Masters Golf Prize Money 2026: How much the players earn at Augusta, winner's cheque, trophy and why there's a Green Jacket?
There are vast riches up for grabs for those you can tame Augusta.
First played in 1934 the US Masters is the only one of golf’s four majors to always be played at the same venue - Augusta National Golf Course, in the American state of Georgia.
This year’s competition will be played from April 9-12 and is the first Major of 2026.
Read more: How Scots have fared at the Masters - from Sandy Lyle to Colin Montgomerie and Bob MacIntyre
Last year saw Rory McIlroy finally complete his career Grand Slam of major titles - but only after navigating a tense playoff against Ryder Cup teammate Justin Rose.
He’ll be back to defend his title, but there’s going to be fierce competition - and here’s what they are playing for.
What is the prize money at the 2026 Masters?
The official split of prize money is expected to be announced after the halfway cut is made.
Having said that, the winnings are expected to be fairly similar to last year, when there was a $21 million prize pot split as follows for the top 10 (before ties are taken into consideration).
- 1st $4,200,000
- 2nd $2,200,000
- 3rd $1,400,000
- 4th $1,008,000
- 5th $840,000
- 6th $756,000
- 7th $703,500
- 8th. $651,000
- 9th $609,000
- 10th $567,000
How does the prize money compare to recent Masters?
The prize money for the Masters has spiralled in recent years, doubling in just five years, as follows:
- In 2024 Scottie Scheffler won $3.6 million
- In 2023 Jon Rahm won $3.24 million
- In 2022 Scottie Scheffler won $2.7 million
- In 2021 Hideki Matsuyama won $2.07 million
- In 2020 Dustin Johnson won $1.8 million
For context, when Seve Ballesteros won the 1980 tournament he received a cheque for just $60,000 (around $113 adjusting for inflation).
What trophy does the Masters winner receive?
The Masters winner receives not one, but three trophies.
Since the first tournament in 1934, the winner has been awarded a gold medal featuring a view of the clubhouse from behind the Founders Circle.
The main Masters Trophy is a silver sculpture depicting the clubhouse at Augusta and was first awarded in 1961. It was made in the UK and comprises more than 900 pieces of silver. The winner doesn’t get to keep it, as it remains in Augusta, but they do get their name engraved on it.
Finally, since 1993 the winner has been given a sterling silver replica of the trophy that they can keep.
Why does the winner get a Green Jacket?
It’s tradition at Augusta that the winner of the Masters is presented with a Green Jacket by the previous year’s winner.
Formally awarded since 1949 (when Sam Snead won), the green jacket is worn by members of Augusta Nationa - with every winner of the Masters becoming an honourary member of the club.
The jacket is presented in the Butler Cabin after the tournament and the winner gets to keep it for a year after their victory. They bring it back to the club the next year where it is kept so they can wear it whenever they are return.
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