🟢LIVE BLOG: Masters week 2026 is now underway
APRIL 6, 2026
6:55 p.m.: McIlroy, Scheffler take practice rounds
Defending champion Rory McIlroy teed off late this afternoon on the first nine. McIlroy played a round Sunday with his father.
The Northern Irishman is looking to become the first back-to-back Masters winner since Tiger Woods in 2001 and 2002. It has been 23 years since a golfer successfully defended the title.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler was also on the course during Monday’s practice round. Scheffler has not played a competitive tournament in a month.
The two-time Masters champion has finished inside the top 10 in each of his previous four starts at Augusta National. Scheffler has not won since the American Express in January.
If Scheffler claims a third green jacket, he would become the fourth player to win three times in five years.
6:50 p.m.: Patrons soak in Masters traditions on practice day
For the patrons streaming through the gates at Augusta National, the experience is about more than watching golf.
“I’ve been wanting to do this since I was a little kid,” said Scott Jones, who teared up walking the course for the first time. “I cried. I teared up a little bit.”
The 90th Masters brings the tournament’s traditions into sharp focus. The hand-operated leaderboard towers over the 18th green. Azaleas line the fairways. And patrons walk the same ground where golf legends made their mark.
“If I pass away, they can bury me here,” said Dominick Chiesa, taking in Amen Corner.
In a world consumed by phones and technology, Augusta National offers something different. Anthony Valverde said the disconnection is part of the appeal.
“I love how time slows down when you’re here,” Valverde said. “I think that’s one of the greatest parts is being disconnected and being just with nature and the best place in the world. It’s pretty special to be here and I don’t take any bit of it for granted — any second that I’m here.”
6:30 p.m.: Masters broadcast marks 70 years
In the age of high-tech cameras, lasers and lidar tracking, broadcasting golf has come a long way.
For this 90th installment of the Masters Tournament, organizers are marking a major milestone in the history of broadcast.
This week marks 70 years since the first Masters television broadcast.
Sixty years ago, the Masters Tournament became the first golf broadcast in color.
In 2016, the tournament was broadcast in 4K for the first time.
In 2018, shot tracer technology was used for the first time on CBS broadcasts, but only for a handful of holes.
The next year, the technology was added to every hole, using more than 100 cameras to make it work.
5:22 p.m.: What players are saying about Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods is a topic of conversation at the Masters without even being here.
Jason Day is among players who wish the best for his recovery after an arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence of medications.
But Day also says it was selfish of Woods to be driving.
It follows Nick Faldo saying it’s time Woods is held accountable.
Also discussing Woods today at the Masters were Harris English, Bubba Watson, Jacob Bridgeman and Patrick Reed.
Woods has pleaded not guilty to the charge from the March 27 accident.
He also was granted a motion to seek treatment outside the country.
Day and other golfers at the Masters says they hope Woods comes out of this better.
4:14 p.m.: For Reed, ‘something so special about this place’
No matter how many times he’s been at Augusta National, 2018 Masters champion Patrick Reed still gets emotional.
“There’s just something so special about this place, the traditions behind it, and then on top of it, it’s the one major that stays in the same place,” he told reporters today.
“All the way back from when I played my first time ever here, even when we played in November that one year, and any time I’ve come back and played it, it’s always in perfect shape. It’s one of those golf courses that you can’t hit just one golf shot; you have to play golf kind of old-school way. You have to hit shots, different shapes, different flights and everything.”
And it consumes your attention.
“Anytime I come out here, it’s just kind of one of those things that you put your head down,” he said. “The stresses over every single golf shot you have here at Augusta, it’s one of those places that you’re not really thinking about what’s going on outside and everything else. You’re trying to grind every little moment that you are inside the ropes when you’re out there on the golf course playing.”
He agrees with the assessment that this year’s Masters field is pretty wide open.
“I feel like it used to be five or six, maybe seven guys. Now, I definitely feel like this year you have 10 to 12 guys who have a really legitimate opportunity to win the green jacket,” he said.
“It just makes this event a little bit more special and even more fun going out there and playing against the best.”
He’s excited to return to the PGA Tour.
“It’s one of those that was a family decision, and really at the end of the day, I really enjoyed all my time over there at LIV. It was a blast. Those guys are fun to be around, fun to play with. Especially there on the 4Aces. I still pull for them. I saw D.J. the other day. We’re always making sure that those guys are doing what they’re supposed to do because really you want the best of golf all around the world no matter what,” he said.
“For me, I felt like this was the best place for me.”
What about his legacy?
“I think we’re always thinking about our legacy. We always go out there and try to improve, not just on the golf course, but as a person and outside the golf course,” he said.
“I obviously want to be known as a player that’s just not a guy that plays at one spot. I’ve always wanted to be a worldwide player, play around the world, play on all the tours. To have that opportunity to come back and spend time with the family, at this point of my career I obviously want to go out and play as many golf tournaments as I can and hopefully still shoot to win all the majors.
“Really I want to be known more for what I do off the course, for the stuff at home, the fater that I am, the husband I am, rather than just the golfer. Everybody knows I can play golf.”
3:40 p.m.: From player to patron for a day
Xander Schauffele has been to a few Masters as a player, but a reporter asked him today what he’d do if he was a patron − if he had just one day.
