How The Masters leaves behind $200 million in revenue every year

The Masters is probably the most prestigious golf tournament in the world! And with its prestige comes a long list of traditions that make it The Masters.

Have you noticed that there is no sponsored content during the televised event? No ‘shot-tracer’ technology sponsored by the latest car brand or commercial breaks every other hole.

So how much money does The Masters leave behind every year? Based on insiders, The Masters could be making up to $200 million in revenue every year – but doesn’t.

Keep reading to find out why!

How does The Masters make its money?

As reported by Golf Digest, The Masters make an average of $115 million in revenue per year. Out of that, $29 million in profit.

Here a breakdown of the income:

Merchandise: $47.5 million

Tickets: $34.75 million

International TV rights: $25 million

Concessions: $7.75 million

You might notice that only international TV rights are being sold. What about domestic TV rights? To quote the source directly;

“This is the 60th consecutive year CBS has broadcast The Masters on a one-year contract…neither CBS nor Augusta National makes money on the deal.” – Golf Digest

It’s fair to say that The Masters is not looking to prioritising returning a profit to its owners but wants to make golf accessible and enjoyable for as many people as possible.

We love to see that and admire the management for this decision. In a time where most major sporting events are monetised to a tee, it’s refreshing to enjoy an event that prioritises entertainment and traditions over getting that marketing dollar for its shareholders!

AUGUSTA NATIONAL GOLF CLUB, HOST OF THE 85TH MASTERS TOURNAMENT

Where could The Masters make more money?

Now that we know how The Masters generates its profit let’s look at the areas which are not being monetised.

Ticket prices

Most years, weekly ticket prices clock in at around $325 for the entire week. Considering that this is probably the most anticipated event of the year, it might also get sold for double of that and still be sold out within hours!

Sponsorships and banners

The Masters has never sold any real estate on the course to display logos or sponsorships. You’ll see nothing but Augusta-themed decoration that allows you to focus on the game and admire the pristine conditions of the course.

What you might not be able to see on TV is Berckmans Place. Right off the fifth hole, this 100,000 square foot venue is home to the merchandise shop, five different restaurants, and replicas of Augusta’s greens.

Monetised through admission fees, merchandise, and licensing restaurants, the prices are reasonable.

Sandwiches run at around $4, which most likely doesn’t turn a profit, and merchandise is sold at a reasonable 65% mark-up.

Television rights

As mentioned, the televised event is seldom interrupted. And when it is, it’s for key domestic sponsors like the Chip & Putt Foundation.

The domestic television rights are given at a break-even price to CBS, and sources indicate that The Masters could be asking for well north of $90 million for the same. That’s how much the USGA gets from channels like Fox Sports for its championships.

Prize money

The Masters is very transparent with how much price money players earn for competing. Prices range from just north of $2 million to just under $30,000.

Here what the top 10 finishers earned in 2021:

1st: $2,070,000

2nd: $1,242,000

3rd: $782,000

4th: $552,000

5th: $460,000

6th: $414,000

7th: $385,250

8th: $356,500

9th: $333,500

10th: $310,500

Everything else is put back into improving the facilities and is invested in Augusta National.

What to do next

The Masters is a golfer’s favourite time of the year, and who doesn’t dream of walking its lush fairways and putt on its incredible greens at least once in a lifetime?

While we can continue to dream, your best chance of doing so might be to turn pro and qualify for the masters yourself!

In the meantime, visit MyGolfHeaven for more equipment reviews and tips to become a better golfer!