We are all eagerly counting down the minutes until the first group tees off in the 90th edition of the Masters at Augusta, bright and early on the morning of April 9, 2026. Even if some of the stars on show are having a bad day at the office, their tempers may be subdued by the breathtaking setting of a course fully restored to its pristine glory. For players and fans alike, these four days at Augusta National in Georgia remain the undisputed pinnacle of the golfing calendar.
The defending champion, Rory McIlroy, will proudly wear the green jacket this week after his historic victory last April. By winning the 2025 Masters with a score of 277 (-11) in a thrilling playoff, McIlroy finally secured the elusive career Grand Slam, becoming just the sixth player in history to achieve the feat. However, back-to-back triumphs at Augusta are notoriously rare; there hasn't been a successful defense since Tiger Woods in 2001 and 2002. Statistically, defending champions often struggle, with only 20% of the last 10 winners recording a top-10 finish the following year, and 30% missing the cut entirely.
While McIlroy seeks a repeat, the current world number 1, Scottie Scheffler, is chasing a different kind of history. Having won in 2022 and 2024, Scheffler is attempting to win three Masters titles in the span of five years-a level of dominance not seen since the peak of the Tiger Woods era. If he succeeds, he will join an elite group of just eight players with three or more green jackets.
Scheffler enters the week in clinical form, having already secured his 20th PGA Tour title earlier this year at The American Express with a score of 27-under par. In contrast, while McIlroy has remained steady with four cuts made in four starts this calendar year, he is still searching for his first trophy of 2026. Meanwhile, other heavy hitters in the world top-10 are finding their stride; Matt Fitzpatrick (World No. 6) recently claimed the Valspar Championship, and J.J. Spaun rocketed to World No. 5 after winning the Valero Texas Open just last week.
Last year’s runner-up, Ludvig Åberg, remains a major threat. After finishing second on his debut in 2024 and maintaining a top-10 world ranking ever since, the Swede is looking to go one better. Other in-form stars to watch include Gary Woodland, who recently won the Houston Open, and Cameron Young, who currently sits at a career-high World No. 3.
When is the 2026 Masters?
The 90th Masters Tournament is scheduled for Thursday, April 9, to Sunday, April 12, 2026, at Augusta National Golf Club. Practice rounds began on Monday, April 6, leading up to the fan-favorite Par 3 Contest today, Wednesday, April 8. The tournament officially begins tomorrow morning when honorary starters Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Tom Watson strike the opening tee shots at approximately 7:25 a.m. ET.
How to watch the 2026 Masters
This marks the 71st year that CBS has broadcast the Masters. This year introduces a major shift in digital rights, as Amazon Prime Video joins the coverage for the first time, providing a "stats-enhanced" live stream of the first two rounds. CBS and Paramount+ will handle the third and final rounds, offering 14 hours of weekend coverage—the most in the tournament's history.
Plans for Paramount+ start at $7.99/month, providing the most flexible way to stream the weekend’s defining moments. For those wanting the full ESPN experience for the Par 3 and early rounds, ESPN+ is available for $11.99/month. Fubo continues to offer a comprehensive sports package starting at $79.99/month, which includes CBS and ESPN, along with a 7-day free trial for new subscribers.
Augusta National Course Changes 2026
Augusta National is a little longer this year. The par-4 17th hole has been lengthened by 10 yards, now playing at 450 yards, which brings the total course yardage to a challenging 7,565 yards. The course has also seen significant foliage work to replace hundreds of trees lost during 2024's Hurricane Helene, though members report the course is back to its trademark appearance.
2026 Masters Golf Schedule
| Date | Session | Time (ET) | Watch | Stream |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wed, April 8 | Par 3 Contest | 12 pm - 4 pm | ESPN | ESPN+ / Masters.com |
| Thu, April 9 | Round 1 | 3 pm - 7:30 pm | ESPN | Prime Video / ESPN+ / Masters App |
| Fri, April 10 | Round 2 | 3 pm - 7:30 pm | ESPN | Prime Video / ESPN+ / Masters App |
| Sat, April 11 | Round 3 | 2 pm - 7 pm | CBS | Paramount+ / Masters App |
| Sun, April 12 | Round 4 | 2 pm - 7 pm | CBS | Paramount+ / Masters App |
Watch the 2026 Masters from anywhere with a VPN
If you're traveling outside the U.S., a VPN is essential for accessing your Paramount+, Prime Video, or Fubo accounts. We recommend NordVPN for its reliable speeds and privacy features, ensuring you don't miss a single putt at Amen Corner due to local geo-blocks.
Masters golf facts & figures
- The Course: Par 72, 7,565 yards
- Course record: 63 (Nick Price 1986, Greg Norman 1996)
- Lowest winning score: 268 (-20) Dustin Johnson 2020
- Most wins: 6 (Jack Nicklaus), 5 (Tiger Woods), 4 (Arnold Palmer)
- 2026 prize money: Winner receives $4.2m of a $21m purse
- Field Size: Typically between 85–100 players (Smallest of all Majors)