Masters
This year is the 90th edition of the Masters Tournament and, as usual, it takes place at the Augusta National Golf Club. It is the only major that is held at the same venue each year. Participation is by invitation only, and various criteria determine the inclusion of players.
It is the first of four majors held in the year, and the players play from Thursday through to Sunday in the first full week of April. It is a highly anticipated event on the golfing calendar due to the beautiful course and the elite players who take part. It also has unique traditions, such as awarding a prestigious green jacket to the winner.
Dates and schedule
The event begins on a Thursday and goes through to Sunday. This year it’s from April 9 to 12. Before this are practice rounds and a Par-3 contest. The field is cut after the rounds on Thursday and Friday. Only the top players proceed to the weekend rounds.
U.S. sports betting is legal in most states now, and sports bettors will be placing their bets on the Masters. Popular sportsbooks are currently listing Scottie Scheffler as the +300 favorite and McIlroy at +700.
The legendary course
Augusta National Golf Course is ranked as one of the best courses in the country. Bobby Jones and Alister MacKenzie were responsible for its strategic design. Architects have made updates to the course over the years to ensure it tests the best golfers. Advanced technology is in use to manage the speed and moisture of its fast greens.
This course is different from some others in that you won’t see sponsor logos anywhere. These sponsors are generally global high-end brands that focus on building business relationships and providing client hospitality. This is different from the sponsors of the PGA Tour. It gets revenue from its partnership with sportsbooks, such as betPARX, which is an official sponsor.
The field
The Masters field is quite small, with 85 to 95 players. There are various ways players qualify for an invitation, such as by winning a previous Masters or having top status in the world rankings.
Key players
Scottie Sheffler and Rory McIlroy are two of the top golf players today, and they will both be taking part in 2026. A win at the Masters was elusive for McIlroy until last year, when he won and completed a career Grand Slam. Will the two battle it out for a win this year?
Bryson DeChambeau tied for sixth place in 2024. Since the Open in July last year, he hasn’t managed a top 10 until finishing third at LIV Adelaide.
Jon Rahm had a difficult 2025, but his play has been much better this year, and he is now 36th in the world rankings. He recently won LIV Golf Hong Kong.
Xander Schauffele, with his five top 10 finishes at the Masters, is being seen by some as a potential winner this year. Matt Fitzpatrick and Wacky Neman are also in the running.
Then there are some young stars to watch who are starting to challenge the established champions. Collin Morikawa, ranked fourth in the PGA Tour rankings, has finished within the top 10 in the past three years. Fans are disappointed that he recently exited the Players Championship due to an injury. He has never missed the cut at Augusta. LudvigÅberg has played in two Masters, with finishes in second and seventh place.
Why is the Masters so special?
The atmosphere of the masters makes it unique. The tournament has strict rules, such as no cell phones and no running. It refers to fans as “patrons.” The limited field makes this event more exclusive, and it is known for its traditions.
One famous tradition at the Masters is the Champions Dinner, where the defending champion has an opportunity to choose the menu. Champions get an iconic green jacket that they can keep for a year and then return.
Some of the past winners of the Masters are golf legends such as Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. Tiger Woods is another, and he may even play this year. Winners receive a lifetime invitation to compete.
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