The Masters sets itself apart from other major golf tournaments in various ways, such as its affordable concessions and the absence of a TV broadcasting fee. Another distinctive practice is that golfers remain unaware of the payouts until the tournament commences.
As per tradition, the Masters disclosed the prize money on Saturday after the cut was finalized. This year, golfers will compete for a record $20 million, a significant increase from the $18 million purse in the previous year.
The breakdown includes $3.6 million for the first-place winner, $2.16 million for the runner-up, and $1.36 million for the third-place finisher.
Other finishers in the field will take home amounts less than $1 million, with $50,000 earmarked for the 50th spot.
Unlike most tournaments, The Masters compensates players even if they fail to make the cut, with each receiving $10,000 for their two days of play.
This year’s winner’s share sees a significant increase of $360,000 compared to 2023, when Jon Rahm clinched the coveted green jacket.
The total payout has steadily risen, climbing from $15 million in 2022 to $20 million this year, mirroring the purses of elevated events on the PGA Tour and those typical of LIV Golf tournaments.
Notably, the Players Championship, the PGA’s most lucrative event excluding FedEx Cup bonuses, boasted a $25 million payout in March, including $4.5 million for winner Scottie Scheffler.
Phil Mickelson stands as the top earner in Augusta National’s history, having amassed $9.8 million alongside his three Masters titles.
Following him are Tiger Woods ($9.6 million), Jordan Spieth ($6 million), Jon Rahm ($5 million), and Dustin Johnson ($4.6 million).
Scheffler, who led the pack going into Sunday’s final round, has accumulated a total of $3.4 million from his four previous Masters appearances.
