Springtime in Augusta means just one thing for golf fans: the Masters is upon us once again. The 2026 edition of this storied tournament promises to be one for the ages, as the world’s top golfers converge at Augusta National Golf Club from Thursday, April 9, through Sunday, April 12. This year’s Masters is not just another stop on the calendar—it’s a convergence of golf’s major tours, a showcase of emerging rivalries, and a stage for high drama, all unfolding in one of sport’s most iconic settings.
For the first time in Masters history, players from the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and LIV Golf will battle it out in the same field. That’s right—golf’s fragmented landscape is coming together, at least for one week, and fans couldn’t be more excited. With broadcast partners ESPN and CBS splitting TV coverage, and Amazon Prime Video and Paramount+ providing exclusive streaming windows, the 2026 Masters is set to reach more fans than ever before, whether they’re glued to the action on television or following every shot online.
Let’s get right to the storylines. World No. 1 and two-time Masters champion Scottie Scheffler enters as the overwhelming betting favorite, holding +500 odds according to BetMGM. Scheffler’s recent form is nothing short of dazzling—he’s won seven of his last 17 worldwide starts since May 2025. He’s never finished outside the top 20 at Augusta, and his fourth-place finish last year only solidified his reputation as a force at this venue. “He remains the top pick regardless of who currently holds the Green Jacket,” Covers.com noted, underscoring the confidence bookmakers and fans have in his game.
But if there’s one man who knows how to shake up Augusta, it’s Rory McIlroy. Just last year, McIlroy finally captured his first green jacket in dramatic fashion, outlasting Justin Rose in a playoff to complete his career Grand Slam. The pressure of an 11-year major drought is now off his shoulders, but 2026 hasn’t started as smoothly—he’s been nursing a back injury and hasn’t looked as sharp as he did in the lead-up to his breakthrough win. Still, McIlroy sits just behind Scheffler in the odds at +1000 and remains the World No. 2. His presence alone is enough to keep the spotlight burning bright.
Bryson DeChambeau, the biggest star to emerge from LIV Golf, is also high on the list of contenders at +1000. DeChambeau’s recent hot streak—two consecutive LIV event victories—has many wondering if this could finally be the year he dons the green jacket. His prodigious length and scientific approach to the game have always made him a player to watch at Augusta, where power can be a distinct advantage.
The field is stacked with past champions and perennial contenders. Jon Rahm, the 2023 Masters winner, has returned to form after a lengthy slump and is priced at +1200. Jordan Spieth, who captured the green jacket over a decade ago, has had a rollercoaster run at Augusta but remains a threat, especially given his knack for contending in majors. Patrick Reed, the 2018 champion, is another sleeper pick—he’s finished top-12 or better in five of his last seven Masters appearances, including three top-ten finishes. “A bet on Reed to finish in the top-20 could pay out massively,” as one betting analysis put it.
Don’t overlook Tommy Fleetwood, either. Fleetwood has quietly become one of Augusta’s most consistent performers, finishing in the top-25 in five of the last eight Masters and tying for third in 2024. Fresh off a Tour Championship in 2025 and boasting three top-ten finishes in just four events this year, Fleetwood is riding a wave of momentum that could carry him deep into contention.
Unfortunately, there’s one notable absence this year: Tiger Woods. Following a recent DUI arrest and subsequent decision to step away from competitive golf, Woods will not tee it up at Augusta in 2026. Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley confirmed Woods’s absence, ending speculation after his brief return for the TGL Finals in March. The game will miss his presence, but the tournament’s tradition and drama are sure to carry on.
The Masters is also a feast for fans of tradition. The week kicks off with practice rounds and “Masters On the Range” coverage from Monday, April 6, through Wednesday, April 8. The beloved Par 3 Contest takes place Wednesday afternoon, airing on ESPN from 2–4 p.m. ET. Tournament play begins on Thursday, April 9, with honorary starters opening the festivities at 7:30 a.m. Early coverage on Prime Video runs from 1–3 p.m., with ESPN taking over from 3–7:30 p.m. The same schedule repeats Friday. Over the weekend, Paramount+ streams early coverage from noon to 2 p.m., and CBS brings the drama home from 2–7 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. For those who can’t get enough, Masters.com and the Masters app provide comprehensive streaming—including featured groups, interactive player tracking, and “Every Shot, Every Hole.”
When it comes to betting trends, recent history at Augusta suggests experience and form matter most. Ten of the last twelve Masters winners had played in at least two previous Masters before their victory, and nine had already posted a top-five finish at Augusta. The last twelve winners all ranked inside the OWGR Top 25, and almost all had logged a win earlier in the season. Ball-striking and par-5 scoring prowess are common threads among champions—a testament to the demanding nature of Augusta National.
While favorites like Scheffler and McIlroy dominate the headlines, the Masters has a long tradition of surprise winners. Charl Schwartzel’s stunning 2011 victory and Patrick Reed’s +4000 odds in 2018 are reminders that anything can happen under the Georgia pines. Most recent winners have fallen in the +1,000 to +3,000 odds range, but long shots are always lurking.
As the Masters approaches, fans and pundits alike are buzzing with anticipation. Will Scheffler cement his legacy with another green jacket? Can McIlroy repeat and continue his Grand Slam magic? Or will DeChambeau, Rahm, Spieth, or a dark horse like Fleetwood break through? With the tournament set to tee off in just days, one thing is certain: Augusta National is ready to deliver another unforgettable chapter in golf’s greatest tradition.
The 2026 Masters is shaping up to be a can’t-miss event, uniting the best from every corner of the sport for a week of high-stakes drama and timeless moments. As the world watches, the chase for the green jacket is about to begin anew.