Every April, golf fans watch as the best players in the world compete for a coveted Green Jacket at Augusta National. But while only one champion a year gets to slip on that iconic blazer, a fantastic performance at the Masters rewards a whole lot more than just the winner. This article breaks down exactly what the top 10 finishers earn, from their share of a massive prize purse to career-altering perks that last long after the final putt drops.
First, let’s talk about the prize everyone knows: the Green Jacket. Its significance goes far beyond a simple piece of clothing. It represents entry into one of the most exclusive clubs in all of sports. Augusta National members began wearing them in 1937 to be easily identifiable to patrons, and in 1949, Sam Snead became the first champion to be awarded one.
However, it's important to know that only the winner receives a Green Jacket a. The players who finish second through tenth do not. The champion gets to take their jacket home with them for one year. After that, it must be returned to Augusta National, where it remains in a special champions' cloakroom, ready for them to wear anytime they are on club grounds.
So while the rest of the top 10 look on during the presentation ceremony, they aren't going home empty-handed. Their reward is a bit more liquid and, in some ways, just as impactful on their professional careers.
The most direct reward for a top-10 finish at the Masters is a very, very large check. The tournament boasts one of the largest prize purses in professional golf. For the 2024 Masters, the total purse was a staggering $20 million. The winner, Scottie Scheffler, took home a record $3.6 million, but the wealth was distributed generously down the leaderboard.
Here’s a look at the approximate prize money breakdown for the top finishers. Keep in mind that when players tie, the prize money for those spots is added together and divided equally among them. This is common in a sport where single strokes can separate multiple players.
Seeing those "T-3rd" numbers might seem strange, but it’s a simple system. In the case of the three-way tie for third place, the official prize money for 3rd ($1.36 million), 4th ($960k), and 5th ($800k) was pooled together. That total of $3.12 million was then split three ways, giving each player a cool $1,040,000.
This payout structure means that a terrific week at Augusta can be financially transformative. For an established top player, it’s a significant payday. For a lesser-known but talented golfer, a top-10 Masters finish can provide financial security for years, freeing them up to focus on their game without worrying about paying bills, travel expenses, and coaching fees.
The money is great, but ask any professional golfer, and they'll tell you the non-cash benefits of a top finish at the Masters are just as valuable. These perks provide career security and open doors that are otherwise very difficult to walk through.
This is arguably the most important reward for those finishing near the top. Any player who finishes in the top 12, including ties, automatically receives an invitation to compete in the Masters the following year. Securing this means a player doesn't have to scramble to qualify by other means, such as being ranked in the Top 50 of the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) at year’s end, or winning a PGA TOUR event.
From a coaching perspective, this is a monumental advantage. A player with a guaranteed spot at Augusta can plan their entire season with more certainty and less stress. They know they have a tee time in the year’s first major, allowing them to schedule their tournaments, practice, and rest periods optimally to peak for Masters week. It’s an enormous competitive and mental relief.
Behind the scenes, a golfer's career is driven by points. Two systems matter most: the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) and, for PGA TOUR members, the FedExCup points list.
While the Masters automatic invitation is the most direct, a high finish can also help secure a spot in the other majors:
While the main prizes focus on the winner and top finishers, the Masters has several other traditions that reward great play throughout the week.
Earning that Green Jacket is the ultimate dream, but finishing in the top 10 at the Masters is a career-defining achievement that provides a massive payday and invaluable professional security. The money relieves financial pressure, while the automatic invitations and points create a pathway to sustained success at golf's highest level.
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