The Masters: A Bastion of Sports Civility

The 90th edition of golf's most prestigious major tournament tees off this week at Augusta National.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 8:20pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the iconic Augusta National clubhouse and golf course, with vibrant colors and overlapping planes creating a dynamic, energetic composition.The Masters tournament remains a bastion of civility in sports, with its iconic course and clubhouse serving as the backdrop for world-class competition and sportsmanship.Bethpage Today

The 90th Masters gets underway on Thursday with the ceremonial tee shots of golf legends Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, and Gary Player. Despite concerns about fan behavior at recent sporting events, the Masters is expected to maintain its reputation for Southern hospitality and civility among spectators.

Why it matters

The Masters has long been considered one of the most prestigious and well-behaved sporting events, in contrast to recent incidents of unruly fan behavior at other high-profile competitions. As professional sports grapple with growing concerns over crowd control and player safety, the Masters serves as a reminder that sportsmanship and respect can still thrive in the modern era.

The details

This year's Masters field features many of the top players in the world, including Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, and Matt Fitzpatrick. The course is expected to play firm and fast, rewarding the most skilled golfers. Last year's dramatic finish, with Rory McIlroy prevailing in a playoff over Justin Rose, has only heightened anticipation for this year's tournament.

  • The 90th Masters tournament begins on Thursday, April 11, 2026.
  • The ceremonial tee shots by Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, and Gary Player will take place at 7:25 am on Thursday morning.

The players

Jack Nicklaus

A legendary golfer who has won a record 18 major championships, including 6 Masters titles.

Tom Watson

An 8-time major champion, including 2 Masters victories, who is considered one of the greatest links golfers of all time.

Gary Player

A global ambassador for golf who has won 9 major championships, including 3 Masters titles, during his illustrious career.

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What’s next

The 90th Masters tournament will be held from April 10-13, 2026 at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia.

The takeaway

As professional sports grapple with growing concerns over fan behavior, the Masters remains a bastion of civility and sportsmanship, upholding the traditions and values that make golf one of the most respected sports in the world.