Who is playing in The Masters and why is it such an important date in the sporting calendar? Here’s a beginner’s guide covering what to expect at the first men’s major of the year at Augusta National.
What is The Masters and how do I watch?
The Masters is one of golf’s four major championships and is unique because it is always held at Augusta National in Augusta, Georgia. First played in 1934, the 2026 tournament is the 90th edition. Broadcasters offer extensive coverage, including featured group feeds and special streams such as Amen Corner.
Typical broadcast patterns: wall-to-wall coverage begins on Thursday afternoon with Featured Group action and updates; the global window usually starts later in the day. Weekend coverage often begins earlier and runs through the final putt. Bonus feeds focus on stretches of the course (notably Amen Corner, holes 11–13) and other hole clusters.
Who makes up The Masters field?
Qualification is by a mix of exemptions:
– Top 50 in the Official World Golf Ranking (end of previous year and the week before the event).
– Past Masters champions (lifetime exemption).
– Winners of other majors in the last five years.
– Top finishers from the previous year’s Masters (top 12 and ties) and top four/five ties from other majors.
– Winners of PGA Tour events that give full Tour Championship points.
– New for 2026: winners of six national Opens (Genesis Scottish Open, Spanish Open, Japan Open, Hong Kong Open, Australian Open, South African Open) earn invites.
– Recent winners of The Players, qualifiers from the Tour Championship, top amateurs from major amateur events (US Amateur finalists, The Amateur Championship, Asia-Pacific/Latin America/US Mid-Amateur winners, NCAA D1 champion).
– The Masters committee may also issue special invitations.
As of early April there were 91 players confirmed to tee it up.
Which players could be in contention?
– Rory McIlroy returns as the defending champion after completing his career Grand Slam at Augusta in dramatic fashion last year; he will be among the favourites.
– World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, a multiple-time Masters winner, will target another title though recent form can fluctuate.
– Bryson DeChambeau has emerged as a strong LIV Golf contender with recent wins.
– Jon Rahm (2023 champion) has shown good form, including a close finish in Johannesburg.
– European contenders include Tommy Fleetwood, Ludvig Åberg, and Matt Fitzpatrick (who’s been playing well recently).
– Justin Rose finished runner-up last year and has secured a PGA Tour win this season.
– Americans to watch include Cameron Young (recent Players champion) and Xander Schauffele (consistent Augusta performer).
Why will Tiger Woods not be playing?
Tiger Woods, a five-time Masters champion, is absent again. He was involved in a March car crash and subsequently charged with driving under the influence. Woods has entered a not guilty plea but announced he is stepping away from golf to seek treatment and focus on his health. His future competitive status remains uncertain.
Who makes the cut and what are the cut rules?
The Masters uses a specific halfway cut: after 36 holes, only the lowest 50 scores and ties advance to the weekend. Historic rules such as the old 10-shot provision are no longer in use.
Who won The Masters last year?
Rory McIlroy won, completing the career Grand Slam. He recovered from a double bogey and held a lead late in the final round before a dramatic back-nine that led to a playoff; McIlroy birdied the 18th in the playoff to secure the Green Jacket. Patrick Reed finished third and Scottie Scheffler was fourth.
What is on the Champions Dinner menu?
The reigning champion selects the menu for the Tuesday-night Champions Dinner. McIlroy’s menu included yellowfin tuna carpaccio, a choice of wagyu filet or seared salmon with Irish champ, sticky toffee pudding for dessert, and notable wine selections — a mix of personal favourites and nods to tradition.
What is the prize money?
The 2026 prize pool was expected to be similar to 2025. In 2025 the total purse was $21m and the winner (McIlroy) earned a then-record $4.2m. Professionals who made the cut earned a minimum payout (in 2025 that was roughly $51,000).
Where is Augusta National and what’s it like for fans?
Augusta National, founded by Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts and designed with Alister MacKenzie, opened in 1932. The course is renowned for immaculate conditioning, azaleas and dogwoods, and strict patron (spectator) rules:
– Mobile phones and cameras are banned on course during tournament days (call boxes are available for emergencies).
– Patrons cannot lie down, run, or wear jeans; backward-facing hats are prohibited; shoes are required (no flip-flops/high heels).
– Food and drink are famously affordable on site — the Pimento Cheese sandwich is an inexpensive classic.
Key terms and Augusta traditions
– Amen Corner: the difficult three-hole stretch (11–13) that often decides the tournament.
– Azaleas: iconic flowering shrubs visible throughout the course, especially near the 13th.
– Butler Cabin: where winners are presented with the Green Jacket and conduct their post-win interview.
– Champions Dinner: the Tuesday-night gathering hosted by the previous year’s champion for past winners and the chairman.
– Crow’s Nest: a small clubhouse hideaway reserved for amateur competitors.
– First and second nine: Augusta uses “first nine” (holes 1–9) and “second nine” (10–18), not front/back nine.
– First cut / second cut: Augusta’s fairways include a “first cut” and “second cut” of grass rather than typical rough definitions.
– Green Jacket: introduced in 1937; presented to the new champion by the previous winner.
– Hogan Bridge: the bridge over Rae’s Creek to the 12th green, named for Ben Hogan.
– Honorary Starters: golf legends who hit ceremonial opening tee shots.
– Magnolia Lane: the magnolia-lined driveway that leads into Augusta National.
– Patrons: the proper term for people attending The Masters.
– Pine straw: used across the course under trees and between holes, can create tricky lies.
– Rae’s Creek: water hazard guarding 12 and 13, surrounded by azaleas.
– Sarazen Bridge: commemorates Gene Sarazen’s famous albatross at the 15th.
– Tea Olive: the name of the 1st hole at Augusta; holes are named for plants or trees found on the property.
Anything else to know?
Augusta has many small traditions and rules that add to the event’s prestige. Expect unique vocabulary and an emphasis on etiquette. For viewers, look out for the special feeds (Amen Corner, other hole clusters, Featured Groups) for focused coverage.
Who will win The Masters? Tune in to live coverage to find out. Live coverage typically begins on opening round Thursday in the afternoon, with extended and bonus feeds across the week.