90th Masters Tournament: Top Golfers Battle for the Green Jacket in Augusta

The 90th Masters Tournament is taking place from April 9-12, 2026, at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, where the world’s top golfers are competing for the iconic green jacket.

The event, which dates back to 1934, is one of the most exclusive and prestigious tournaments in professional golf. Attendance is capped at approximately 40,000 patrons per day to maintain a controlled environment across the course.

Course Conditions and Difficulty

Augusta National’s par-72 layout is recognized for its undulating greens and strategically placed bunkers. Course analysts have identified the par-4 10th hole, known as Camellia, and the par-4 11th hole, White Dogwood, as the toughest tests on the course.

The treacherous par-3 12th hole, Golden Bell, remains one of the most iconic features of the layout. Reports from April 7, 2026, indicate that the course is already playing firm and fast as the tournament begins.

Player Field and Favorites

Early betting favorites for the 90th edition include world number one Rory McIlroy, 2025 champion Scottie Scheffler, and Collin Morikawa. McIlroy, a four-time major champion, is seeking a Masters victory to complete the career Grand Slam.

The 2026 field is notable for the absence of Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, neither of whom are participating this year. However, the tournament continues to feature a select group of fewer than 100 players, the smallest field of the four golf majors.

Qualified participants for the 2026 tournament include:

• Ludvig Aberg
• Bryson DeChambeau
• Viktor Hovland
• Patrick Cantlay
• Collin Morikawa
• Scottie Scheffler
• Rory McIlroy
• Xander Schauffele

Other competitors in the field include Akshay Bhatia, Keegan Bradley, Sam Burns, and Tommy Fleetwood, among others.

Traditions and Patron Experience

The Masters is distinguished by several strict traditions that set it apart from other sporting events. One of the most discussed policies is the restriction of cell phone use on the course, which is intended to encourage patrons to remain fully engaged in the moment.

Access to the event is highly limited, with tickets distributed through a lottery system and long waiting lists, often requiring years of waiting for the opportunity to attend.

The culinary experience is also a central part of the tournament’s identity, with simple menu items such as pimento cheese sandwiches becoming longtime fan favorites.

First class unbelievable

Unnamed fan visiting Augusta National