Masters 2026: Early Predictions, Tee Times, and Rising Stars You Can’t Miss

The azaleas will be in full bloom once again when the 90th Masters Tournament returns to Augusta National Golf Club from Monday, April 6 through Sunday, April 12, 2026. Defending champion Scottie Scheffler is expected to headline a field that already includes 2025 major winners, top‐50 players in the OWGR and every living Masters champion, setting the stage for another classic chase for the Green Jacket. Key dates and times • Monday–Wednesday, April 6–8: Practice rounds and the Par-3 Contest (Wednesday). • Thursday–Friday, April 9–10: Rounds 1-2. • Saturday–Sunday, April 11–12: Moving-Day fireworks and final-round drama. Expanded broadcast & streaming lineup Augusta National has overhauled its media plan, promising more live golf than ever: • Prime Video debuts with exclusive “Amen Corner” and full-course windows from 1-3 p.m. ET on Thursday and Friday, the first streaming-only block in tournament history. • ESPN follows each afternoon with traditional coverage from 3-7:30 p.m. ET, plus the “Welcome to the Masters” preview show on Wednesday. • CBS and Paramount+ anchor the weekend, airing Rounds 3-4 from 2-7 p.m. ET while Paramount+ offers morning featured-group streams. • Masters.com and the Masters App continue to provide free featured-group, Amen Corner and 15-16 feeds all week. Patron experience & tickets On-site patrons will again navigate the famous no-phone policy, but added Wi-Fi zones around concessions should improve connectivity. Ticket applications remain open on Masters.com; practice-round badges start at $100, while tournament-day badges will be allocated via the annual lottery. Early storylines to watch 1. Scheffler’s repeat bid: No player has won back-to-back Masters since Tiger Woods in 2001-02. 2. Rory McIlroy’s career-grand-slam quest enters its 12th year. 3. Rising stars Ludvig Åberg and Akshay Bhatia look to become the first Masters rookie champion since Fuzzy Zoeller in 1979. 4. Amazon’s entrance signals a broader shift toward streaming rights across men’s golf; viewer engagement numbers will be dissected all week. Course tweaks Chairman Fred Ridley confirmed a subtle lengthening of the 13th tee box after 2025 feedback, stretching “Azalea” to a possible 560 yards and re-emphasizing the risk-reward second shot. Fairway mowing lines on Nos. 3 and 7 have also been narrowed to restore championship firmness and precision. How to watch or stream • Prime Video: 1-3 p.m. ET (Thu-Fri) live action; Amen Corner feed daily. • ESPN: 3-7:30 p.m. ET (Thu-Fri); Par-3 Contest 2-4 p.m. ET Wed. • CBS/Paramount+: 2-7 p.m. ET (Sat-Sun) network broadcast; 12-2 p.m. ET Paramount+ lead-in. • Masters App / Masters.com: Featured Groups, Amen Corner, 15-16, My Group, real-time stats. Betting snapshot Caesars Sportsbook opened Scheffler as a +650 favorite, followed by Jon Rahm (+900), McIlroy (+1000) and Xander Schauffele (+1200). Odds will fluctuate following the 2026 Florida Swing and the year’s first two majors. Bottom line With a fortified media footprint, subtle course changes and a field loaded with generational talents, Masters 2026 blends cherished tradition with a modern viewing experience. Whether you’re walking the hallowed grounds of Augusta National or streaming Amen Corner on your phone, golf’s most iconic week promises unforgettable theater once more.