Patrons Return to Augusta National for Masters Monday

Sunny skies and blooming azaleas welcome golf fans back to the iconic tournament after last year's rain delay.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 3:33pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the iconic elements of the Masters golf tournament, including the clubhouse, fairways, and blooming azaleas, broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and form.The vibrant colors and geometric abstraction of the Masters tournament capture the energy and anticipation of golf fans returning to Augusta National after last year's rain delay.Augusta Today

Patrons flocked to Augusta National Golf Club on Monday for the start of the 90th Masters tournament week. After last year's rain delay that forced some fans to leave early, this year's Masters Monday featured sunny weather and the famous azaleas in full bloom. Several patrons expressed excitement about getting the 'full genuine experience' at the tournament this year.

Why it matters

The Masters is one of golf's most prestigious events, drawing huge crowds of devoted fans to Augusta, Georgia each spring. After the disruptions of the past year, the return of normal conditions and a full week of play is an important milestone for the tournament and the local economy that relies on Masters tourism.

The details

Patrons were able to see top players like world #1 Scottie Scheffler warming up on the course on Monday. The 18-year-old Mason Howell is the youngest player in the field, qualifying by winning the 2025 U.S. Amateur. With no rain in the forecast, the course is expected to play similarly throughout the practice rounds and tournament days, potentially leading to low scores this year.

  • Patrons returned to Augusta National on Monday, April 6, 2026 for the start of Masters week.
  • Last year's Masters was disrupted by rain that forced some patrons to leave early on Monday.

The players

Scottie Scheffler

The world's top-ranked golfer and two-time Masters champion, Scheffler was among the players warming up on the course on Monday.

Mason Howell

The 18-year-old is the youngest player in the 2026 Masters field, qualifying by winning the 2025 U.S. Amateur.

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What they’re saying

“We were watching the weather forecast this morning. We were getting all giddy and excited about it.”

— Wally Higgenbotham, Patron

“We only got to see a few holes and a couple guys were out hitting. So we'll get the full genuine experience this year.”

— Seth Draper, Patron

“Everything I read on the internet, it's like you don't get to come back if there's like a rain delay. But we were here for 5 minutes. I think the next morning I sent everyone a text like we get to come back? Yes.”

— Michael Day, Patron

What’s next

With sunny skies and blooming azaleas, the 2026 Masters is set to unfold with a full week of play and practice rounds. Fans will be eager to see if low scores are possible on the pristine Augusta National course.

The takeaway

The return of normal conditions and a full Masters week is a welcome sight for golf fans and the local Augusta economy. After last year's rain delay disrupted the start of the tournament, this year's patrons are excited to experience the full tradition and pageantry of the Masters.