Masters ’25: Prize Money Soars From $1,500 to $3.6 Million Over 90 Years
From a modest $1,500 in 1934 to a staggering $3.6 million in 2024, the Masters Tournament champion’s purse has grown beyond imagination. Scottie Scheffler’s recent win dwarfs Horton Smith’s first-place…
AUGUSTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 07: A detailed view of The Masters logo on a members jacket during a practice round prior to the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 07, 2025 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
From a modest $1,500 in 1934 to a staggering $3.6 million in 2024, the Masters Tournament champion's purse has grown beyond imagination. Scottie Scheffler's recent win dwarfs Horton Smith's first-place check from the inaugural event.
The winner's share has increased 53 times throughout its rich history.
In 1958, Arnold Palmer made the first five-figure payday with $11,250 for his win.
Ben Crenshaw broke six figures with $108,000 in 1984. Five years later, Nick Faldo pushed past $200,000.
In his 15th try at Augusta — a record for most attempts before winning — Mark O'Meara pass the half-million mark with $576,000.
In 2001, Tiger Woods broke new ground by winning the first million-dollar Masters prize. He struck gold again in 2019, setting another milestone as the first to pocket $2 million at Augusta. Jon Rahm shattered records in 2023, banking $3.24 million.
While this year's numbers remain under wraps, history suggests the upward march of Masters money will roll on at Augusta National.
