The azaleas are in bloom, the pimento cheese is being prepped, and the golf world is descending upon Augusta National for the 90th Masters Tournament. This year feels particularly momentous, marking the first time in over three decades that the tournament will proceed without its two most iconic figures of the modern era, while a new “Grand Slam” champion looks to defend his throne.
Here is your comprehensive preview of the 2026 Masters.
The Tournament Schedule
The gates opened this morning, April 6, for the first of three practice round days.
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Wednesday, April 8: The Par 3 Contest (Always a fan favorite for family cameos).
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Thursday, April 9: Round 1 (The Honorary Starters tee off at 8:00 AM ET).
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Friday, April 10: Round 2 (The Cut: Top 50 players and ties).
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Saturday, April 11: Moving Day.
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Sunday, April 12: The Final Round and Green Jacket Ceremony.
The Defending Champion: Rory McIlroy
For the first time in his career, Rory McIlroy arrives at Augusta without the weight of the “Career Grand Slam” on his shoulders. After his historic victory in 2025, Rory is looking to become the first player since Tiger Woods (2001–02) to successfully defend the Green Jacket.
However, keep an eye on the injury report: Rory has been managing some nagging back issues over the last month that have limited his practice schedule.
The Favorites & Betting Odds
The oddsmakers have a clear hierarchy heading into Thursday morning, with the World No. 1 maintaining a significant gap over the field.
| Player | Current Odds | The Storyline |
| Scottie Scheffler | +500 | The definitive favorite. His ball-striking remains in a league of its own. |
| Bryson DeChambeau | +1000 | The 2024 U.S. Open champ is in “sizzling” form, winning two straight LIV events. |
| Jon Rahm | +1000 | The 2023 champ has three runner-up finishes already in 2026. |
| Rory McIlroy | +1200 | The defending champ; odds have drifted slightly due to back concerns. |
| Ludvig Åberg | +1600 | The young phenom many believe is “next in line” for a major breakthrough. |
The End of an Era: Woods & Mickelson Out
In a historic shift, neither Tiger Woods nor Phil Mickelson will be in the field this week—the first time this has happened since 1994.
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Tiger Woods: Announced an extended leave from the game to focus on his health and personal recovery following a highly publicized vehicle incident in Florida last month.
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Phil Mickelson: Will also be absent, marking a symbolic “passing of the torch” to the younger generation of stars.
Augusta National: What’s New for 2026?
Augusta National rarely stays static, and 2026 brings one notable change to the “scorecard” and a few to the “spectator experience.”
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Hole 17 (Nandina) Lengthened: The tee box has been reduced by 12 yards, effectively lengthening the hole to 450 yards. Last year, it was the fourth-hardest hole on the course; expect those approach shots into the sloping green to be even more treacherous this week.
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The New Player Services Building: A state-of-the-art facility for the players has debuted, replacing the older facilities near the practice range.
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Concessions & Merch: Fans are already buzzing about the debut of the Masters Candy Bar and this year’s collectible “Rain Umbrella” Gnome, which is expected to sell out within hours.
Prediction & Value Picks
While Scottie Scheffler is the logical choice, Augusta often rewards “course history” and putting momentum.
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The Sleeper: Xander Schauffele (+1500). He has been knocking on the door of a Green Jacket for five years and is currently 2nd on Tour in “Strokes Gained: Total.”
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LIV Wildcard: Brooks Koepka (+3000). His odds have lengthened significantly, providing massive value for a guy who historically “wakes up” for major championships.
