The 2026 Masters has smashed its own financial records, with Augusta National confirming a total prize pot of 17.8 million ($22.5 million) for this year's tournament.That's a jump of 1.2 million ($1.5 million) from last year's purse.Whoever slips on the green jacket this evening will pocket a cool 3.6 million ($4.5 million) the biggest winner's cheque in major championship history.It's an increase of 240,000 ($300,000) from what Rory McIlroy earned when he claimed his first Masters title in 2025.The runner-up won't be going home empty-handed either, with second place worth 1.9 million ($2.43 million).Even those who missed Friday's cut are walking away with 20,000 ($25,000) just for turning up to golf's first major of the season.The leaderboard heading into Sunday's finale couldn't be much tighter.Rory McIlroy and Cameron Young shared the lead at 11 under par at the start of the day, setting up what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the 90th Masters.McIlroy looked to have this one wrapped up after building a six-shot advantage through 36 holes, but a tricky third round of 73 saw that cushion evaporate.Young, fresh off his Players Championship victory last month, fired a brilliant 65 on Saturday to draw level.McIlroy seemed relaxed about the challenge ahead, despite watching his commanding lead disappear."I'd like to think that I'll play a little bit freer [Sunday] and I'll play, you know, like I've already got a green jacket, which I do," the defending champion said. "Sometimes I maybe just have to remind myself of that."He added that he's comfortable with the final pairing, having played alongside Young during the opening two rounds.The pair teed off at 7:25pm UK time for what could be a dramatic finish.The financial stakes are enormous the gap between first and second place is more than 1.6 million ($2.07 million).Even moving from third to second represents nearly 710,000 ($900,000), meaning every shot on Sunday carries serious weight.Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter