Scheffler, McIlroy Eye Masters History as Rahm, DeChambeau Find Form

The 90th Masters features a wide-open field with several top players vying for the green jacket.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 1:12pm

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The 90th edition of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club features a star-studded field with several compelling storylines. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler aims to become just the fourth player to win three Masters titles before age 30, while defending champion Rory McIlroy seeks to become the fourth player to successfully defend his title. Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau, both playing on the LIV Golf circuit, have been in strong form to start 2026 and look to capture their first green jacket.

Why it matters

The Masters is one of golf's most prestigious events, and this year's tournament has the potential to see historic achievements. Scheffler and McIlroy chasing major milestones, along with the continued rise of players like Rahm and DeChambeau, will captivate golf fans around the world.

The details

Scheffler, the world No. 1, has been slightly off his dominant pace from the last three seasons, but a return to his elite iron play could propel him to his third Masters title. McIlroy, the defending champion, has dealt with some injury issues in the lead-up but is seeking to become just the fourth player to win back-to-back Masters. Rahm and DeChambeau, both playing on the LIV Golf circuit, have been two of the hottest players in the world to start 2026 and will look to capture their first green jacket.

  • Scheffler has not finished outside the top 25 in a tournament since the 2024 BMW Championship.
  • McIlroy won the 2025 Masters, becoming the sixth player to complete the career Grand Slam.
  • Rahm won the LIV Golf event in Hong Kong and has not finished outside the top five this season.
  • DeChambeau won the LIV Golf playoffs in Singapore and South Africa.

The players

Scottie Scheffler

The world No. 1 golfer who has won three of the last four Masters tournaments, looking to become just the fourth player to win three green jackets before age 30.

Rory McIlroy

The defending Masters champion, seeking to become just the fourth player to successfully defend his title at Augusta National.

Jon Rahm

The Spanish golfer who has been one of the hottest players on the LIV Golf circuit, looking to capture his first green jacket.

Bryson DeChambeau

The two-time U.S. Open champion who has also been playing well on the LIV Golf circuit, aiming to win his first Masters title.

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What they’re saying

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

— Rory McIlroy, 2025 Masters Champion

“Obviously, your goal out here is to play in major championships. My exemption ran out a year ago. I haven't been in the other three majors from an exempt standpoint outside the U.S. Open from my win. Playing my way back in, I know this gets me in the Masters, I know it gets me in the PGA [Championship]. I'm looking forward to that, I can tell you that.”

— Gary Woodland, 2019 U.S. Open Champion

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This year's Masters features a wide-open field with several players chasing history, including Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, and Bryson DeChambeau. The absence of Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson will be felt, but the tournament promises to be an exciting showcase of golf's current stars.