How to Watch the First Major Golf Championship

The 2026 Masters Tournament began on April 9, 2026, at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia. The 90th edition of the event features a 91-man field competing for the season’s first major championship and the legendary green jacket.

Rory McIlroy enters the tournament as the defending champion, having completed the career Grand Slam at the previous Masters. McIlroy is seeking to become the first golfer since Tiger Woods in 2001-02 to win consecutive green jackets. He is also hosting this year’s annual Masters Champions Dinner.

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is the top betting favorite for the event. Scheffler is seeking his third Masters championship in five attempts; if successful, he would be the first player since Tiger Woods (2001-02, 2005) to achieve that feat.

Viewing Guide and Broadcast Schedule

Television and streaming coverage for the tournament is split between ESPN and CBS. ESPN provides coverage for the first and second rounds on April 9 and April 10, as well as the Par 3 Contest held on April 8. CBS will broadcast the third and final rounds on April 11 and April 12.

Streaming options are available via ESPN+, which offers various plans including a Select plan and an Unlimited plan. The platform provides unique feeds for the tournament, including coverage of featured groups, featured holes and Amen Corner from April 9 through April 12.

Field Highlights and Absences

The field includes several of the world’s top-ranked players, such as Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa, Tommy Fleetwood, Jon Rahm, and 26-year-old Ludvig Åberg. Bryson DeChambeau, who recently secured consecutive LIV Golf victories, leads the LIV Golf contingent.

The 2026 tournament is notable for the absence of both Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. Tiger Woods is missing the event for the sixth time in the last 13 years. Phil Mickelson announced he would not travel to Augusta due to an ongoing personal issue.

This marks the first time since 1994 that neither Woods nor Mickelson will compete at Augusta National.

Tournament Format

The competition consists of a 72-hole trek across the Augusta National course. The event is scheduled from April 9 to April 12, following a series of practice rounds and the Par 3 Contest that took place earlier in the week.

Players who win the Masters receive a lifetime exemption into the tournament in addition to the green jacket.