Masters Winner to Earn Record $4.5 Million from $22.5 Million Purse
The Masters tournament has announced a record-breaking total prize purse of $22.5 million for the 2026 championship, marking the highest payout in the history of golf's four major championships. The winner is set to receive $4.5 million, an increase from the $4.2 million awarded last year. Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland currently holds a six-stroke lead heading into the final round, positioning him to potentially win his second consecutive Masters title. If successful, McIlroy would become only the fourth player in history to achieve back-to-back victories at Augusta National and the first since Tiger Woods in 2001-2002. The runner-up will receive $2.43 million, with third and fourth place earners taking home $1.53 million and $1.08 million, respectively. All professionals making the cut are guaranteed significant earnings, while those missing the cut will still receive $25,000. This prize fund surpasses the previous Masters record of $21 million and exceeds the 2025 purses of other majors, including the U.S. Open ($21.5 million) and PGA Championship ($19 million).
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Masters Winner to Earn Record $4.5 Million from $22.5 Million Purse
The Masters tournament has announced a record-breaking total prize purse of $22.5 million for the 2026 championship, marking the highest payout in the history of golf's four major championships. The winner is set to receive $4.5 million, an increase from the $4.2 million awarded last year. Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland currently holds a six-stroke lead heading into the final round, positioning him to potentially win his second consecutive Masters title. If successful, McIlroy would become only the fourth player in history to achieve back-to-back victories at Augusta National and the first since Tiger Woods in 2001-2002. The runner-up will receive $2.43 million, with third and fourth place earners taking home $1.53 million and $1.08 million, respectively. All professionals making the cut are guaranteed significant earnings, while those missing the cut will still receive $25,000. This prize fund surpasses the previous Masters record of $21 million and exceeds the 2025 purses of other majors, including the U.S. Open ($21.5 million) and PGA Championship ($19 million).
AP News