Masters Prize Money Hits Record $22.5 Million in 2026. Here's the Purse Breakdown.

The purse at the The Masters Tournament is on the rise again.

For 2026, the total prize money at Augusta National Golf Club is $22.5 million, with the winner set to take home $4.5 million, the largest first-place payout in tournament history.

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Here's the breakdown of the checks that will be written to the top five finishers (Full List Below):

1st: $4,500,000 2nd: $2,430,000 3rd: $1,530,000 4th: $1,080,000 5th: $900,000

Patrick Reed plays a shot into 15 green during a practice round ahead of the 2026 Masters. Reed's 2018 Masters victory earned him $1.98 million for a total career earnings at the Masters nearing $5.5 million. If he maintains the third-place-spot he's sitting at going into the third round of the 2026 Masters, Reed would earn $1.53 million. (Image Credit and Article Image Credit: Brittany Romano)

Even finishing just inside the top 10 now comfortably clears half a million dollars, with 10th place paying $607,500. That’s a noticeable bump at the top—and another signal that even the most tradition-bound event in golf isn’t immune to the sport’s financial arms race.

The increase continues a steady climb in recent years. In 2025, the total purse was $20 million, with Rory McIlroy taking home $3.6 million. Just a decade ago in 2015, the purse was $10 million. In 2000, it was $5 million.

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The winner’s check tells the story even more clearly. Ten years ago, the 2016 champion earned $1.8 million. In 2006, that number was $1.26 million. In 1996, the winner took home $486,000, and in 1986, Jack Nicklaus earned $144,000 for his sixth green jacket.

John Iacono/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images

In 1952, Sam Snead's green jacket came with a $4,000 prize. The total purse for the field was $20,000—this year players who miss the cut earn $25,000.

Group Photo Of The Masters Club Organization Meeting With Chairman Clifford Roberts, Bobby Jones, Sam Snead, Henry Picard, Jimmy Demaret, Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Horton Smith, Claude Harmon, Byron Nelson And Craig Wood In 1952 (Photo by Augusta National/Getty Images)

In total, more than half the 2026 field will receive six-figure payouts. Even players who make the cut but fall down the leaderboard still earn meaningful checks, with 20th place paying $292,500 and 30th at $153,000.

While the Masters remains defined by tradition more than prize money, the numbers continue to reflect the broader financial growth across professional golf.

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Courtesy Augusta National Golf Club