Ralph Guldahl finished -9 and took 30% of the purse. That $1,500 is worth about $35,832 in 2026 dollars.
How the 1939 Masters Tournament purse was split
Every paid player in finishing order. The top 10 took 98% of the money, and the dashed line marks the smallest check.
1939 Masters Tournament prize money for every player
Final positions and prize money, with what the same untied position paid the year before.
| Pos | Player | To par | Last year | Prize money |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ralph Guldahl | -9 | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| 2 | Sam Snead | -8 | $700 | $800 +14% |
| T3 | Billy Burke | -6 | $550 | |
| T3 | Lawson Little | -6 | $550 | |
| 5 | Gene Sarazen | -5 | $400 | $400 |
| 6 | Craig Wood | -4 | $275 | $300 +9% |
| 7 | Byron Nelson | -1 | $250 | |
| 8 | Henry Picard | +1 | $175 | $175 |
| 9 | Ben Hogan | +2 | $175 | |
| T10 | Ed Dudley | +3 | $100 | $100 |
| T10 | Toney Penna | +3 | $100 | $100 |
| T12 | Tommy Armour | +5 | $33 | |
| T12 | Vic Ghezzi | +5 | $33 | |
| T12 | Jug McSpaden | +5 | $33 | |
| 15 | Denny Shute | +6 | Not known | |
| T16 | Paul Runyan | +7 | Not known | |
| T16 | Felix Serafin | +7 | Not known | |
| T18 | Chick Harbert Amateur | +8 | Not known | |
| T18 | Jimmy Thomson | +8 | Not known | |
| T18 | Charlie Yates Amateur | +8 | Not known | |
| 21 | Tommy Suffern Tailer Amateur | +9 | Not known | |
| T22 | Jimmy Hines | +10 | Not known | |
| T22 | Ky Laffoon | +10 | Not known | |
| T22 | Frank Moore | +10 | Not known | |
| 25 | Al Watrous | +11 | Not known | |
| T26 | Tony Manero | +12 | Not known | |
| T26 | Horton Smith | +12 | Not known | |
| T26 | Willie Turnesa Amateur | +12 | Not known | |
| T29 | Jess Sweetser Amateur | +14 | Not known | |
| T29 | Frank Walsh | +14 | Not known | |
| T31 | Dick Metz | +15 | Not known | |
| T31 | Johnny Revolta | +15 | Not known | |
| T33 | Harry Cooper | +16 | Not known | |
| T33 | Jimmy Demaret | +16 | Not known | |
| T33 | Walter Hagen | +16 | Not known | |
| T33 | Bobby Jones | +16 | Not known | |
| T37 | Dick Chapman Amateur | +21 | Not known | |
| T37 | Jim Foulis | +21 | Not known | |
| 39 | Johnny Farrell | +24 | Not known | |
| 40 | Ted Adams Amateur | +26 | Not known | |
| 41 | Ray Billows Amateur | +29 | Not known | |
| 42 | Joe Belfore | +30 | Not known | |
| 43 | Joe Thompson | +34 | Not known | |
| WD | Jock Hutchison | +12 | Not known | |
| WD | Ray Mangrum | +5 | Not known | |
| WD | Stanley Horne | +10 | Not known |
Masters Tournament winner's share over time
This year is labeled. Full tournament history →
1939 Masters Tournament payout FAQ
How much did the winner of the 1939 Masters Tournament get?
Ralph Guldahl won $1,500 from a $5,000 purse.
What was the 1939 Masters Tournament purse?
$5,000.
How much did last place get at the 1939 Masters Tournament?
The smallest check was $33, to Jug McSpaden (T12).