Masters Tournament Purse Reaches New High in 2026

The iconic golf event's total prize money continues to grow, with the winner expected to earn over $4 million.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:20pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fractured, multi-perspective view of a golfer's swing, the Augusta National clubhouse, and the Masters Tournament trophy, rendered in a palette of emerald, sky blue, and ochre.The Masters Tournament's growing purse reflects the enduring prestige and popularity of one of golf's most iconic events.Augusta Today

The 2026 Masters Tournament, one of golf's most prestigious events, will feature a record-breaking total purse. While the exact figure has not yet been announced, the 2025 edition saw a $21 million purse, up from $20 million the previous year. The winner's share is expected to exceed $4 million, continuing the trend of increasing payouts for the top finishers at Augusta National.

Why it matters

The growing Masters purse reflects the tournament's enduring popularity and the immense value of the iconic green jacket awarded to the champion. As golf's popularity and television viewership remain strong, the sport's top events are able to offer life-changing sums of money to the best players in the world.

The details

The 2026 Masters Tournament is scheduled to take place from April 9-12. Last year, Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy claimed the $4.2 million winner's share of the $21 million total purse. The Masters purse has steadily increased over the years, up from just $1,500 when Horton Smith won the first edition in 1934.

  • The 2026 Masters Tournament will run from Thursday, April 9 to Sunday, April 12.
  • In 2025, the total purse was $21 million, up from $20 million in 2024.

The players

Rory McIlroy

The Northern Irish professional golfer who won the 2025 Masters Tournament and its $4.2 million first-place prize.

Horton Smith

The American golfer who won the first edition of the Masters Tournament (then called the Augusta National Invitation Tournament) in 1934, earning a $1,500 prize.

Jack Nicklaus

The American professional golfer who has won the most Masters Tournaments, with six victories between 1963 and 1986.

Tiger Woods

The American professional golfer who has won the Masters Tournament five times, most recently in 2019.

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What’s next

The total purse amount for the 2026 Masters Tournament will be announced during the event.

The takeaway

The Masters Tournament continues to be one of the most lucrative events in professional golf, with the winner's share of the purse exceeding $4 million. This reflects the tournament's enduring prestige and the sport's growing popularity and television viewership.