Everything you need to know about The Masters: Tee times, favourites, history, ones to watch and 2026 storylines

Few sporting events carry the mystique, tradition and global pull of The Masters. As the first major of the golfing calendar returns this week, the 2026 edition promises drama, star power and the unmistakable theatre of Augusta.

From tee times and betting markets to its rich history, here is your complete guide to this year's edition of The Masters.

The Basics: When and Where

The 2026 Masters Tournament takes place from April 9–12 at the world-famous Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, USA.

This year marks the 90th edition of the tournament, with a 91-player invitational field, the smallest of the four majors and arguably the most exclusive.

Unlike other tournaments, entry is not open qualification - players earn invitations through strict criteria including past champions, major winners, world rankings and select amateurs.

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Tee Times, Pairings and How It Works

The Masters follows a traditional four-round stroke play format:

• Thursday–Friday: Opening two rounds
• Saturday: “Moving Day”
• Sunday: Final round and Green Jacket presentation

Tee times begin from around 12:40pm UK time (7:40am local), with players going out in groups of three for the first two days.

After Friday, the field is cut, with only the top performers advancing to the weekend.

For a full list of the opening round tee times, go to our helpful page here.

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The Course: Augusta National’s Unique Challenge

Augusta National is not just a golf course - it is a test of nerve, precision and course management.

Par: 72

Length: 7,565 yards

Signature stretch: “Amen Corner” (holes 11–13)

Amen Corner remains one of the most famous and dangerous sequences in golf, where tournaments are often won, or lost, in minutes.

Bookmakers’ Favourites: Who Leads the Betting?

Heading into the 2026 Masters, one name dominates the markets:

Leading contenders

• Scottie Scheffler – clear favourite (7/1)
• Jon Rahm – around 10–12/1
• Rory McIlroy – defending champion (~11–14/1)
• Bryson DeChambeau – around 10–14/1

Other names to watch

• Ludvig Aberg
• Xander Schauffele
• Cameron Young
• Tommy Fleetwood

Long-shot value picks History shows Augusta can produce surprises.

• Jason Day (~70/1)
• Corey Conners (~100/1)
• Sungjae Im (~110/1)

Underdogs have triumphed before; Hideki Matsuyama (45/1 in 2021) and Patrick Reed (50/1 in 2018) proving that outsiders cannot be discounted.

My personal pick? I am backing J.J Spaun. Currently ranked fifth in the world and fresh from winning the Texas Open last week, the American has been priced as wide as 80/1. Definitely worth a flutter.

Storylines for 2026

McIlroy’s Title Defence

Rory McIlroy returns as defending champion after completing the career Grand Slam in 2025—a milestone achievement that elevated him into golf immortality.

However, questions remain over his fitness after recent back issues.

Scheffler’s Dominance

World No.1 Scottie Scheffler arrives in fine form, even if by his lofty standards he has not won enough.

The 29-year-old won The American Express in January but since then he has finished 3rd, 4th, 12 and 24th in subsequent tournaments, as well as having won twice at The Masters in four years.

LIV vs PGA Narrative

A reduced LIV Golf presence still includes major contenders like Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm, maintaining the ongoing rivalry between tours.

Notable Absences

For the first time in decades, neither Tiger Woods nor Phil Mickelson will feature—marking a symbolic generational shift.

Traditions That Define The Masters

The Masters is as much about ritual as it is about golf:

• The Green Jacket: Awarded to the winner, symbolising membership at Augusta
• Champions Dinner: Hosted by the previous year’s winner
• Par 3 Contest: A relaxed curtain-raiser on Wednesday
• Honorary Starters: Legends such as Jack Nicklaus tee off proceedings

Even the course aesthetics, like the famous white bunker sand made from quartz, are steeped in tradition and meticulous presentation.

A Brief History of The Masters

The Masters Tournament was founded in 1934 by Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts, and has been held every year at Augusta National Golf Club.

Unique among golf’s majors, it is always played at the same course, helping build its rich traditions and unmistakable identity.

Originally called the Augusta National Invitational, it adopted its current name in 1939. Over decades, it has produced iconic moments, from Jack Nicklaus’ record six victories to Tiger Woods’ breakthrough win in 1997. The winner receives the famous Green Jacket, symbolising membership at Augusta.

Known for its exclusivity, pristine course conditions and historic rituals, The Masters has become one of the most prestigious and globally recognised events in sport.

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