The world's finest golfers are battling for glory at Augusta National Golf Club, with one set to depart wearing a Green Jacket with a substantial sum. The opening major of the year is arguably the most prestigious event on the golfing calendar, and has already produced drama and disappointment for some of the sport's leading figures. Bryson DeChambeau, among the favourites, missed the weekend cut following a late collapse as previous remarks returned to haunt him.

Rory McIlroy surged into the lead at the halfway point while Scottie Scheffler moved just five shots back of the Northern Irishman after a third-round 65 left him on seven-under. McIlroy and Scheffler have now learned the precise sum available should he secure victory over the weekend, with the Masters confirming it will be the most financially rewarding men's major championship in history. Last year, the overall purse reached $21m (£15.9m) and was up $1m (£750k) from the year before. This year, there is a total prize fund of $22.5million (£16.7m) with the champion collecting a handsome $4.5m (£3.4m).

McIlroy claimed $4.2m (£3.1m) when he won the career Grand Slam but stands to earn an increased payday should he triumph this week. Nevertheless, victory at Augusta National brings far more rewards than mere financial gain.

"This is going to be the first time I drive down Magnolia Lane, and it's all going to be about enjoying my week," said McIlroy ahead of the 2026 tournament.

"You know, enjoying the perks that come along with being a Masters Champion. Having a parking space in the Champions car park to use the Champions locker room. You know, hosting the dinner on Tuesday night."

The first-place prize has only increased from previous years. In 2024, Scheffler pocketed $3.6m (£2.6m) while Jon Rahm bagged $3.24m (£2.45m) the year before.

In 2022, $2.7m (£2m) was awarded to Scheffler and 2021 saw Hideki Matsuyama take home just over $1m (£1.5m).

1st $4,500,000

2nd $2,430,000

3rd $1,530,000

4th $1,080,000

5th $900,000

6th $810,000

7th $753,750

8th $697,500

9th $652,500

10th $607,500

11th $562,500

12th $517,500

13th $472,500

14th $427,500

15th $405,000

16th $382,500

17th $360,000

18th $337,500

19th $315,000

20th $292,500

21st $270,000

22nd $252,000

23rd $234,000

24th $216,000

25th $198,000

26th $180,000

27th $173,250

28th $166,500

29th $159,750

30th $153,000

31st $146,250

32nd $139,500

33rd $132,750

34th $127,125

35th $121,500

36th $115,875

37th $110,250

38th $105,750

39th $101,250

40th $96,750

41st $92,250

42nd $87,750

43rd $83,250

44th $78,750

45th $74,250

46th $69,750

47th $65,250

48th $61,650

49th $58,500

50th $56,700