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In reply to the discussion: Obama: It’s time for Augusta golf club to admit women members [View all]Hosnon
(7,800 posts)The Martha Burke episode demonstrated that the ANGC has enough money to do what it pleases. There have always been wild rumors about its finances but its safe to say that the net worth of that place is astronomical.
As for the prize money, it is simply not the biggest draw. The prestige and the Green Jacket are. But in any event, a boycott of sponsors to somehow reduce the prize money wouldn't work - the ANGC members would simply make up the difference.
The prize this year was over a million, but that is a new development. Palmer won the equivalent of $88K in 1958, Watson won $152K in 1977, and Tiger won $700K in 1997. Not chump change by any means but not "set for live" winnings either (particularly Palmer's $88K).
Take away the prize money and the talent would still be there. The prestige of the Green Jacket is probably enough to accomplish that. But if it has to be about money, the potential endorsement money to be earned by the winner would do the trick (and dwarfs the prize money).
ETA: Graph showing the real growth of the prize money:
