Masters 2026: Scheffler, McIlroy Lead Stacked Field Seeking Green Jacket

Scottie Scheffler aims to become only the ninth golfer to win three Masters titles, while Rory McIlroy looks to defend his crown.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 4:51am

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The 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club features a star-studded field, with world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and defending champion Rory McIlroy leading the way. Scheffler is seeking his third green jacket, while McIlroy looks to become the first back-to-back winner since Tiger Woods in 2001-02. Other top contenders include Bryson DeChambeau, Xander Schauffele, Cameron Young, and Jon Rahm.

Why it matters

The Masters is one of golf's most prestigious events, and this year's tournament promises to be a thrilling battle between the game's elite players. Scheffler and McIlroy are both seeking to cement their legacies with additional major victories, while a new generation of stars like Young and Rahm look to break through and claim their first green jacket.

The details

Scheffler, the world No. 1, has been dominant in recent years, winning two of the past five Masters. However, he's been fighting his driver and struggling with his approach shots lately. McIlroy, the 2025 champion, is returning from a back injury that forced him to miss several weeks, but he's eager to defend his title. DeChambeau has been playing some of the best golf of his career on the LIV Golf League, and Schauffele, Young, and Rahm are all seeking their first Masters victory.

  • The 2026 Masters Tournament will take place April 10-13 at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia.
  • McIlroy won the 2025 Masters in a playoff over Justin Rose.

The players

Scottie Scheffler

The world No. 1 golfer has won two of the past five Masters and is seeking to become only the ninth player to win three or more green jackets.

Rory McIlroy

The defending Masters champion is looking to become the first player to win back-to-back green jackets since Tiger Woods in 2001-02.

Bryson DeChambeau

The long-hitting DeChambeau has won back-to-back events on the LIV Golf League and is playing some of the best golf of his career.

Xander Schauffele

The two-time major winner has five top-10 finishes in his past seven Masters appearances and is seeking his first green jacket.

Cameron Young

The rising star won the Players Championship and is making his fifth Masters start, with two previous top-10 finishes.

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What they’re saying

“No, this is going to be the first time I drive down Magnolia Lane, and it's all going to be about enjoying my week. You know, enjoying the perks that come along with being a Masters champion: having a parking space in the champions' car park to using the champions' locker room. You know, hosting the dinner on Tuesday night.”

— Rory McIlroy

“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

The takeaway

This year's Masters features a stacked field, with Scheffler and McIlroy leading the way as the top contenders. However, a new generation of stars like Young and Rahm will be looking to make their mark and claim their first green jacket. The tournament promises to be an exciting battle between the game's elite players.