he 2026 Masters Tournament is set to return to the historic Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. This event marks the 90th edition of the competition. It is scheduled to take place from April 9-12. Golf fans around the world are ready to watch this prestigious golf tournament.
Rory McIlroy enters the week as the defending champion. He secured his Career Grand Slam with a playoff victory over Justin Rose in 2025. It seems that the excitement for this year is higher than ever due to his historic win. The field will face a tough test at Augusta, and viewers can expect a high level of play.
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Weekly Schedule of Events
The week at Augusta follows a strict timeline. The events lead up to the final round and the Green Jacket presentation.
- Practice Rounds begin on Monday, April 6.
- The Champions Dinner takes place on Tuesday, April 7.
- The Par-3 Contest is held on Wednesday, April 8.
- The First Round of tournament play starts on Thursday, April 9.
- The Second Round follows on Friday, April 10, after which the cut is made.
- The Third Round happens on Saturday, April 11.
- The Final Round concludes on Sunday, April 12.
New Qualification Standards
Augusta National has updated the ways players can enter the field. Rather than relying solely on past criteria, the committee has expanded invitations. Winners of major national opens now earn a spot in this elite golf tournament.
These events include the Scottish, Japanese, Spanish, Hong Kong, South African, and Australian Opens. This change rewards top talent from different regions. In fact, it brings more international players to Georgia.
Confirmed International Players
Recent winners have already claimed their spots under these new rules. Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen secured his invitation by winning the Crown Australian Open. Moreover, Kristoffer Reitan earned his place following a victory at the Nedbank Golf Challenge.
These players proved their skill on the global stage. Still, they will need to adapt quickly to the conditions at Augusta. The expanded field ensures that the best players from around the world are present.
Expectations for the 90th Edition
The mix of past champions and new qualifiers makes the 2026 event unique. Especially with McIlroy defending his title, the storylines are rich. The golf tournament continues to value tradition while opening doors for new stars.
Spectators should prepare for a memorable week. Therefore, the combination of history and new talent promises a great show. The focus remains on the players and the course. Everyone is waiting to see who will wear the Green Jacket next.