The Masters Tournament 2024 witnessed Scottie Scheffler clinch his second Green Jacket at Augusta National, marking another iconic chapter in golf history. While the prestige of the Green Jacket and the Masters Trophy are immeasurable, the substantial prize money associated with this major championship is also a significant draw for players. Scheffler’s dominant performance not only earned him these coveted symbols of victory but also a handsome winner’s check, highlighting the lucrative nature of top-tier golf events.
But just how large was the purse at the 2024 Masters, and how does it compare to other premier tournaments in the world of golf? Let’s delve into the details of the Masters prize money, exploring its growth and standing within the landscape of professional golf payouts.
The Masters Tournament Purse: A Closer Look at the 2024 Prize
Augusta National officially announced the total prize money for the 2024 Masters at an impressive $20 million. This figure represents a significant increase over previous years, underscoring the escalating financial rewards in professional golf. The 2024 purse was $2 million higher than the $18 million offered in 2023 and a substantial $5 million greater than the $15 million purse of 2022.
As the champion, Scottie Scheffler earned a staggering $3.6 million from the Masters prize money. Ludvig Aberg, the runner-up, also secured a notable sum, taking home $2.16 million for his second-place finish. This substantial payout structure extends well beyond the top finishers, ensuring that every player who made the cut at the Masters received a significant financial reward for their performance.
Masters Prize Money vs. Other Elite Golf Events
The Masters Tournament, alongside the other major championships and the Players Championship, traditionally stands as the most financially rewarding events in professional golf. In recent years, the emergence of LIV Golf and the competitive landscape it has created has further propelled prize money increases across the board in both LIV Golf and PGA Tour events.
Comparing the Masters purse to other prominent events provides valuable context. The Players Championship, often dubbed the “fifth major,” boasted a $25 million purse in the past year, slightly exceeding the Masters. Similarly, LIV Golf events feature substantial weekly purses of $25 million, with $20 million allocated to the individual portion of the competition.
Looking at the other major championships from the previous year, the U.S. Open also offered a $20 million purse, matching the Masters. The PGA Championship presented a $17.5 million purse, while The Open Championship had a $16.5 million purse. While official figures for the 2024 U.S. Open, PGA Championship, and Open Championship are still anticipated, the 2023 figures provide a strong benchmark for comparison, indicating that the Masters prize money is firmly positioned at the upper echelon of golf payouts.
A Detailed Breakdown: How Much Did Each Player Earn at the Masters 2024?
With a total of $20 million in prize money at stake, the 2024 Masters ensured significant earnings for all players who successfully made the cut and completed the tournament. While Scottie Scheffler claimed the lion’s share, a substantial amount of money was distributed across the field, rewarding strong performances throughout the week.
Below is a breakdown of the prize money distribution for each finishing position at the Masters 2024, demonstrating the depth of payouts:
- Win: Scottie Scheffler, $3,600,000
- 2: Ludvig Aberg, $2,160,000
- T3: Collin Morikawa, Tommy Fleetwood, Max Homa, $1,040,000 each
- T6: Cameron Smith, Bryson DeChambeau, $695,000 each
- 8: Xander Schauffele, $620,000
- T9: Will Zalatoris, Tyrrell Hatton, Cameron Young, $540,000 each
- T12: Patrick Reed, Matthieu Pavon, Adam Schenk, Cameron Davis, $405,000 each
- T16: Sepp Straka, Chris Kirk, Byeong Hun An, Nicolai Hojgaard, $310,000 each
- T20: Taylor Moore, Lucas Glover, $250,000 each
- T22: Keegan Bradley, Min Woo Lee, Harris English, Adam Scott, Joaquin Niemann, Rory McIlroy, Matt Fitzpatrick, Patrick Cantlay, $175,500 each
- T30: Tom Kim, Jason Day, Si Woo Kim, J.T. Poston, Rickie Fowler, $124,200 each
- T35: Kurt Kitayama, Camilo Villegas, Akshay Bhatia, $103,000 each
- T38: Russell Henley, Corey Conners, Luke List, Hideki Matsuyama, Ryan Fox, $86,000 each
- T43: Phil Mickelson, Shane Lowry, $72,000 each
- T45: Denny McCarthy, Jose Maria Olazabal, Sahith Theegala, Brooks Koepka, Jon Rahm, Danny Willett, $57,200 each
- 51: Grayson Murray, $49,200
- 52: Eric Cole, $48,000
- T53: Adam Hadwin, Neal Shipley (a), $46,800 (Amateur – $0)
- T55: Jake Knapp, Erik van Rooyen, Tony Finau, $44,400 each
- T58: Vijay Singh, Thorbjorn Olesen, $41,400 each
- 60: Tiger Woods, $39,600
- MC: (Missed Cut) $10,000
Conclusion: The Masters and the Pinnacle of Golf Prize Money
The Masters Tournament consistently ranks among the most prestigious and lucrative events in professional golf. The significant increase in the Masters prize money for 2024 to $20 million, culminating in a $3.6 million winner’s check for Scottie Scheffler, reaffirms its position as a pinnacle of achievement and financial reward in the sport. As prize purses in golf continue to evolve, the Masters Tournament remains a key benchmark, reflecting the high stakes and intense competition at the highest levels of the game.
