Scottie Scheffler Wins 2026 Masters, Takes Home Record $3.6 Million Prize
Scottie Scheffler claimed his second Masters victory on Sunday, securing a record $3.6 million prize from the tournament's $20 million purse. The 29-year-old Texan held off a fierce final-round challenge from rising star Tom Kim to finish at 14-under par at Augusta National. The win solidifies Scheffler's status as golf's top earner this season with over $12 million in winnings.
The 2026 Masters prize money marks a 20% increase from last year, reflecting the PGA Tour's ongoing revenue growth. Scheffler's payday is trending nationally as fans debate whether athletes' soaring earnings align with the sport's accessibility. The champion donated $500,000 to his family's foundation supporting junior golfers, a move praised across social media.
Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley announced the purse increase during Tuesday's Champions Dinner, noting it keeps the Masters competitive with LIV Golf events. This year's runner-up Kim earned $2.16 million, while third-place finisher Rory McIlroy took home $1.36 million. The payouts come as golf faces scrutiny over rising ticket prices and broadcast fragmentation.
Scheffler's victory lap included an emotional reunion with his pregnant wife Meredith, who remained home due to her late-stage pregnancy. The couple's first child is due next month. ESPN's post-round coverage highlighted how Scheffler's calm demeanor under pressure contrasts with his reputation as one of the tour's most intense competitors during practice rounds.
Golf analysts note this win positions Scheffler for a potential career Grand Slam, needing only a PGA Championship to complete the set. The victory also reignites discussions about whether the Masters should move to match play format given recent dominance by a handful of players. Tournament officials confirmed they have no plans to change the current stroke play system.
Sunday's final round drew 12.3 million viewers on CBS, up 8% from 2025, making it the most-watched golf broadcast this year. The surge follows the network's experimental "Every Shot Live" streaming option that attracted 1.2 million subscribers during the tournament. Scheffler's green jacket ceremony concluded with a rare daylight presentation after weather delays pushed tee times earlier.
Reactions poured in from fellow pros, with Tiger Woods calling it "one of the most complete performances I've seen at Augusta." The win moves Scheffler to third in the world rankings behind Jon Rahm and Viktor Hovland. He'll next compete at the RBC Heritage in Hilton Head, where he's the defending champion.
