Golf's most prestigious tournament returns to Augusta National Golf Club as the 2026 Masters takes center stage from Thursday, April 9, through Sunday, April 12. The first major championship of the year promises compelling storylines with the world's elite golfers converging on the hallowed grounds of Augusta.
This year marks a significant milestone as players from the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and LIV Golf unite in the same field for the first time in 2026. The tournament landscape has evolved dramatically, creating unprecedented intrigue heading into Masters week.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler enters as the betting favorite, seeking his third green jacket. The two-time Masters champion has been working on technical adjustments recently, noting his iron play improvements. "I mean, birdieing the last is nice. It doesn't taste as good when you bogey the 16th and 17th holes. But yeah, I felt like I struck my irons better today again, so that's nice. I've got a different driver in the bag than I did last week. Kind of trying to clean things up," Scheffler said about his recent form.
The defending champion Rory McIlroy carries enormous momentum after finally capturing his elusive first green jacket last year in dramatic fashion. His victory completed the career Grand Slam, but the Northern Irishman faces concerns about his early 2026 form and a nagging back injury that could impact his title defense.
LIV Golf's premier star Bryson DeChambeau arrives in exceptional form, having captured the last two LIV events. The long-driving American seeks his maiden Masters victory and continues his unique preparation methods. When asked about getting ready for the season that matters, DeChambeau quipped, "Chocolate milk and a lot of drivers."
Other notable contenders include past Masters winners Jordan Spieth and Jon Rahm, both seeking to add another green jacket to their collections. The depth of talent promises fierce competition throughout the weekend.
Television coverage follows a familiar format with some exciting new additions. ESPN will broadcast the opening two rounds on Thursday and Friday, while CBS handles the crucial weekend rounds on Saturday and Sunday. The most significant change involves streaming platforms, with Amazon Prime Video providing exclusive early coverage of the first two rounds for the first time.
Paramount+ joins the streaming lineup, offering early weekend coverage of rounds three and four. This expanded digital presence reflects the tournament's commitment to reaching golf fans across multiple platforms.
Comprehensive streaming options ensure fans won't miss any action. The Masters' official platforms, including Masters.com and the Masters app, will provide simulcasts and featured group coverage throughout all four rounds. These digital offerings include real-time scoring, interactive player tracking, and the popular "Every Shot, Every Hole" feature.
Pre-tournament coverage begins Monday, April 6, with "Masters On the Range" sessions available on official Masters platforms and Paramount+. Practice round coverage starts Tuesday through the traditional Par 3 Contest on Wednesday.
The beloved Honorary Starters ceremony kicks off Thursday's opening round at 7:30 a.m., available exclusively on Masters digital platforms. Featured group coverage begins at 9:15 a.m., with multiple hole-specific streams throughout each day.
Amen Corner remains a focal point with dedicated coverage of holes 11, 12, and 13 from 10:45 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the opening rounds. Additional featured hole coverage includes the challenging stretch of holes 4, 5, and 6, plus the crucial finishing holes 15 and 16.
The tournament's global appeal ensures international broadcasting partnerships will deliver coverage worldwide. Augusta National's meticulous attention to production quality guarantees viewers receive premium coverage regardless of their chosen platform.
Weather conditions and course setup will play crucial roles in determining the champion. Augusta National's superintendents work year-round to present the course in pristine condition, with subtle changes often influencing scoring and strategy.
As golf's most watched tournament approaches, anticipation builds for another memorable week at Augusta National. The combination of elite competition, enhanced streaming coverage, and the tournament's timeless traditions promises to deliver exceptional entertainment for golf enthusiasts worldwide.