Rory McIlroy has been rewarded with the biggest Masters payout in history after holding his nerve to secure a successive triumph at Augusta National - but he will lose almost half of it to the taxman.
On Sunday (April 12), McIlroy became just the fourth man to retain the Masters – after Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods – as he overcame late pressure from Justin Rose to keep hold of the coveted Green Jacket.
Despite several nervy moments throughout the competition, McIlroy, who finished -12, managed to stay ahead of the USA's Scottie Scheffler, who finished -11.
Several players, including Justin Rose, Cameron Young, Russell Henley and Tyrrell Hatton, finished -10, but it was McIlroy’s Masters for the second year running as the 36-year-old secured his sixth career major.
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"I can't believe I waited 17 years to get one Green Jacket and now I get two in a row," he said after his triumph.
"All my perseverance at this golf course over the years has started to pay off.
"It was a tough weekend, but I'm so happy to hang in there and get the job done.
"I wanted to come back and prove last year wasn't a fluke."
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McIlroy was paid handsomely for his efforts in Georgia, claiming a record $4.5 million (£3.6million) of the total $22.5million (£17.8million) purse.
However, according to OLBG, the six-time major winner may be forced to part with around 47 per cent of his earnings.
McIlroy will reportedly pay nearly £1.6million ($2.0million) in tax for the second consecutive year.
Due to the golfer recently moving back to the UK from Florida, he would be liable to pay tax on his earnings at the highest rate in the UK, while also being expected to pay both US federal tax at 37 per cent, equal to £1,239,467 ($1.55million), and Georgia state income tax at 5.19%, equating to £180,560 ($225,700).
Last year, he received $4.2million (£3.3million) for his maiden Masters victory.
Over the past two years, McIlroy has reportedly lost £3,033,971 ($3.8 million) of his Masters earnings.
And despite the huge deductions to his earnings, McIlroy now holds the record for career prize money at the Masters, collecting a total of $13.04million (£10.35million) across his 18 appearances at the tournament, as per Forbes.
Scottie Scheffler, who has appeared seven times, is second on the list, having earned $10.48million (£8.32million), while Phil Mickelson, with 32 appearances, has pocketed $9.87million (£7.84million) for his efforts.
Woods remains fourth on the list with $9.64million (£7.66million) to show for his 26 Masters appearances.
Top 10 highest earners in Masters history
Rory McIlroy — $13.04million (£10.35million) — 18 appearances
Scottie Scheffler — $10.48million (£8.32million) — 7 appearances
Phil Mickelson — $9.87million (£7.84million) — 32 appearances
Tiger Woods — $9.64million (£7.66million) — 26 appearances
Justin Rose — $7.77million (£6.17million) — 21 appearances
Jordan Spieth — $6.80million (£5.40million) — 13 appearances
Patrick Reed — $5.89million (£4.68million) — 13 appearances
Jon Rahm — $5.56million (£4.42million) — 10 appearances
Dustin Johnson — $4.79million (£3.81million) — 16 appearances
Hideki Matsuyama — $4.67million (£3.71million) — 14 appearances
Topics: Rory Mcilroy
Luke Davies