Masters '26: Rory McIlroy Sheds Burden of Winning Green Jacket

Now the quest for the coveted jacket falls to others like Justin Rose, Bryson DeChambeau, and Xander Schauffele

Apr. 2, 2026 at 5:35pm

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Rory McIlroy finally won the Masters last year, completing the career Grand Slam. Now the focus shifts to other top players like Justin Rose, Bryson DeChambeau, and Xander Schauffele who are seeking their first green jacket. The 2026 Masters features a smaller field with several Masters rookies, adding to the intrigue. Tiger Woods will miss the tournament again due to a recent car accident, but the competition is expected to be fierce as players vie for the prestigious title.

Why it matters

The Masters is one of golf's most iconic and coveted tournaments, with a lifetime invitation to Augusta National for champions. After years of pressure, Rory McIlroy's victory has lifted a weight off his shoulders, but now the spotlight shifts to other top players hungry for their first green jacket. The smaller field and several Masters newcomers add an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability to this year's event.

The details

Rory McIlroy finally captured the Masters title last year, completing the career Grand Slam. His emotional reaction on the 18th green showed the immense relief and joy of winning the prestigious tournament. Now the burden falls to other top players like Justin Rose, Bryson DeChambeau, Xander Schauffele, and Brooks Koepka who have come close but never won at Augusta. The field includes six amateurs and seven past champions now eligible for the senior circuit, along with several Masters rookies like Chris Gotterup, Ben Griffin, and Jacob Bridgeman who are ranked in the top 20 in the world. Tiger Woods will miss the tournament again after a recent car accident, but the competition is expected to be fierce as players vie for the coveted green jacket.

  • The 90th Masters Tournament will take place from April 9-12, 2026.
  • Rory McIlroy won the Masters in 2025, ending his nearly 15-year quest to complete the career Grand Slam.

The players

Rory McIlroy

The 2025 Masters champion who finally captured the elusive green jacket, completing the career Grand Slam.

Justin Rose

A top player who has come close to winning the Masters but has yet to claim the title.

Bryson DeChambeau

A powerful player who has won twice on the LIV Golf circuit this year and will be among the favorites at the 2026 Masters.

Xander Schauffele

A two-time major champion who has had two close calls at the Masters, finishing runner-up in 2019 and 2021.

Chris Gotterup

One of the Masters rookies in the field, he is the only PGA Tour player to have won twice before the 2026 tournament.

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What they’re saying

“What are we going to talk about next year?”

— Rory McIlroy

“Augusta checks off that mental box because of history, knowing the holes coming and knowing what guys have done.”

— Xander Schauffele

“Golf is such a mental sport, it really ticks that box in terms of being hard to win. You have a one-shot lead going into 18 at Augusta, those trees have gotten a lot bigger and that window has gotten a lot smaller.”

— Xander Schauffele

“That's the one ... course where not having played I know every hole there. Everyone watches the Masters and knows Augusta National.”

— Chris Gotterup

“It's all going to be about enjoying my week. The thing is, I know I get to go back to the Masters Tournament for the rest of my life. And that's quite a freeing feeling.”

— Rory McIlroy

What’s next

The 2026 Masters Tournament will tee off on April 9, 2026 at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia.

The takeaway

Rory McIlroy's long-awaited Masters victory has lifted a weight off his shoulders, but the quest for the green jacket now falls to a new generation of top players like Justin Rose, Bryson DeChambeau, and Xander Schauffele who are hungry to claim their first title at the iconic Augusta National course.