Winning a major championship is incredible enough, but when it’s the Masters there are so many bonuses that just elevate the winner’s achievement into the stratosphere.
From donning the famous Green Jacket, to being able to come back to Augusta National Golf Club for the rest of your life, the perks of winning the Masters are simply incredible.
In 2025, Rory McIlroy finally earned the right to enjoy these perks forever. He beat Justin Rose in a playoff to win his first Masters title and complete the career grand slam on his 11th attempt.
Let’s look at what comes with winning the first major of the year at the glorious Georgia course…
Perks of winning the Masters
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The green jacket – and you can keep it for a year
Bobby Jones had many good ideas – Augusta National itself being one of his finest – but he drew on the inspiration for the Green Jacket.
The now famous ‘coat’ was said to be born from the red hunting jackets that club captains wore at Royal Liverpool, and which he saw on a visit to Hoylake.
Another theory is that the members wore them so they could be easily identified as members, and the first handed out to a Masters champion was Sam Snead in 1949.
The colour is Pantone 342 and they are made by Hamilton Tailoring Co, in Cincinnati. For the first 12 months after winning, winners can take the jacket away from Augusta National. After that, it must remain on the property and be worn when visiting the club.
2023 champion Jon Rahm revealed some of the strict rules that govern the wearing of the green jacket – and that players must agree to by signing a document!
These include: no jeans, no shorts, no public appearances without the club knowing, and no alcohol while wearing the jacket.
ALSO: Why are Masters winners given a green jacket?
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Perks of winning the Masters: It’s quite the trophy…
Some trophies are absolute monstrosities. Some look like they’ve come out of a quick trip to a bargain basement outlet. Not this one. This is one of the fabulous perks of winning the Masters.
The Masters Trophy, which depicts the famous clubhouse, was first awarded in 1961 and is forged out of 900 separate pieces of silver, according to the Masters website.
The original trophy stays at Augusta National, but winners get a sterling replica of it which they can keep.
What’s this – a gold medal too?
It’s a bit grander than you might receive for winning a club competition. Measuring 3.4 inches in diameter and weighing a pound, this gold medallion shows the Founders Circle which is in front of the Augusta National clubhouse.
There is also a silver medallion for the runner-up, which is the same size as the gold medal, but is silver and weighs slightly less.
The prize money isn’t bad, either
McIlroy picked up $4.2 million in a record year of prize money in 2025, which saw a total purse of $21 million.
Perks of winning the Masters: You get a lifetime exemption
If one visit to Augusta National’s perfect fairways and greens is enough to captivate, imagine being able to return every single year. Masters champions have a lifetime exemption to play in the tournament if they wish. There is no age barrier to entry. The players, themselves, can decide if they’ve had enough.
ALSO: What’s been served down the years at the Champions Dinner?
Don’t forget the Champions Dinner
One of the highlights of Masters week, winners gather on the Tuesday of the tournament to swap stories and reminisce at the Masters Champions Dinner.
It was Ben Hogan who started the annual tradition in 1952, when he invited the 11 surviving winners to dine with him. It’s more formally known as the Masters Club, and the winners are joined by the current Masters chair.
The defending champion selects the menu and former winners often fly in just to attend and take advantage of what has become one of the game’s most cherished evenings. Truly one of the great perks of winning the Masters.
Access to the Champions Locker Room
A very exclusive place for a very exclusive group. Found on the second floor of the Augusta National clubhouse, with a veranda looking out over Founders Circle and Magnolia Lane, the Champions Locker Room is a secluded spot to gather thoughts during another Masters run.
Each locker has a plaque engraved with the champion’s name and the dates they were victorious. The list of champions through the decades can often see a current competitor doubling up with a true legend of the game.
ALSO: The 2025 Masters field: Who’s headed to Augusta?
You are locked into the other majors
Winning the Masters brings exemptions into the PGA Championship, US Open, and The Open.
Not only can you play the Masters every year, but you’ll get five years of qualification-free starts into the other big three events too, as well as a half-decade exemption on the PGA Tour.
Now have your say on these perks of winning the Masters
What do you make of these perks of winning the Masters? How special is the Masters for you? Let us know by leaving a comment on X.
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