The 2026 Masters: Everything You Need to Know

When and Who

Mark your calendars: April 9–12, 2026. That's when the world's best will descend on Augusta National for the 90th edition of golf's most prestigious tournament.

Getting an invitation still works mostly the way it always has, major champions, top Masters finishers, PGA Tour winners, and players in the top 50 of the year-end World Ranking all get the nod. But there's a twist this year that's already causing some controversy.

The New Invitation Rules

Here's the big change: winning a PGA Tour FedEx Fall event doesn't automatically get you into the Masters anymore. Instead, Augusta is handing those invitations to winners of select international opens, such as the Scottish Open, Spanish Open, and Japan Open.

It's a deliberate move to make the field more global, and it's already squeezing out some players who would've been locks under the old system. Meanwhile, guys like Ryan Gerard are sprinting into that year-end top 50 with smart late-season scheduling, essentially playing their way down Magnolia Lane.

A Longer, Tougher Augusta

If you haven't been paying attention, Augusta National has been quietly getting longer. The course now stretches to 7,510 yards, with the most significant changes coming on the back nine.

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The 11th hole is the big one, it's now playing around 520 yards from a repositioned tee that's moved to the left. The fairway's been re-contoured, and they've removed some trees down the right side. Less claustrophobic off the tee, but absolutely brutal around the green if you miss.

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Then there's the 13th, which got lengthened with a new tee box. This brings back that classic risk-reward decision Bobby Jones intended. No more automatic go-for-it mentality. Players actually have to think now.

What Else Is Different

The Par-3 Course got a major facelift. Holes 1–5 were rerouted to bring more action along DeSoto Springs Pond, with better spectator views and greens designed to create more drama in the Par-3 Contest.

Storm damage forced some tree work across the property, which has subtly changed sight lines and aiming points on holes like 2, 3, and 10. Veterans will recognize the place, but they can't just pull out last year's yardage book and call it good, practice rounds actually matter this year.

The Favorites

Let's be honest: everyone's talking about Scottie Scheffler. Some pundits are already penciling him in for a third green jacket and saying 2026 could be the year he completes the career Grand Slam.

But don't sleep on Bryson DeChambeau. He's posted back-to-back top-10s at Augusta and was in the final group last year before a Sunday fade. He's knocking on the door.

Other names to watch: Sam Burns, Jordan Spieth, and Tommy Fleetwood. All have the game for Augusta's sloping greens and demanding approach shots.

The Brooks Koepka Situation

Here's where it gets juicy. Brooks Koepka left LIV and applied for PGA Tour reinstatement, but he's still exempt for the Masters based on his major championship wins. So he could show up at Augusta as basically a free agent, maybe suspended from PGA Tour events, but fully eligible for majors.

If that happens? Box office. Koepka in that situation becomes one of the most compelling storylines of the week.

As for LIV players generally, expectations are low for 2026. But Augusta has a funny way of flipping scripts over four days.

What to Expect in April

If the weather cooperates, expect firm and fast conditions. With the longer 11th and 15th, smart course management will matter more than ever, especially for anyone making a Sunday charge on the back nine.

The new invitation criteria means we'll see some lesser-known international champions in the field, which is exactly what Augusta wants. More global representation, more interesting stories.

Between Scheffler chasing history, the Koepka drama, and a course that's been subtly reshaped, the 2026 Masters is setting up to be the most theatrical week in golf. April can't get here soon enough. Grab a pimento sandwich and buckle up!