Players Prepare for 90th Masters Tournament

Top golfers practice at Augusta National ahead of prestigious major championship

Apr. 7, 2026 at 1:26pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting an abstract golf scene, with sharp planes of green, brown, and blue hues representing the challenging terrain and conditions of Augusta National Golf Club.A cubist interpretation of the iconic Augusta National course captures the strategic complexity and competitive intensity of the Masters Tournament.Augusta Today

The 90th Masters Tournament is set to begin this Thursday at Augusta National Golf Club, with a field of 91 golfers competing for the prestigious green jacket. The players have been practicing on the course this week, with top-ranked golfers like Collin Morikawa, Harris English, and Xander Schauffele discussing the importance of short game and course management on the challenging Augusta layout.

Why it matters

The Masters is one of golf's four major championships and considered one of the most prestigious events in the sport. It attracts the top players in the world and is known for its iconic course, dramatic finishes, and rich history. The tournament's outcome can have a significant impact on a player's career and legacy.

The details

The current field of 91 players is down from last year's 96, which was the seventh-largest field in the tournament's history. Qualification is earned through world ranking, performance at other tournaments, and exemptions for previous winners. Top-ranked players like Collin Morikawa, Harris English, and Xander Schauffele have been practicing this week and emphasizing the importance of short game and course management on the firm, fast greens of Augusta National.

  • The 90th Masters Tournament will begin on Thursday, April 11, 2026.
  • The players completed their first practice round on Monday, April 7, 2026.

The players

Collin Morikawa

A top-10 ranked golfer in the world who has been dealing with back issues ahead of the Masters.

Harris English

A former University of Georgia golfer who is ranked No. 12 in the world and emphasizing short game preparation for the tournament.

Xander Schauffele

A top-10 ranked player in the official world golf rankings who is focusing on green speed and course management at Augusta National.

Rory McIlroy

The defending champion of the Masters Tournament, currently ranked No. 2 in the world.

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What they’re saying

“The honest truth is I'm taking it day by day. It's not exactly where I want to be. It's unfortunate, but that's just the body, and I can't push it. It's been a little bit of a mental battle, I think, just trying to trust where it's at. The back actually feels fine. It's just other parts of the body not cooperating a little bit.”

— Collin Morikawa

“I think short game is a big key out here. Bunker play, striking your chips well because there's a big difference when chipping at seven or eight feet or chipping in to three feet. I think that's a big key. That's kind of what I'm focusing on a lot leading up to this tournament. This afternoon, I'm going to do some short game and putting.”

— Harris English

“Speed on the greens is going to be crucial, as always, with them being firm and fast. So, a big accomplishment to keep three putts off the card. I think that's always a big goal here at Augusta [National Golf Club]. And then positioning, if you can really be disciplined, make sure your good shots are great, but then make sure your bad shots are in the correct spots.”

— Xander Schauffele

What’s next

The 90th Masters Tournament will begin tournament play on Thursday, April 11, 2026 and conclude on Sunday, April 14, 2026.

The takeaway

The world's top golfers are focused on fine-tuning their short game and course management skills ahead of the prestigious Masters Tournament at Augusta National, where controlling the firm, fast greens and positioning shots will be crucial to contending for the coveted green jacket.