren't paid for appearing in pre-tournament events. This year's field includes 18 LIV golfers who'll split any earnings with their teams under the rival tour's unique compensation structure.
