Masters Winner to Earn $4.5 Million from Record $22.5 Million Purse

Rory McIlroy could become only the fourth player to win back-to-back Masters titles.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:55pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a golfer's swing and the Masters tournament in fragmented, overlapping planes of emerald green, sky blue, and golden yellow.The record-breaking $22.5 million Masters prize purse reflects golf's growing commercial success and the life-changing sums available to its champions.Atlanta Today

The 2026 Masters tournament will feature a record $22.5 million prize purse, with the winner set to earn $4.5 million. Rory McIlroy, who is seeking his second consecutive Masters title, would become only the fourth player to achieve that feat if he can hold on to his six-stroke lead going into the final round.

Why it matters

The Masters is one of golf's four major championships, and the record-setting prize purse reflects the growing commercial success and popularity of the sport. The large payout also underscores the immense pressure and stakes for the top players competing at Augusta National.

The details

The $22.5 million overall prize purse for the 2026 Masters is the highest of golf's four major tournaments. The winner's share of $4.5 million is up from $4.2 million last year. The runner-up will receive $2.43 million, while third and fourth place finishers will earn $1.53 million and $1.08 million, respectively. Even professionals who miss the cut will receive $25,000.

  • The 2026 Masters tournament is being held this weekend (April 11-14, 2026).
  • Rory McIlroy entered the third round on Saturday with a six-stroke lead over Patrick Reed and Sam Burns.

The players

Rory McIlroy

A professional golfer from Northern Ireland who is seeking his second consecutive Masters title and would become only the fourth player to achieve that feat.

Patrick Reed

An American professional golfer who is currently in second place, six strokes behind McIlroy, heading into the final round.

Sam Burns

An American professional golfer who is also in second place, six strokes behind McIlroy, heading into the final round.

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What they’re saying

“If Rory McIlroy is able to hang on and win his second consecutive Masters, he'll walk away with $4.5 million.”

— Steve Reed, AP Sports Writer

What’s next

McIlroy will look to hold his lead and become the fourth player to win back-to-back Masters titles on Sunday.

The takeaway

The record-setting $22.5 million prize purse for the 2026 Masters underscores the growing commercial success and popularity of golf, as well as the immense pressure and stakes for the top players competing at one of the sport's most prestigious events.