The Masters is more than a golf tournament. It’s a historic stage. Every swing matters. Every stroke shapes careers. But more than anything, it’s now a financial powerhouse. In 2025, Augusta National saw history. Rory McIlroy took home the Green Jacket—and the largest winner’s check in Masters history. But he wasn’t the only one who earned big. Even the last-place pro took home thousands. This article explores the masters payout by place in full detail. It covers how much each player earned, how the prize money has grown, and what this means for the future of golf.
Let’s dig deep into the numbers, tables, and trends behind one of sport’s richest traditions.
What is Masters Payout by Place?
This term explains how prize money is split. It rewards players based on finishing position. Higher place, higher pay. Lower place, smaller share. In 2025, the total purse reached $21 million. That’s the biggest in Masters history. The winner—Rory McIlroy—took home $4.2 million.
Every pro who made the cut got paid. Even those who didn’t make it past Friday earned $25,000. The masters payout by place covers the full field.
The goal is fairness. Performance decides earnings. Every shot counts.
Who Won the Masters Payout by Place in 2025?
Rory McIlroy won big. He finally completed his career Grand Slam. More than a trophy, he won $4.2 million.
That’s the most ever paid to a Masters champion. The previous year, Scottie Scheffler earned $3.6 million. Rory earned $600,000 more.
McIlroy’s win wasn’t just personal. It pushed the Masters into a new financial era.
Full Prize Table for 2025
Here’s how the money was split at Augusta.
2025 Masters Prize Distribution
| Position | Player(s) | Earnings ($) |
| 1st | Rory McIlroy | 4,200,000 |
| 2nd | Justin Rose | 2,268,000 |
| 3rd | Patrick Reed | 1,428,000 |
| 4th | Scottie Scheffler | 1,008,000 |
| T5th | Im, DeChambeau | 798,000 |
| 7th | Ludvig Aberg | 703,500 |
| T8th | Four players tied | 588,000 |
| T12th | Two players tied | 462,000 |
| T14th | Multiple players tied | 336,000 |
| T21st | Six players tied | 210,000 |
| T27–29th | Multiple players tied | 142,800 avg |
| T30–50th | Ranged by placement | $52,920–$121,000 |
| Below 50 | Pros who made the cut | 51,600 (avg) |
| Missed Cut | All pros | 25,000 |
| Amateur | All amateur players | 0 |
This is how the masters payout by place ensures that every rank earns something meaningful.
How Much Was the Total Purse?
The 2025 Masters had a total purse of $21 million. That’s a $1 million jump from 2024. Over the last four years, the prize pool has grown by $9.5 million. That’s nearly a 50% increase.
Here’s a quick look at recent growth.
Recent Masters Prize Trends
| Year | Winner | Total Purse ($M) | Winner’s Share ($M) |
| 2025 | Rory McIlroy | 21.0 | 4.2 |
| 2024 | Scottie Scheffler | 20.0 | 3.6 |
| 2023 | Jon Rahm | 18.0 | 3.24 |
| 2022 | Scottie Scheffler | 15.0 | 2.7 |
| 2021 | Hideki Matsuyama | 11.5 | 2.07 |
The jump from $2.07M in 2021 to $4.2M in 2025 shows how far the masters payout by place has come.
Masters Payout by Place: Earnings at the Bottom
Not everyone finished on top. But they still earned something. Even the 50th-place finisher earned $52,920. Players below that earned slightly less. Those who missed the cut earned $25,000.
Low Rank Payouts
| Rank Category | Payout ($) | Notes |
| 50th Place | 52,920 | Last standard payout spot |
| 51st–Cut Line | ~51,600 | Declining by score |
| Missed Cut (Pro) | 25,000 | Flat payout for all pros |
| Amateur | 0 | Not eligible for cash rewards |
This shows how fair the masters last place prize money system is for all players.
Decade-Wise History of Prize Money Growth
Here’s how the Masters winner’s share evolved each decade.
| Decade | Avg Winner’s Share ($) | Notable Winner |
| 1930s | 1,500 | Horton Smith |
| 1940s | 2,500 | Sam Snead |
| 1950s | 6,000 | Doug Ford |
| 1960s | 20,000 | Jack Nicklaus |
| 1970s | 45,000 | Gary Player |
| 1980s | 100,000 | Seve Ballesteros |
| 1990s | 350,000 | Nick Faldo |
| 2000s | 900,000 | Tiger Woods |
| 2010s | 1.7M | Jordan Spieth |
| 2020s | 3.25M+ | Rory McIlroy |
This data proves how much masters payout by place has increased due to demand, coverage, and prestige.
