How the Masters purse works and why it matters to finishers
The Masters leaderboard purse is the total prize money awarded to professional golfers who make the cut at the Masters Tournament each spring. Unlike many regular PGA Tour events, the Masters purse and its distribution are defined by Augusta National Golf Club, with a guaranteed minimum and a fixed percentage split for top finishers. The purse size has grown steadily over time, and a portion is funded by the Masters Tournament Foundation, a charitable entity that supports amateur golf programs. Below is a breakdown of how the purse is determined, taxed, and paid to players.
Key facts at a glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Purse designation | Set by Augusta National; tied to PGA Tour’s baseline minimums and charitable contributions | Policy disclosure |
| Funding model | Corporate sponsorship, ticketed admissions, charitable contributions, and broadcast rights | Organizational report |
| Cut line | Top 50 and ties after 36 holes; 54-hole cut was used historically, now 36-hole cut applies | Rules guide |
| Winner’s share (approx.) | About 18% of the total purse | Historical payout records |
| Withholding taxes (US) | 24% federal on winnings over $5,000; state taxes vary by residency | IRS and state guidance |
| Charitable giving | A significant portion supports the Masters Tournament Foundation for junior and amateur programs | Foundation disclosures |
What the Masters leaderboard purse is
The Masters leaderboard purse is the cash prize pool distributed to professional golfers who make the cut at the Masters Tournament. The purse amount sets a baseline for what finishers receive, with set percentages for each finishing position. Augusta National determines the total purse and shares high-level policy details, while tournament operations manage on-course logistics, scoring, and payments. The purse is one of the largest among non-major regular PGA Tour events and has risen consistently, reflecting both the event’s stature and broader trends in golf sponsorship. Earnings are subject to federal and, where applicable, state and local taxes, and are reported to the IRS.
How the purse size is determined
The Masters purse is not set by a fixed formula tied to prior years’ results; instead, it is determined annually by Augusta National in consultation with PGA Tour guidelines and the tournament’s charitable mission. Factors that influence the purse include ticketed attendance, global broadcast demand, sponsorship revenue, and the tournament’s commitment to funding amateur and junior initiatives through the Masters Tournament Foundation. The purse is typically aligned with or slightly above the PGA Tour’s minimum purse for events at a similar classification, adjusted for the unique costs and revenue profile of the Masters. Each year, the total purse figure is announced in the media guide or tournament site before the event.
Components that shape the purse
- Broadcast rights: Revenue from domestic and international television and digital streams.
- Ticketed admissions: On-site attendance and hospitality packages.
- Sponsorships: Title and presenting partners, category exclusivity, and in-circuit advertising.
- Charitable contributions: Net proceeds directed to the Masters Tournament Foundation.
- Historical baseline: PGA Tour minimum purse levels for WGC-tier events, adjusted for inflation and event status.
Distribution and cut line rules
Prize money is awarded to all players who make the cut and place on the leaderboard. The Masters currently uses a 36-hole cut (top 50 and ties), after which the purse is distributed according to a published percentage schedule. Players who miss the cut receive no prize money from the tournament purse, though they may still earn appearance fees if provided by sponsors under separate arrangements. The distribution percentages are consistent year to year, with the winner receiving the largest single share and递减 percentages for subsequent finishers. Exact payout figures for each position are listed in the tournament media guide and are updated when the purse amount is confirmed.
How cut-line eligibility affects payouts
- Make the 36-hole cut (top 50 and ties): Eligible for purse distribution.
- Miss the cut: No tournament purse payout; appearance fees are sponsor-specific and not part of the official purse.
- Top-10 and top-20 finishers: Receive progressively larger shares according to the fixed percentage table.
Purse vs winner earnings and related line items
While the total purse indicates the size of the prize pool, the amount a player actually takes home depends on their finish position, tax withholding, and any sponsor-paid supplements. The winner’s check is approximately 18% of the total purse, but this can vary slightly if the purse changes or if additional bonuses are awarded (for example, for record scores or achievements tied to the tournament’s history). It is also important to distinguish between the official tournament purse and appearance fees or sponsor bonuses, which are handled separately and may be structured differently for international players subject to different tax treaties.
Illustrative examples relative to total purse
| Finishing Position | Approximate Share of Purse | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1st (Winner) | ~18% | Approximate; exact % varies with purse size and bonuses |
| 2nd | ~10.8% | Approximate historical percentage |
| T3–T10 | Declining percentages within top 10 schedule | Exact shares found in official payout table |
| T50 (Cut line) | Smallest payout among those who make the cut | Receives a base minimum for top-50 finishers |
| Missed cut | 0% | No purse distribution; appearance fees not included |
Tax considerations for Masters earnings
Prize money from the Masters is taxable income. For U.S. residents and U.S. citizens, the tournament withholds 24% federal tax on winnings over $5,000. International players are subject to U.S. federal withholding on prize money, and may also be taxed in their home jurisdiction depending on tax treaties and residency rules. State income taxes apply based on the player’s state of residence or, for nonresidents, may be sourced to prize income if substantial activity occurs in a given state. Players should consult tax professionals for guidance specific to their situation and to plan for both federal and potential local obligations.
Role of the Masters Tournament Foundation
A defining characteristic of the Masters is its connection to the Masters Tournament Foundation, a charitable organization that receives a portion of tournament revenue and directs funds toward junior golf development, college scholarships, and course and facility improvements at Augusta National. While the foundation does not directly set individual payouts, it benefits from the tournament’s revenue stream, which in turn supports the ongoing viability of the event and its charitable mission. The foundation’s annual reports outline contributions and program outcomes, which are separate from the on-course prize distribution but remain part of the event’s broader financial ecosystem.
How to find official purse and payout details
For the most current purse total and exact payout percentages by finishing position, consult the official Masters Tournament media guide, the PGA Tour media resources, or the Masters’ official website prior to the event. These documents list the total purse, the per-position payout table, and any special provisions such as minimum guarantees or appearance fees. Because tax rules and currency conversions can affect net amounts for international competitors, it is useful to review both the gross purse figures and the after-tax estimates when comparing opportunities.
Understanding the Masters leaderboard purse helps players, media, and fans appreciate how prize money is structured at one of golf’s most iconic events. The combination of a guaranteed minimum, consistent percentage splits, and charitable funding through the Masters Tournament Foundation ensures that the purse reflects both competitive sport and long-term community investment.