The most prestigious event in golf is officially underway. The 2026 Masters Tournament — the 90th edition of the beloved major — began on April 9 at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, drawing the world's best golfers to compete for the iconic green jacket. Defending champion Rory McIlroy arrives looking to make history with a back-to-back title.
Key Story Lines Heading Into the 2026 Masters
With Scottie Scheffler entering as the betting favorite — a familiar role for the world's top-ranked golfer — and McIlroy seeking consecutive Masters titles for the first time since Tiger Woods dominated in the early 2000s, the field is stacked with compelling narratives. Twenty-two golfers are making their Masters debut this year, including Jacob Bridgeman, Ben Griffin, and Chris Gotterup.
Course Updates for 2026
Augusta National has made a notable change for this edition: the 17th hole (Nandina) has been lengthened by 10 yards to 450 total yards, adding an additional strategic challenge for competitors. A new three-story Player Services Building is also debuting this year, enhancing the experience for players and caddies alike.
The Champions Dinner
In keeping with Masters tradition, defending champion Rory McIlroy hosted the Champions Dinner on April 7, selecting an eclectic menu featuring elk sliders, wagyu filet mignon, and sticky toffee pudding — a nod to his Irish heritage balanced with American flair.
The 2026 Masters runs through April 12. Catch all the action on ESPN and CBS, and follow the leaderboard at masters.com for real-time updates throughout the week.
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