How Much Did the 2019 Masters Winner Receive
In 2019, the Masters Tournament winner received $2,070,000 from a total purse of $11,500,000, reflecting the event’s elevated payout scale and its commitment to champion compensation. This evergreen explainer details the 2019 Masters payout across top finishes, examines how the purse is calculated, and compares the winner’s share to other major championships. Below you will find verified prize money figures, top-10 payouts, and a concise table you can reference for context on professional major payout structures.
2019 Masters Winner Payout
The 2019 champion’s payout comprised both on-course performance and off-course revenue distributions from the Augusta National purse. This section isolates the verifiable winner prize and explains how it fits into the overall tournament economics. Understanding the headline winner prize clarifies how the tournament’s substantial budget supports top professional payouts.
Key Prize Money Figures
The following table highlights the official 2019 Masters prize money distribution for the top positions, based on widely reported tournament financial disclosures. Totals are presented in US dollars and reflect base earnings before any potential sponsor or appearance adjustments.
| Finish | Prize Money (USD) | Share of Purse (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Winner) | $2,070,000 | 18.0% |
| 2 | $1,242,000 | 10.8% |
| 3 | $828,000 | 7.2% |
| 4 | $541,500 | 4.7% |
| T5 | $379,500 | 3.3% |
| T9 | $207,000 | 1.8% |
| T10 | $169,500 | 1.5% |
Total Purse and Tournament Context
The 2019 Masters total purse of $11,500,000 was among the highest of the major championships at the time, driven by Augusta National’s investment model and broadcast revenue. The winner’s 18.0% share is consistent with major championship allocations that prioritize champion compensation while funding extensive amateur and charitable programs. Understanding the purse size and allocation helps contextual why the 2019 champion received such a significant payout relative to other events.
Purse Composition and Sources
Augusta National determines the purse size based on tournament revenue, which includes broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and on-site activities. A portion of the purse is supported by membership contributions and carefully managed investments, enabling the club to maintain competitive payouts while pursuing long-term financial stability. Revenue growth allows the club to increase the purse periodically, benefiting all finishers through higher payout tiers.
How Winner Payouts Are Calculated
Winner payouts at the Masters follow a disclosed percentage structure that assigns a fixed share of the total purse to each finishing position. These percentages are set before the tournament and applied to the final purse figure, which can be adjusted slightly based on actual revenue. Multi-year trends show the winner’s share remaining stable, even as the overall purse increases over time.
Comparison to Other Major Championships
When comparing majors, the 2019 Masters winner payout aligned closely with The Open Championship and PGA Championship, while the U.S. Open often reserved a slightly larger percentage for first place due to its revenue profile. This comparison underscores how majors prioritize champion compensation but distribute earnings differently based on their specific revenue models and historical precedents.
Tax Considerations and Net Payout
Professional prize money is generally subject to federal, state, and international tax obligations, which can reduce the net amount received by the winner and international top finishers. Tax withholding rates and reporting requirements vary by jurisdiction, so the actual take-home amount may differ from the official listed prize. Players typically work with accountants and financial advisors to manage these obligations efficiently.