Rory McIlroy faces a hefty £1.2 million tax bill should he finally complete his career Grand Slam by winning the Masters this weekend.
The Northern Irishman has already claimed the US Open, PGA Championship and The Open during his illustrious career.
However, Augusta National glory has thus far eluded him as he seeks to end an 11-year drought for his fifth major title.
Victory would bring McIlroy the coveted green jacket and an expected £2.8 million prize, matching last year's payout to Scottie Scheffler.
Rory McIlroy is facing a hefty £1.2 million tax bill if he wins The Masters
PA
Yet the taxman stands ready to claim nearly half of those potential winnings.
Tax experts have explained the significant reduction McIlroy would face on any potential Masters victory payday.
Paul Barham, head of international private client tax at Forvis Mazars, told the Express: "Any prize money earned will be subject to US federal tax, the top rate of which is still 37 per cent. Golfers will also have to pay state tax in Georgia at 5.39 per cent."
This combined tax burden would reduce McIlroy's £2.8 million prize by 42.39 per cent.
The Northern Irishman would ultimately take home £1.61 million after surrendering nearly £1.2 million to American tax authorities.
Such substantial taxation is an unavoidable reality for all competitors at Augusta National.
Barham further clarified that "The US tax will be paid by all the golfers playing at Augusta regardless of where they are tax resident."
McIlroy's situation is somewhat simplified by his residency status.
As a Florida resident, he is considered a US taxpayer and would not face additional UK taxation on his Masters winnings.
The Masters gets underway this week in GeorgiaReutersGeorge Cannon, private client tax manager at Kreston Reeves, explained: "As a non-UK resident for tax purposes, any winnings Rory receives in relation to overseas performances will not be taxable in the UK but will be subject to the relevant overseas taxes."
This contrasts with UK-based tournaments where British taxes would apply.
Despite the financial implications, McIlroy remains focused on the sporting achievement rather than the monetary reward.
At Tuesday's press conference, he addressed the pressure surrounding his career Grand Slam pursuit.
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Rory McIlroy is one of the favourites to win The Masters this yearReuters"It's just narratives, it's noise," said McIlroy. "It's just trying to block out that noise as much as possible."
The golfer emphasised his approach to the tournament: "I need to treat this tournament like all the other tournaments that I play throughout the year."
McIlroy acknowledged the heightened atmosphere but remains determined to stay grounded.
"I understand the narrative and the noise. There's a lot of anticipation and build-up coming into this tournament each and every year, but I just have to keep my head down and focus on my job."
