2026 Masters Tournament: Dates, Field & Top Picks

Golf's most storied major is back. The 2026 Masters Tournament tees off April 9–12 at Augusta National Golf Club, and this year's edition arrives with more intrigue than usual. From a defending champion chasing back-to-back green jackets to the conspicuous absence of two legends, the 90th Masters is shaping up to be one of the most compelling in recent memory. Whether you're a lifelong golf fan or just tuning in for the spectacle, here's everything you need to know about what's happening at Augusta this week.

The 90th Masters: Dates, Schedule, and How to Watch

The 2026 Masters runs from Thursday, April 9 through Sunday, April 12 at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. This marks the 90th edition of the tournament, a milestone that adds extra gravitas to an already prestigious event.

According to USA Today, coverage will be broadcast across CBS, Golf Channel, and ESPN, with additional streaming available on the Masters App and Masters.com. This year's tournament offers more viewing options than any previous Masters in history — a significant step forward for fans who prefer to watch on their own schedule.

For those looking to gear up for the viewing experience, consider picking up a golf tournament viewing accessories set or a comfortable sports recliner chair to enjoy every shot from home.

A full field of 91 golfers has been confirmed for the tournament, representing the world's best players competing for one of sport's most iconic prizes: the green jacket.

Rory McIlroy: Can the Defending Champion Do It Again?

Last year, Rory McIlroy finally completed his career Grand Slam by winning the 2025 Masters, ending years of heartbreak at Augusta and cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players of his generation. Now he returns to Augusta National as the defending champion — a role that carries enormous psychological weight at this particular tournament.

Historically, repeat Masters champions are rare. The pressure of wearing the green jacket into the following year's competition is something only a handful of players have successfully navigated. McIlroy's ball-striking ability, his renewed confidence following last year's victory, and his deep familiarity with Augusta's demanding layout all make him a genuine threat to repeat.

Whether McIlroy can hold off a world-class field — particularly the player ranked directly above him — will be one of the defining storylines of Masters Week 2026. Fans following along at home might enjoy tracking every shot with a quality golf scorecard holder or a dedicated golf statistics tracker.

Scottie Scheffler: The World No. 1 Enters as Favorite

Scottie Scheffler enters the 2026 Masters as the world's top-ranked golfer and the clear tournament favorite. The Texan has been in dominant form over the past two seasons, combining elite ball-striking with a short game that makes Augusta's tricky greens look almost manageable. His consistency under pressure and ability to handle the mental demands of major championship golf make him the player everyone else in the field must beat.

Per the PGA Tour, Scheffler has been heavily featured in pre-tournament coverage alongside McIlroy as the two names most likely to slip on the green jacket come Sunday evening. A Scheffler vs. McIlroy final-round duel would give fans exactly the kind of marquee showdown Augusta deserves.

Golf enthusiasts inspired by Scheffler's dominance might want to invest in some quality training aids, like a golf swing training aid or a putting practice mat to work on their own Augusta-inspired skills.

Notable Absences: Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson Won't Be There

Two of golf's most iconic names are missing from the 2026 Masters field, and both absences carry significant weight.

Tiger Woods will miss the Masters for a second consecutive year following his arrest on March 27, 2026. In the aftermath, Woods announced he would be stepping away from golf for the foreseeable future. The 15-time major champion's absence leaves a palpable void at Augusta National, a course where he has won five times and built some of the most memorable moments in Masters history. His ongoing personal and physical struggles remain a sobering reminder of how much the sport has changed in recent years.

Phil Mickelson is also absent from Augusta this year, having announced he would skip the tournament due to personal family health issues. Mickelson, a three-time Masters champion, has been a fixture at Augusta for decades. His decision to prioritize family during this difficult period was widely respected across the golf community, though his absence from the leaderboard is nonetheless notable.

The confirmed field of 91 players still represents extraordinary talent, but the absence of two legends underscores just how different this Masters feels from tournaments of years past.

2026 Masters Weather Forecast: What to Expect Each Round

Weather has always been a factor at Augusta, and this year is no exception. Historically, rain has affected 49 of the 89 prior Masters Tournaments — more than half of all editions ever played. The 2026 tournament is expected to continue that tradition, at least early in the week.

According to the 2026 Masters weather forecast from Golf Week, Thursday's first round carries the highest rain risk of the week at approximately 23 percent. That early-round uncertainty could lead to scoring fluctuations and potentially delay play, adding an extra strategic dimension for caddies and players managing course conditions.

The best news for drama lovers: Sunday's final round is forecast to be picture-perfect, with a 0 percent chance of rain and a high of 84 degrees Fahrenheit. Clear skies and warm temperatures are ideal for a pressure-packed final round where every shot on Augusta's closing stretch could determine who walks away with the green jacket.

Planning to watch from a backyard setup this week? A quality outdoor TV for patio or a portable outdoor projector could make Sunday's final round an event in itself.

Why the 2026 Masters Matters Beyond Golf

The Masters has always been more than a golf tournament. It's a cultural moment — a reliable marker of spring, a celebration of tradition, and a stage where legends are made and broken. The 90th edition arrives at a particularly interesting inflection point for the sport.

Golf is navigating significant internal changes, including ongoing discussions around the PGA Tour's relationship with LIV Golf and questions about the sport's global future. The Masters, as an independent tournament run entirely by Augusta National, sits somewhat apart from these tensions — which actually enhances its appeal. For four days, the conversation returns simply to golf: to 18 holes, four rounds, and a green jacket.

The star power this year — Scheffler, McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, Xander Schauffele, and dozens of others — ensures that even without Woods and Mickelson, the competitive quality will be exceptional. And with the expanded broadcast and streaming options, more fans than ever will be able to experience every birdie, bogey, and dramatic moment as it happens.

Want to commemorate the 90th Masters at home? A Masters golf memorabilia piece or a classic Augusta National golf print makes a great addition to any sports fan's space.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 Masters

When does the 2026 Masters start?

The 2026 Masters Tournament begins on Thursday, April 9 and runs through Sunday, April 12 at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia.

Who is the defending champion at the 2026 Masters?

Rory McIlroy is the defending champion, having won the 2025 Masters to complete his career Grand Slam. He enters this year's tournament looking to become a back-to-back Masters champion.

Is Tiger Woods playing in the 2026 Masters?

No. Tiger Woods will miss the Masters for the second year in a row. Following his arrest on March 27, 2026, Woods announced he would be taking time away from golf.

How can I watch the 2026 Masters on TV?

The 2026 Masters will be broadcast on CBS, Golf Channel, and ESPN. Additional streaming is available through the Masters App and Masters.com, making this the most accessible Masters in tournament history. Check the full schedule and TV times at USA Today.

Who is the favorite to win the 2026 Masters?

Scottie Scheffler, currently the world's No. 1 ranked golfer, is widely considered the tournament favorite heading into Augusta. Defending champion Rory McIlroy is also among the top contenders.

Conclusion: Don't Miss Masters Week 2026

The 90th Masters Tournament is shaping up to be one of the most compelling editions in years. With Scottie Scheffler hunting a major title as the world's top player, Rory McIlroy chasing back-to-back green jackets, and the conspicuous absence of Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson adding emotional undertones, this year's event offers something for every kind of golf fan.

Whether you're watching every shot on CBS, streaming rounds from your phone, or keeping up through highlights, Masters Week 2026 runs April 9–12 from Augusta National. With Sunday's final round forecast to be played under sunny skies and 84-degree warmth, the stage is perfectly set for a dramatic finish. Don't miss it.