SPORTS

Masters Announces Record $22.5M Purse, $4.5M Winner

PUBLISHED Apr 11, 2026, 2:26 PM ET

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Masters Announces Record $22.5M Purse, $4.5M Winner

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 5

Center 100%

Sources: 5

Augusta, Ga. — The Masters announced on Saturday that this year's total prize purse will be $22.5 million with the winner's share set at $4.5 million; if Rory McIlroy secures a second consecutive title on Sunday he would receive the $4.5 million first-place prize. McIlroy entered the third round with a six-stroke lead. The announcement raises the Masters' payout from $21 million last year and aligns the winner's check with recent large purses such as the Players Championship; the top four finishers will each earn at least $1 million. Tournament organizers released the figures this weekend, and the final round is scheduled for Sunday with prize distribution finalized after play.

By Lauren Mitchell | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

2018: Masters paid out $11 million in prize money.
2019–2021: Masters purse held steady amid COVID-19 financial impacts.
2023: Players Championship featured a $25 million purse with $4.5 million winner's check.
2025: Masters purse was $21 million; other majors reported varying totals (PGA $19M, The Open $17M, U.S. Open $21.5M).
2026: Masters announced a $22.5 million purse and $4.5 million winner's prize; Rory McIlroy led entering the third round.

News Intelligence

The Masters' purse increase reflects a trend in golf's major tournaments. If you're a fan, it could mean more high-stakes excitement. If you're an investor, it might signal growth in the sport's financial health.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 5
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 5

Who Benefited

Top finishers, tournament organizers, sponsors, and broadcast partners benefit from increased revenues and higher headline prize amounts, which increase payouts and sponsor visibility.

Who Impacted

Lower-finishing players and smaller-scale sponsors may receive proportionally smaller increases and face wider earnings gaps despite the overall purse growth.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 5
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 5
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

Top finishers, tournament organizers, sponsors, and broadcast partners benefit from increased revenues and higher headline prize amounts, which increase payouts and sponsor visibility.

Who Impacted

Lower-finishing players and smaller-scale sponsors may receive proportionally smaller increases and face wider earnings gaps despite the overall purse growth.