Top Contenders Emerge for 90th Masters at Augusta National

Course difficulty rankings and player favorites ahead of golf's premier tournament

Apr. 3, 2026 at 9:13am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting the iconic Augusta National golf course and the swinging motions of professional golfers, broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric planes in a vibrant color palette of greens, browns, and blues.Augusta National's challenging layout and the dynamic movements of the world's best golfers converge in a cubist masterpiece ahead of the 90th Masters tournament.Augusta Today

The 90th edition of the Masters golf tournament will take place at the iconic Augusta National course in Georgia from April 9-12, 2026. As the world's top players prepare to compete for the prestigious green jacket, course difficulty rankings and early tournament favorites have emerged.

Why it matters

The Masters is one of the most prestigious and watched events in professional golf, with the winner earning a coveted spot in history. Augusta National's challenging layout and unique course features always play a major role in determining the champion, making the pre-tournament analysis of hole difficulty and player form crucial for fans and bettors alike.

The details

Augusta National's par-72 course is renowned for its undulating greens, strategically placed bunkers, and iconic holes like the treacherous par-3 12th 'Golden Bell'. Course analysts have ranked the 18 holes by difficulty, with the par-4 10th 'Camellia' and par-4 11th 'White Dogwood' considered the toughest tests. Early betting favorites include world #1 Rory McIlroy, 2025 champion Scottie Scheffler, and rising star Collin Morikawa, all seeking to don the green jacket for the first time.

  • The 90th Masters tournament will take place April 9-12, 2026 at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia.
  • Course difficulty rankings and early tournament favorites have emerged in the lead-up to the event.

The players

Rory McIlroy

The world's top-ranked golfer and four-time major champion, seeking to complete the career Grand Slam with a Masters victory.

Scottie Scheffler

The defending Masters champion, having won his first major title at Augusta National in 2025.

Collin Morikawa

A rising young star on the PGA Tour, with two major championships already to his name, looking to add the Masters to his resume.

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What they’re saying

“Augusta National is the ultimate test in golf. You have to be at the top of your game to have a chance at winning the Masters.”

— Rory McIlroy

“Defending my Masters title would be the ultimate honor. I can't wait to get back to Augusta and compete against the best players in the world.”

— Scottie Scheffler

What’s next

The final field of players for the 90th Masters will be set in the weeks leading up to the tournament, with the last qualifier spots being determined at the final PGA Tour events prior to the major.

The takeaway

The 90th Masters at Augusta National promises to be a thrilling showdown between the game's elite, with the course's legendary difficulty and the pressure of competing for one of golf's most coveted trophies sure to produce an unforgettable tournament.