Masters Tournament Returns To Augusta National This Week
The 2026 Masters Tournament tees off today at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, drawing global attention to one of golf's most prestigious events. The annual competition, held since 1934, is trending as fans eagerly watch whether defending champion Scottie Scheffler can secure a third green jacket.
Augusta National's iconic course remains the permanent home of the Masters, unlike rotating venues for other majors. The tournament's exclusivity and traditions—like the winner's green jacket and Amen Corner—fuel its popularity. This year, record ticket resale prices and Tiger Woods' potential final appearance have amplified interest.
Television coverage airs on CBS and ESPN through Sunday, with streaming options on Masters.com. Local businesses in Augusta report surging demand, as the event injects an estimated $120 million into Georgia's economy annually. Weather forecasts suggest ideal conditions for Thursday's opening round.
Golf analysts highlight Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and rising star Ludvig Ă…berg as top contenders. The tournament also marks the Masters debut of 15 first-time participants. With no LIV Golf players eligible due to ongoing PGA Tour disputes, some fans have voiced disappointment about excluded stars like Jon Rahm.
Augusta National's chairman confirmed no major course changes this year, though the famed 13th hole now plays longer after a 2025 tee box extension. The club maintains strict spectator policies, prohibiting phones and requiring patron badges for entry—traditions that preserve the Masters' distinctive atmosphere.
