As inflation continues to hit Americans’ pockets, few parts of the economy have been left untouched. However, Masters ticket prices for a four-day badge have not increased between 2023 and 2025. But now that changes in a big way for the 2026 event at Augusta National.
If you’re lucky enough to get a ticket to this year’s Masters, whether you’re a first-time lottery winner or a longtime patron, you’ll have to spend more money to experience the first major of the year in person.
Masters tickets are becoming more expensive for the first time in years
In July, as it does every year, Augusta National notified those lucky enough to win the Masters lottery for the 2026 event.
According to one report of Golf weekAugusta National reached out to their prospective patrons again in early January, this time announcing the new prize for a four-day badge, which grants a patron access to all four rounds of the tournament.
Since this is one of the most sought-after tickets in sports, people would likely pay anything to see the Masters up close. But even if they are difficult to obtain, Masters tickets are much cheaper than tickets to any other major sporting event.
From 2023 to 2025, customers paid $450 for a four-day badge, or just over $110 per day. But in 2026 they will pay significantly more.
According to the report, a four-day badge for the 2026 Masters will cost $525. That extra $75 roughly equates to a 16% increase. While that’s a big jump for one year, keep in mind that this is the first increase since 2023, and prices for the 2027 Masters are unlikely to rise again.
However, it is a lot higher than the price of a badge for the very first Masters in 1934: $2.
At around $130 per day, 2026 Masters tickets are much, much cheaper than a pass to the Super Bowl, NBA Finals or any number of other major sporting events. But the prizes also compare favorably with other golf tournaments.
At the 2025 Ryder Cup, fans had to pay $750 for a day ticket to the matches at Bethpage Black. Volunteers I was reportedly charged $350.
Add to that the fact that food and drink prices at the Masters are shockingly low, and it becomes clear that there is no better value in professional sports than a Masters ticket.
How do I get Masters tickets?
Unfortunately, you’re out of luck if you want to score a ticket to the 2026 Masters the traditional way. You still have the chance to be invited by someone else, or to play yourself into the field. But that’s about the only way you can get to Augusta National in April.
However, the 2027 Masters is very much in play. To be in with a chance of winning the right to purchase Masters badges for 2027, customers can participate in the lottery which is open from June 1 to 20, 2026.
In July 2026 you will hear whether you have won the lottery or not. Good luck, you’re going to need it.
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