The 2026 Masters in Augusta has made headlines with its unprecedented prize money pool of $22.5 million, marking the highest ever for the tournament. The winner, Rory McIlroy, took home a significant portion, earning $4.5 million for his victory. All participating golfers also benefited from this record purse, leading to noteworthy earnings for many players. Caddies too see an increase in their earnings, raising questions about their share in these massive payouts. The record-breaking prize money reflects a growing trend in major golf tournaments, with debate emerging over whether such large sums are appropriate.