Masters Tournament Purse Distribution

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Quick Answer

• The Masters purse distribution follows a tiered percentage system, with a significant portion dedicated to the top finishers.
• The winner always takes home the largest share of the prize money.
• While specific percentages can adjust annually, the general structure of how the Masters purse is split remains remarkably consistent.

Who This Is For

• This breakdown is for golf enthusiasts who want to understand the financial stakes behind the iconic Green Jacket.
• It’s also for anyone curious about the economics of professional golf and how the sport’s top athletes are compensated.

What to Check First

• Official Masters Tournament Website: This is your absolute best bet for the most accurate and current prize money information. Don’t wing it.
• Current Year’s Prize Money Breakdown: Look for the official announcement detailing the exact dollar amounts awarded to each finishing position.
• Recent Years’ Payouts: Reviewing past tournaments helps you understand the general distribution pattern and identify any subtle shifts in how the Masters purse is split. It’s a solid way to get a feel for the numbers.
• Tournament Format Details: Understand that the Masters has a cut. Knowing this helps clarify who actually gets paid.

Understanding How the Masters Purse is Split: A Step-by-Step Plan

1. Action: Head straight to the official Masters Tournament website.

What to look for: Navigate to sections like “Tournament,” “Competition,” or “Prize Money.” The specific wording might vary, but you’re hunting for data on payouts.
Mistake to avoid: Getting lost in fan forums or outdated news articles. These sources can be inaccurate or simply old news. Stick to the official Augusta National domain.

2. Action: Locate the official prize money distribution chart for the current year.

What to look for: A clear table or list that maps each finishing position (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.) to a specific dollar amount or a percentage of the total purse.
Mistake to avoid: Assuming the prize money decreases evenly across the board. The drop-off in earnings after the top few spots is often quite sharp. It’s not a gentle slope.

3. Action: Identify the winner’s share.

What to look for: The very top line of the payout list. This is the biggest payday and the benchmark for the entire distribution. It’s usually a substantial percentage.
Mistake to avoid: Underestimating the winner’s take. It’s the most talked-about figure and sets the tone for the rest of the tournament’s financial rewards.

4. Action: Examine the payouts for the top 5 to 10 finishers.

What to look for: Pay close attention to how the prize money is allocated to the players who are genuinely in contention for the win. The difference between first and second can be significant.
Mistake to avoid: Thinking that second and third place get amounts that are “close” to the winner’s share. The gap can be tens of thousands, or even hundreds of thousands, of dollars.

5. Action: Review the prize money awarded to players finishing outside the top 20 or 30.

What to look for: The amounts allocated to players who make the cut but aren’t in contention for the championship. You’ll see the numbers get smaller and smaller.
Mistake to avoid: Believing that every participant walks away with a massive check. The money dwindles considerably for players finishing further down the leaderboard, especially after the cut.

6. Action: Note the number of players who receive prize money.

What to look for: The Masters has a cut after 36 holes. Only players who make this cut (typically the top 50 and ties) are eligible for prize money.
Mistake to avoid: Assuming everyone who tees off on Thursday gets paid. Those who miss the cut go home with just the experience and bragging rights.

Common Mistakes in Understanding Masters Purse Distribution

• Mistake: Relying on unofficial or outdated sources for payout information.

Why it matters: Inaccurate figures can lead to significant misunderstandings about player earnings and the true financial stakes of the Masters. It’s easy to get bad intel.
Fix: Always cross-reference with the official Masters Tournament website or highly reputable golf news outlets like ESPN, Golf Channel, or major sports publications that cover the event live.

• Mistake: Assuming a uniform prize money decrease down the leaderboard.

Why it matters: The Masters purse distribution is heavily weighted towards the top finishers. The percentage drop-off after the top 5 or 10 positions is often quite dramatic, not a steady decline.
Fix: Dive into the detailed breakdown. You’ll see how the earnings taper off significantly. Don’t just look at the winner’s share and assume a smooth progression.

• Mistake: Forgetting about taxes and other deductions.

Why it matters: The advertised winnings are gross amounts. A player’s actual take-home pay will be lower due to taxes (which vary by their residency) and management fees paid to agents and advisors.
Fix: Understand that the published figures are before Uncle Sam and the player’s business team take their cuts. The net income is always less than the stated prize.

• Mistake: Not accounting for the tournament’s cut rule.

Why it matters: Unlike some exhibition events, the Masters has a cut after 36 holes. Players who miss this cut receive zero prize money, which significantly impacts how many participants actually earn a paycheck.
Fix: Be aware that only players who survive the cut (typically the top 50 and ties) are eligible for prize money. This means a chunk of the field goes home empty-handed financially.

• Mistake: Confusing the Masters purse with other major championship payouts.

Why it matters: While all majors are lucrative, the total purse and the distribution percentages can vary. The Masters is often among the highest, but direct comparisons need current data.
Fix: Always check the specific prize money details for the Masters each year. Don’t assume it’s identical to the U.S. Open, The Open Championship, or the PGA Championship.

FAQ about Masters Purse Distribution

• What is the total prize money for the Masters this year?

The total purse for the Masters is officially announced just before the tournament begins each year. You can find this exact figure on the official Masters Tournament website, usually in a dedicated “Prize Money” or “Purse” section.

• How much does the winner of the Masters receive?

The winner’s share is typically around 18% of the total purse, though this percentage can fluctuate slightly year to year. The specific dollar amount for first place will be clearly listed in the official prize money breakdown for the current tournament.

• What percentage of the purse goes to the second-place finisher?

The second-place finisher generally receives a percentage in the range of 10% to 12% of the total purse. This figure is also subject to the official announcement and can vary slightly from year to year.

• Does every player who plays in the Masters get paid?

No. The Masters employs a 36-hole cut. Only players who successfully make this cut (typically the top 50 players on the leaderboard and any ties) receive prize money. Those who miss the cut do not earn any prize money.

• Are there any bonuses for eagles or birdies in the Masters purse distribution?

No, the Masters purse is distributed strictly based on the player’s final position on the overall leaderboard at the end of 72 holes. There are no separate bonuses awarded for achieving specific scores like eagles or birdies during the tournament.

• How is the prize money distributed for players who tie?

In the event of a tie for a particular finishing position, the prize money for those spots is pooled and then divided equally among the tied players. For example, if two players tie for 3rd, they would split the combined prize money allocated for 3rd and 4th place.

• Where can I find the official breakdown of how the Masters purse is split?

The most reliable place to find the official breakdown is the Masters Tournament’s official website (Masters.com). Look for sections related to “Tournament,” “Competition,” or “Prize Money.” Reputable golf news outlets will also publish this information once it’s released.