Masters purse edges higher
The 2026 Masters increased its total purse to $22.5 million with the winner’s cheque rising to $4.5 million, figures published in recent event coverage. Commentary alongside the payouts emphasised that famous attendees still follow the tournament’s strict routines—celebrities queue and submit to the event’s control. (golf.com) (thebiglead.com) (el-balad.com)
The Masters raised its purse again in 2026, pushing total prize money to $22.5 million and the winner’s check to $4.5 million. (sports.yahoo.com) Augusta National announced the new payouts during tournament week, up from the $21 million purse and $4.2 million winner’s share in 2025. The increase came one year after another record at the 2025 Masters. (golfdigest.com) (golf.com) Rory McIlroy collected the $4.5 million first prize on Sunday, April 12, after winning his second straight Masters at Augusta National. The 2026 tournament was the 90th edition of the event. (golfchannel.com) (pgatour.com) The money jump keeps the Masters above the $20 million purses used for PGA Tour signature events. Golf Digest also noted that the Masters purse has climbed by roughly $10 million since 2021. (golfdigest.com) That rise sits inside a richer era for men’s golf, where top events have used bigger checks to compete for players and attention. The Players Championship paid a $25 million purse in March 2026, with a $4.5 million winner’s share. (golfdigest.com) Augusta National still sells a different image from most big-money sports events. Patrons cannot bring cell phones onto the course during tournament days, and anyone caught using one can be removed. (usatoday.com) (sportingnews.com) The club’s rules extend beyond phones. Augusta-area coverage of the 2026 tournament said patrons also face restrictions on cameras during competition rounds, accepted payment methods, and where chairs can be placed. (augustachronicle.com) That controlled atmosphere is part of the tournament’s appeal to many fans and players. Scottie Scheffler told USA Today the no-phone setup creates “very peaceful” conditions at Augusta National. (usatoday.com) So the 2026 Masters ended with two familiar Augusta themes at once: a bigger check for the champion and the same old insistence that, inside the gates, the club still sets the terms. (sports.yahoo.com) (augustachronicle.com)
