• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, February 18, 2026

The Champion’s Pot Keeps Growing at Masters

  • Last year’s winner Scottie Scheffler also earned $2.7M.
  • Tiger Woods was the first winner to make $2 million in 2019.
Tiger Woods Masters Winnings
Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Network

The winner of the 2023 Masters Tournament will pocket a record-tying purse of $2.7 million.

That’s the same amount won last year by Scottie Scheffler, who’ll seek to defend his Masters title starting Thursday at Augusta National Golf Club.

Last year’s total purse was $15 million. Runner-up Rory McIlroy earned $1.62 million. The top 10 finishers earned at least $390,000.

More on the creeping inflation of Masters winner’s purses over the decades:

  • Tiger Woods was the first Green Jacket winner to crack the $2 million mark for finishing first. He collected $2,070,000 (before inflation) for winning his fifth Green Jacket in 2019.
  • Back in 2001, Woods was also the first to make over $1 million for winning the tournament. He earned $1,008,000 – then took home the same amount when he repeated as champ in 2002.
  • In 1984, Ben Crenshaw was the first Masters champion to earn a $100,000 payday. He took home $108,000 for winning in the first of his two Green Jackets.
  • The first tournament winner, Horton Smith, won $1,500 in 1934. In today’s dollars, $32,759.33. The following eight winners earned the same amount.

Money isn’t everything. The chance to etch their name in golf history by winning the coveted Green Jacket is more important.

As the legendary Ben Hogan said, “If the Masters offered no money at all, I would be here trying just as hard.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Feb 17, 2026; Pacific Palisades, CA, USA; Genesis Invitational tournament host Tiger Woods speaks to the media during a press conference at Riviera Country Club.

PGA Tour Schedule Changes May Take Multiple Years to Roll Out

A new schedule could include fewer events and new major markets.
Rory McIlroy hits the ball during the Golf Channel Games at Trump National Golf Club on December 17, 2025, in Jupiter, Florida.

WTGL? More Influencers? Inside Golf Channel’s Future Without NBC

The network is officially split from the NBC Sports family.
Aug 16, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, United States; Patrick Reed of 4 Aces GC tees off on the 4th hole during the second round of LIV Golf Indianapolis.

Patrick Reed Leaving LIV Golf, Will Regain PGA Tour Membership in 2027

Reed’s move comes as Brooks Koepka returns to the PGA Tour on Thursday.
Jun 12, 2025; Oakmont, Pennsylvania, USA; Rory McIlroy plays his shot from the 12th tee during the first round of the U.S. Open golf tournament.

TaylorMade CEO Says Company Could Be Sold by End of 2026

The golf-equipment manufacturer is exploring strategic options.

Featured Today

Max Valverde by Ron Winsett

How Ski Mountaineering’s Hype Man Went From TikTok to NBC

Max Valverde’s gushing over the niche sport vaulted him to Olympic broadcaster.
Feb 11, 2026; Livigno, Italy; Jaelin Kauf of the United States during freestyle skiing women's moguls final during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Livigno Aerials & Moguls Park
February 13, 2026

The Surprise Hit of the Winter Olympics: First-Person Drone Views

Tiny drone cameras have reshaped the Olympics viewing experience.
Feb 11, 2026; Milan, Italy; Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States skate during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Ice Skating Arena.
February 13, 2026

Olympic Figure Skaters Pay Out of Pocket for $9,000 Costumes

For four minutes on ice, stakes are high—and prices even higher.
February 11, 2026

Epstein Emails Show His F1 Ties Ran Deep

The sex trafficker’s circles included many of the biggest names in F1.
Aryna Sabalenka

Tennis’s Brutal Schedule Comes to a Head in Dubai As Dozens Drop..

Some stars appear to have found a loophole in WTA rules.
February 16, 2026

Breanna Stewart Signs Turkey Deal With WNBA in Limbo

The WNBA season is scheduled to start May 8.
Feb 15, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Team USA Stripes forward Jaylen Brown (7) of the Boston Celtics shoots against Team USA Stars in game two during the 75th NBA All Star Game at Intuit Dome.
February 17, 2026

Jaylen Brown Calls Foul After Beverly Hills Police Shut Down Event

Brown was in Los Angeles for the 2026 All-Star Weekend.
Sponsored

From MLS to AUSL: Jon Patricof on Building Sports Leagues

Jon Patricof on athlete equity, fan-first strategy, and how women’s sports can reshape the future of league building.
February 15, 2026

De’Aaron Fox Still With Under Armour Despite Curry Brand Divorce 

Fox signed with Curry Brand in 2023 after being with Nike. 
February 14, 2026

Casey Wasserman Selling Agency Amid Epstein Uproar

Wasserman exchanged deeply personal emails with Ghislaine Maxwell in 2003.
Jan 28, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) shoots the ball as San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) defends during the first quarter at Toyota Center.
February 13, 2026

Critics Have Called NBA All-Star Game ‘Irredeemable.’ Can Wemby, Others Revive It?

Victor Wembayanama and Jamal Murray both said they will play hard.
Nov 29, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) brings the ball up court during the first quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Intuit Dome.
February 13, 2026

Chris Paul Announces Sudden Retirement After Clippers Trade

Paul is fifth all time in NBA career earnings.