Four Masters Storylines You Should Know

Rory McIlroy begins his title defense at Augusta, but there are a few other players with interesting narratives.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 1:52pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting various elements of a golf tournament, including players, spectators, and the course itself, all rendered in a fractured, multi-perspective style.The 2026 Masters tournament promises to be a captivating blend of familiar faces and intriguing storylines, from Rory McIlroy's title defense to Bryson DeChambeau's quest for a green jacket.Bay Hill Today

The Masters golf tournament is underway, and there are several compelling storylines to follow. Rory McIlroy is defending his title, Bryson DeChambeau is seeking his first green jacket, Gary Woodland is making a feel-good comeback after battling a brain tumor, and Scottie Scheffler is looking to regain his dominant form.

Why it matters

The Masters is one of the most prestigious events in golf, and these storylines add extra intrigue and drama to the tournament. Fans will be closely watching to see if McIlroy can repeat, if DeChambeau can finally win at Augusta, if Woodland can continue his inspiring comeback, and if Scheffler can bounce back from a slight slump.

The details

Rory McIlroy is the defending champion, but he hasn't been playing his best golf lately, with a tie for 14th at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am, a second-place finish at the Genesis Invitational, and a missed cut at the Players Championship. Bryson DeChambeau is a popular internet personality and major champion who is still seeking his first Masters title, and he's planning to use a 3D-printed 5-iron this week. Gary Woodland, who underwent brain surgery in 2023, is making a feel-good comeback after winning the Houston Open last month. And Scottie Scheffler, who dominated the PGA Tour last season, has been good but not great so far this year, ranking 82nd in strokes gained on approach shots after leading the category last season.

  • The Masters tournament begins on Thursday, April 10, 2026.
  • Rory McIlroy won the Masters in 2025.
  • Bryson DeChambeau won the U.S. Open in 2020 and 2024.
  • Gary Woodland won the U.S. Open in 2019 and the Houston Open in 2026.
  • Scottie Scheffler won the Masters in 2022 and 2024.

The players

Rory McIlroy

The defending Masters champion who is seeking to add another green jacket to his collection.

Bryson DeChambeau

A popular internet personality and major champion who is still seeking his first Masters title.

Gary Woodland

A PGA Tour player who underwent brain surgery in 2023 and is making an inspiring comeback after winning the Houston Open last month.

Scottie Scheffler

The dominant player on the PGA Tour last season who has been good but not great so far this year.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I had a big battle Friday of Houston. I got hypervigilant on the 9th hole, and I battled the last 10 holes thinking people were trying to kill me. I have security with me. The [PGA] Tour's been amazing.”

— Gary Woodland, PGA Tour Player

What’s next

The first round of the 2026 Masters tournament will take place on Thursday, April 10, with Rory McIlroy looking to defend his title.

The takeaway

The 2026 Masters tournament features several compelling storylines, from Rory McIlroy's title defense to Bryson DeChambeau's quest for his first green jacket to Gary Woodland's inspiring comeback. These narratives add extra intrigue and drama to one of golf's most prestigious events.