With top players competing, the prize money has also seen a significant increase in prize purse over the past nine decades. Started back in 1934, the winner share has increased to a whopping 239,900%. For the first edition, Horton Smith bagged $1,500, but now with the substantial increase in the payout, the previous winner, Scottie Scheffler, has bagged a whopping $3.6 million for his Masters victory. The credit goes to LIV Golf as its mega-million dollar purse caused a worry for the PGA Tour.

Its impact can be seen with the majors as well. Back in 2020 and 2021, the payout was $11.5 million, helping the winners with an increase of $2.07 million. The next year, it jumped to $15 million in 2022 and then to $18 million in 2023. But with the increasing price purse, if there is any player that has benefited hugely, it is Phil Mickelson. The LIV golfer, with his long professional career, has 31 starts at the Masters.

With the most participation at the Masters, the LIV golfer has managed to earn substantially well. But, the majority of the golf community assumes Tiger Woods is the leader on the money board. Leading till 2023, he was surpassed by his longtime rival Phil Mickelson in 2023. As of January this year, Woods stood at $121 million and Mickelson ranked second with 96.7 million on the PGA Tour.

Back in 2023, both rivals made the cut, but Woods withdrew after seven holes in the third round due to a plantar fasciitis injury to his right foot. On the other hand, Mickelson continued to showcase his great skill set, firing 7 under, 65 to finish tied for second, earning $1.584 million. The lead then grew in 2024 as he earned $72,000 with his T43 finish, whereas Woods, for his 60th place, earned $39,600.

The golfer with a whopping net worth of $400 million has earned $9,820,317 in 31 appearances at the Masters. But even though he made the cut 27 times, there are a few editions that contributed the most to his leaderboard position.

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Phil Mickelson’s most earning years at the Masters

The three-time Masters winner has been on a roll with his performance despite his age. The golfer last won the event in 2013, is continuing his form as he was runner-up in 2023. With his long, consistent form, he has observed a significant increase in the prize payout and has even benefited from it.

With his performance being the major factor, Mickelson has also bagged the highest earnings from it. His first million-plus earnings came in 2004 when he bagged his first victory, earning $1.17 million. Following that, his win in 2006 helped with a $1.2 million increase. And with his third victory, he bagged the highest amount as the winner, i.e., $1.35 million.

But despite his wins, his runner-up finish has helped him with the highest increase. His performance in 2023, with rounds of 71-69-75-65, he finished runner-up, earning $1.58 million, which helped him to become the money leader. Now, with his optimism for the 2025 Masters, can he get to the highest earning point of his career? What are your thoughts on it? Share with us in the comments below.