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 played at one venue: Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. First held in 1934, the 2026 event marks the tournament’s 90th edition. Broadcast partners provide extensive coverage across TV and streaming platforms, including featured-group coverage and specialty streams focused on key stretches such as Amen Corner (holes 11–13).
Typical viewing patterns: coverage ramps up Thursday afternoon with Featured Groups and expanded windows; weekend broadcasts often begin earlier and run through the tournament’s final putt. Bonus streams concentrate on specific holes or clusters of holes for deeper, hole-by-hole viewing.
Who plays at The Masters?
Players qualify through a mix of automatic exemptions and special invites. Common paths into the field include:
– Top 50 in the Official World Golf Ranking (at the end of the previous year and the week before the event).
– Past Masters champions (lifetime exemptions).
– Winners of other majors in the past five years.
– High finishers from last year’s Masters (top 12 and ties) and top finishers from other recent majors.
– Winners of PGA Tour events that award full FedExCup points.
– New for 2026: winners of six national Opens (Genesis Scottish Open, Spanish Open, Japan Open, Hong Kong Open, Australian Open, South African Open) now earn invites.
– The Players champion, Tour Championship qualifiers, top amateurs from major amateur events (U.S. Amateur finalists, The Amateur Championship, regional and collegiate champions), and special invitations from the Masters committee.
As of early April there were 91 players confirmed in the field.
Who might contend?
– Rory McIlroy returns as the defending champion after completing the career Grand Slam at Augusta, making him an obvious favorite.
– Scottie Scheffler, currently world No. 1 and a multiple-time Masters winner, will be among the top threats when in form.
– Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm (2023 champion), and several strong Europeans such as Tommy Fleetwood, Ludvig Åberg and Matt Fitzpatrick are players to watch.
– Justin Rose, last year’s runner-up, has also posted a PGA Tour win this season. American contenders like Cameron Young and Xander Schauffele are regularly in the mix at Augusta.
Why isn’t Tiger Woods playing?
Tiger Woods, a five-time Masters champion, remains absent. He was involved in a car crash in March and subsequently faced a driving-under-the-influence charge; he has pleaded not guilty and announced he is stepping away from competition to seek treatment and focus on his health. His future competitive plans are uncertain.
How does the cut work?
The Masters uses a 36-hole cut: after two rounds the field is reduced to the lowest 50 scores and ties, who advance to the weekend. Older provisions such as the historic 10-shot rule are no longer used.
Who won last year?
Rory McIlroy won the 2025 Masters, completing his career Grand Slam. He held a late lead, survived a dramatic back-nine, and secured the title with a birdie on the 18th in a playoff. Patrick Reed finished third and Scottie Scheffler was fourth.
Champions Dinner and traditions
The reigning champion selects the menu for the Tuesday-night Champions Dinner, a long-standing tradition attended by past champions and club officials. McIlroy’s menu in his year featured items such as yellowfin tuna carpaccio, wagyu or seared salmon with Irish champ, and sticky toffee pudding, along with a selection of personal and classic wines.
Prize money
The purse for 2026 was expected to be broadly in line with recent years. In 2025 the total purse was $21 million, with the winner’s share about $4.2 million and a minimum payout for players who made the cut (around $51,000 in 2025).
Augusta National and what fans should know
Augusta National was founded by Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts, designed with input from Alister MacKenzie, and opened in 1932. Its manicured fairways, flowering azaleas and strict patron rules create a distinct atmosphere.
Key patron rules and tips:
– Mobile phones and cameras are banned on the course during tournament days; call boxes are available for emergencies.
– Patrons are expected to observe decorum: no running, lying down, jeans or backward hats; shoes are required (no flip-flops or high heels).
– Food and drink on site are famously affordable; the pimento cheese sandwich is an inexpensive crowd favorite.
– Expect limited signage and few concessions to crowds; movement around the course can be slow during busy times.
Essential terms and landmarks
– Amen Corner: the pivotal three-hole stretch (11–13) that often influences the outcome.
– Azaleas: iconic flowering shrubs around the course, especially near the 13th.
– Butler Cabin: where the winner receives the Green Jacket and gives a post-win interview.
– Champions Dinner: the Tuesday-night meal hosted by the previous champion.
– Crow’s Nest: a small clubhouse area reserved for amateur competitors.
– First and second nine: Augusta refers to holes 1–9 as the “first nine” and 10–18 as the “second nine.”
– Green Jacket: presented to the champion; the tradition began in 1937.
– Hogan Bridge: the small bridge over Rae’s Creek leading to the 12th green, named for Ben Hogan.
– Magnolia Lane: the magnolia-lined drive leading into the club.
– Rae’s Creek: water guarding the 12th and 13th holes.
– Sarazen Bridge: commemorates Gene Sarazen’s albatross at the 15th.
– Tea Olive: the name of the 1st hole; many Augusta holes are named for plants or trees on the property.
Other notes for viewers
Augusta has many small customs and strict etiquette that contribute to its prestige. For at-home viewers, take advantage of bonus streams (Amen Corner and other hole clusters) and featured-group feeds to follow the players or parts of the course that interest you most.
Who will win? Tune in to the live coverage beginning Thursday afternoon to find out—coverage continues across multiple feeds through the weekend, with extra streams focusing on the key moments that decide the tournament.