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 its increased prize fund Sunday. The winner's share jumped $600,000 from last year's $3 million prize, reflecting the tournament's growing prestige and revenue.
This topic is trending today as final-round drama unfolds at Augusta, with Americans Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns tied for the lead entering Sunday afternoon. Golf fans are searching for stakes information as the tournament reaches its climax on CBS.
The total Masters purse now stands at $20 million, up from $18 million in 2025. Runner-up will receive $2.16 million, while even the 50th-place finisher gets $37,800 - more than many PGA Tour events pay for a win.
Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley confirmed the increases during his traditional Sunday morning press conference. "We believe strongly in rewarding the world's best players appropriately," Ridley told reporters. The club doesn't disclose specific financial details but is known to generate hundreds of millions annually from TV rights and sponsorships.
Prize money at the Masters has nearly tripled since 2015, when Jordan Spieth won $1.8 million. This year's champion will join Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Jack Nicklaus in having their name engraved on the iconic trophy during tonight's green jacket ceremony.
Viewership is expected to surge for the final round, with Scheffler attempting to win his third Masters in five years. The increased payout also intensifies competition for FedEx Cup points and Ryder Cup qualification standings.
Unlike other majors, the Masters determines payouts based on a fixed percentage system rather than pre-set amounts. This allows Augusta National to adjust rewards annually while maintaining traditional ratios between finishing positions.