Caddie Payouts: A Share of Success
Caddies play a huge role. They also get paid. In 2024, Scottie Scheffler’s caddie made about $360,000. That was 10% of the winner’s prize.
Caddie pay scale:
- 5% for making the cut
- 7% for top-10 finish
- 10% for a win
The 2024 masters payout for caddies reflects how vital they are to success.
Why Prize Money Keeps Increasing?
More viewers. More sponsors. More streaming. That’s why.
Here’s what drives payout growth:
- TV rights
- Sponsor partnerships (Rolex, IBM, etc.)
- Digital advertising
- Merchandise and ticket revenue
These factors all contribute to a higher masters prize money 2025 for every player.
Global Impact of the Masters Payout by Place
The Masters is not just a golf tournament. It’s a massive economic engine for Augusta, Georgia. The event brings global attention and local benefits.
Every year, the Masters draws thousands of visitors. That increases demand across hotels, transport, dining, and retail. This direct spending benefits small businesses and workers alike. More revenue locally also makes the event more attractive for sponsors.
Here’s a look at the real-world economic impact of the Masters:
Local Economic Impact of the Masters Tournament
| Sector | Impact During Masters Week | Notes |
| Hotels | 95–100% occupancy | Many double room rates during this week |
| Restaurants | 50–70% spike in revenue | Increased dine-in and takeout traffic |
| Merchandise Stores | Record sales of Masters gear | Fans buy shirts, hats, memorabilia |
| Local Transport | Surge in car rentals and taxis | Visitors depend on travel services |
| Staffing | Seasonal hiring in hospitality and retail | Short-term job creation every year |
This local boom makes Augusta a financial hotspot. Brands want to be seen here. That sponsorship money boosts the overall prize pool. So, the masters payout by place benefits directly from the city’s success.
Social Media’s Role in Earnings Growth
The Masters has embraced the digital era. Now, the tournament lives not just on TV—but also on phones, tablets, and social media feeds. Every highlight gets shared. Every champion goes viral.
Golfers are now influencers. Their fanbases span millions. This digital presence brings more eyes—and more advertisers. That digital value becomes financial value for Augusta.
Here’s how social media boosts the payout:
- Wider Reach: Players like Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler connect with fans in real-time.
- Brand Collaborations: Personal sponsors benefit from visibility, pushing brands to invest more.
- Fan Engagement: Hashtags, posts, and clips extend the event’s visibility beyond the week.
- Live Streaming: More online viewership means more ad dollars for the Masters.
These digital gains flow back into the tournament. And that directly fuels the growth of the masters payout by place.
Is the Masters Still the Richest?
Yes. Among all golf majors, it leads.
Quick Major Comparison:
| Tournament | 2025 Purse | Winner’s Share |
| Masters | $21M | $4.2M |
| U.S. Open | $20M | $3.6M |
| PGA Championship | $18.5M | $3.33M |
| The Open Championship | $17M | $3.06M |
Clearly, masters prize money 2025 beats all.
How Much Does It Cost to Play?
Players don’t pay entry fees. But they do spend money on:
- Travel
- Coaches
- Caddies
- Nutrition
- Gear
Still, the masters payout by place far outweighs the cost for most.
Final Thoughts: Masters Payout by Place Is the Future
The Masters is setting new standards in sports. The 2025 tournament shattered records. It rewarded more players than ever.
The masters payout by place is not just a system. It’s a revolution. It balances tradition with progress. It supports legends, newcomers, and even caddies.
Golf is no longer just about the swing. It’s also about the statement—and the paycheck.
With $21 million in 2025, we can expect even more in 2026. The prize will go higher. The players will be better. And the world will be watching.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How much did the 2025 Masters winner earn?
Rory McIlroy earned $4.2 million for winning the 2025 Masters. This was the highest payout in the tournament’s history. His victory not only secured the Grand Slam but also topped the current masters payout by place rankings. The prize reflects the event’s growing value and global attention.
- What is the payout for the last-place finisher?
The 50th-place finisher received $52,920 at the 2025 Masters. Players who finished below 50th earned slightly less, depending on their final score. Those who missed the cut still received $25,000. The masters last place prize money policy ensures all professional participants are rewarded.
- Do amateur golfers receive any prize money?
No, amateur players do not receive any prize money at the Masters. Even if they finish high on the leaderboard, the rules exclude them from financial rewards. Instead, they gain exposure and valuable playing experience. The masters payout by place applies only to professional players.
- How does social media help increase Masters payouts?
Social media has a major role in growing tournament value. Top players like Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler have huge followings. Their online reach attracts more fans and sponsors. This digital interest helps increase the total prize pool and improves the masters payout by place each year.