The 2026 Masters Tournament has begun at Augusta National, marking the 90th staging of the event and setting up another week of familiar intrigue at one of golf’s most closely watched championships.
Rory McIlroy arrives back at Augusta as the defending champion after finally winning the major title that had long eluded him. His success has only sharpened attention on the next question: who will take over this year’s Green Jacket, and who can rise to the moment on one of golf’s most demanding stages?
Among the leading names in focus is world number one Scottie Scheffler, who is described as being in something of a crisis after managing just one Tour win so far this year. Even so, Augusta National has a way of altering narratives quickly, and Scheffler will still be expected to contend for a third Masters title if he can find his best form in time.
There is also significant attention on players from LIV Golf, with Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau both among the contenders being watched closely as the first round unfolds. Augusta has often produced a stage where reputations are tested as much as scores, and this year is no different.
Chasing Augusta’s final step
Several other major names are again among the discussion points at the top of the leaderboard conversation. Xander Schauffele, Ludvig Åberg and Justin Rose have all been mentioned as players who have frequently found themselves in the mix at Augusta National. The question now is whether one of them can finally make the breakthrough and complete the job.
Cameron Young is another player drawing attention after his win at the Players Championship last year. The idea of him repeating that kind of success at Augusta has become part of the early tournament storyline as the field tries to establish itself over the opening round.
Elsewhere, there is a lighter element to the week’s anticipation, with Tommy Fleetwood and Bob MacIntyre both noted as potential crowd favourites should either make a serious challenge. Augusta often invites broader affection for certain players, and both names have been highlighted in that regard.
Can McIlroy make history again?
McIlroy’s return as champion brings an added layer of historical significance. If he were to win again, he would become only the fourth man to successfully defend the Masters title, following Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods. That possibility is enough to keep him at the centre of attention even after last year’s long-awaited triumph.
With the first round under way, the tournament is already framed by a simple but compelling set of questions: can Scheffler rediscover his best golf, can Rahm or DeChambeau deliver for LIV Golf, can one of the game’s consistent contenders finally win at Augusta, and can McIlroy extend his new place in Masters history?
The answers will start to emerge over the opening day and beyond, but for now Augusta National once again offers the familiar blend of expectation, pressure and possibility that defines Masters week.
For live updates, fans can follow the official leaderboard and the tournament’s ongoing coverage throughout the day.
