Scottie Scheffler Donates $1,008,000 Masters Prize to Triumph Over Kid Cancer Foundation
April 14, 2025 â Augusta, Georgia
In a heartwarming act of generosity, world number one golfer Scottie Scheffler has donated his entire $1,008,000 prize money from The Masters 2025 to the Triumph Over Kid Cancer Foundation, a charity dedicated to supporting children battling cancer. The announcement, made shortly after his fourth-place finish at Augusta National, underscores Schefflerâs commitment to using his platform for good, earning widespread praise from fans and the golfing community alike.
Scheffler, who carded an impressive -8 to finish just three strokes shy of winner Rory McIlroy, revealed his decision to donate during a post-tournament press conference. âGolf gives me a lot, but itâs bigger than me,â the two-time Masters champion said, as reported by Golfweek. âThe Triumph Over Kid Cancer Foundation is close to my heart, and I want to help kids fighting this tough battle.â The donation represents the full amount of his 2025 Masters earnings, a powerful gesture from the 28-year-old Texan known for his grounded values.
The Triumph Over Kid Cancer Foundation, founded in 2008 by James Ragan III in memory of his own leukemia battle, focuses on funding pediatric cancer research and supporting young patients and their families. The organization has raised over $3 million to date, with initiatives like providing medical grants and hosting camps for kids in treatment. Schefflerâs $1,008,000 contributionâa third of the foundationâs historical totalâwill significantly boost its efforts, potentially funding dozens of treatments or advancing research into cancers like leukemia, which affects 30% of pediatric cases.
âThis donation is a game-changer,â said Triumphâs executive director, Sarah Ragan, in a statement. âScottieâs gift will help us reach more kids, cover critical costs, and push for better treatments. Weâre beyond grateful for his heart and leadership.â The funds could cover expenses like chemotherapy (averaging $150,000â$200,000 per patient in the U.S.) or support innovative therapies, such as immunotherapy, which can extend survival rates for diseases like neuroblastoma.
Schefflerâs connection to the cause is personal. A high school friendâs leukemia diagnosis inspired his early involvement with Triumph, and heâs quietly supported the foundation for years, often visiting patients or hosting charity events in Dallas. âIâve seen what these kids go through,â Scheffler shared, per ESPN. âTheyâre tougher than any golfer out here. If my prize money can make a difference, itâs worth more than any trophy.â
The golf world has rallied behind Schefflerâs generosity. Fellow pro Rory McIlroy, the 2025 Masters champion, commented, âScottieâs the real dealâon and off the course. This is what our sportâs about.â Fans on X echoed the sentiment, with one post reading, âSchefflerâs donation is bigger than any Green Jacket. Absolute class act,â while another noted, â$1M for kids with cancer? Scottieâs setting the bar high.â The move has also sparked calls for other athletes to follow suit, amplifying its ripple effect.
This isnât Schefflerâs first foray into philanthropy. The 2024 Olympic gold medalist and 13-time PGA Tour winner has supported Dallas-area charities through his foundation, focusing on youth and health initiatives. His faith-driven approachâhe often credits his Christian beliefs for his perspectiveâhas shaped his giving, as seen in past donations to groups like St. Jude Childrenâs Research Hospital. Yet, donating his full Masters prize, earned in a tournament where heâs already won twice (2022, 2024), marks a new milestone in his charitable legacy.
The donation comes at a time when pediatric cancer remains a pressing issue. Globally, 400,000 children are diagnosed annually, with 80% in low-income countries facing limited care. In the U.S., treatment costs can exceed $500,000 per child, and research receives just 4% of federal cancer funding. Schefflerâs gift could directly impact families struggling with medical bills or fund trials for targeted drugs, which have boosted survival rates for some cancers by 10â15% in recent years.
As Scheffler prepares for the PGA Championship, his focus remains humble. âIâm just trying to do my part,â he told reporters. âGolfâs temporary, but helping these kids lasts forever.â For the Triumph Over Kid Cancer Foundation and the children it serves, Schefflerâs $1,008,000 donation is more than a financial boostâitâs a beacon of hope, proving that even in the high-stakes world of professional sports, compassion can take center stage.