The first men’s major of the season is almost here, with Augusta National getting ready to host the 2026 Masters from April 9 to April 12.
Rory McIlroy returns as the reigning champion after finally completing the career Grand Slam, and this year’s tournament is already shaping up to deliver plenty of compelling storylines.
Whether you are discovering The Masters for the first time or simply want a clear, straightforward overview, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
The Masters was first played in 1934, created by Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts at the newly built Augusta National. What began as the Augusta National Invitation quickly grew into one of golf’s most prestigious events.
The Green Jacket tradition arrived in 1949, and the tournament has since produced countless iconic moments from legends like Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods.
It remains the only major held at the same course every year, a place where history and tradition shape every shot.
The Masters is played over 72 holes across four days, with competitors completing 18 holes each day from Thursday to Sunday.
After the first two rounds, the field is reduced via the traditional Masters cut: the top 50 players and ties advance to the weekend, with no 10‑shot rule in place.
If weather delays or exceptional circumstances occur, the tournament can extend into Monday, but the aim is always to crown a champion on Sunday evening beneath the oak trees by the 18th green.
The field is built from a mix of automatic qualifiers and special invitations. Key categories include:
As of April 4, 91 players are expected to tee it up.
The Masters has not yet confirmed the prize fund for 2026, but it is expected to be close to last year’s record totals. In 2025, Rory McIlroy earned around £3.3 million for his victory, the largest winner’s payout in the tournament’s history. The overall purse reached approximately £16.5 million, and every professional who made the cut received at least £40,000.
With Augusta almost ready, all that remains is for the players to take the stage. Whether you’re new to The Masters or returning for another year, it’s a week that consistently delivers moments worth remembering.