“I feel like I would try it all, to be honest. If I’m on the grounds, I’d probably drink everything, try everything. Definitely get the peach ice cream sandwich, all the sandwiches they have to offer,” he said.
Although it’s popular to combine the sandwiches, he said maybe not because the course is a “sneaky hike.”
What else on his day as a patron?
“Yeah, probably blow up the merchandise shop, too, just get everything in there.”
Viktor Hovland was asked the same question.
“I’d try to walk with a group, but I guess that gets pretty difficult if it’s a pretty notable group. I’d want to see multiple different spots.
“I think 16 green is a pretty nice spot because you can see some on 6 green. You’ve got 15, so you’re kind of in a good spot there. I’d hang around there for sure. And probably around Amen Corner a little bit if you can fit, watch 11 and obviously the approach shot on 12 and some tee shots on 13. But try to walk around.”
3:15 p.m.: With injury, Morikawa ‘taking it day by day’
Colin Morikawa pulled out of the Valero Texas Open because of his back injury, but he’s here in Augusta to play in the Masters.
Is he good to go?
“The honest truth is I’m taking it day by day,” he told reporters today. “It’s not exactly where I want to be, and 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 with where it’s at. The back actually feels fine. It’s just other parts of the body not cooperating a little bit how I want.”
Despite withdrawing from the Texas Open, he was able to hit balls and continue to play, he said.
“But there’s a comfort level, and this isn’t a place where you want to be uncomfortable, but sometimes you’ve got to find other ways to get around a golf course,” he said.
“So I’m kind of, you know, making a different game plan than I think I’ve come up with in the past.”
How does that work?
“Some shots that you might be able to hit in the past, you might not be able to hit right now. But yeah, it’s a work in progress. But each day just staying positive, trying to get through it,” he said.
The situation has been frustrating, he admits.
“At the same time, I can’t do anything stupid and push my body in a way it doesn’t want to do,” he said.
2:52 p.m.: ‘We all make mistakes,’ Day says of Woods
Jason Day has some empathy for Tiger Woods, but also some firm words.
Woods, a five-time Masters champion, decided to step back from golf for a while after being arrested in Florida on a DUI charge,
Authorities believe he was under the influence of prescription painkillers.
While Woods is out of the spotlight, he’s going abroad for inpatient treatment.
“In regards to Tiger, it just shows the human element and the human side of someone that is struggling with some sort of an addiction. He’s not immune to it just because he can hit a golf ball really well. He’s had 25 to 30 something surgeries, and when you’re going through that many procedures, it’s painful coming out of those procedures. I’ve had procedures done and I typically try and stay away from all that stuff because I just know that − painkillers, there can potentially be a downfall to it,” he said.
“Granted, when I look at that, I look at it and go, ‘He’s just a human being like everyone else, and we have struggles.’ It’s unfortunate, the only thing that I don’t understand is that it’s a little bit selfish of him to drive and put other people in harm’s way, as well,” Day said.
For Day, Woods was always an inspiration.
“He was my hero − he’s my hero. He was my hero growing up. The reason why I play golf is because of this tournament and Tiger. It’s hard to see him go through what he’s going through, and especially under the microscope that − it must be hard to be who he is and have everything, everyone look on, kind of down on him,” Day said.
“Some people want him to fail. Some people obviously want him to succeed. It’s really difficult for me to go through that and watch him, and I know that he’s getting the help now, which is good. I’m just hoping he comes out on the other side and is better.”
Day says the biggest priority is to show support for Woods.
“He stays at home pretty much most of the time, doesn’t really get out too much just because of how popular he is as a person, and then when you’re at home, it’s just difficult. Sometimes you don’t have people around, loving people around enough to be able to steer you in the direction that you need to,” Day said.
“Like I said before, he’s human, and we all make mistakes. That’s just part of learning and getting better, and I’m hoping that he gets the help that he needs and that he comes out stronger and better on the other side because, like golf misses him. We miss him here this week.”
2:27 p.m.: Bubba Watson is pulling for Tiger to come back stronger
Bubba Watson has some advice for first-timers at the Masters:
“Just enjoy it. If you get lucky, and I’m being honest, if you get lucky enough to win this place, more than likely it’s going to be later. It won’t be the first time. There’s very few that’s won it the first time. But talent can take over and anybody can win because they’re good enough to get here, they’re good enough to win. Just enjoy it,” he told reporters today
“You want your first one to be, just enjoy it, take it all in, try to learn some things and get ready for the next time you come around here.”
He also has advice for someone who’s not a newcomer: Tiger Woods.
“I told him from day one that we started hanging out back in ′06, ′07, somewhere in there, that I’m pulling for him as a human being. Forget his golf, I could care less about his golf,“ Watson told reporters today.
“Anybody that’s struggling with anything, I feel for him because I’ve went through a lot of mental stuff. So yeah, I always pull for him ... Nothing but love for him, and hopefully he can come back stronger.”
2:20 p.m.: There’s always ‘a little surprise,’ for Sergio Garcia
Sergio Garcia says there’s always something different at Augusta National, no matter how many times you come.
“There’s always, like, a little surprise when you come here,” he told reporters today. “Seems like every year there’s something either new on the course or on the grounds or something like that, practice area, something like that. They always have a little treat for us, I guess.”
2:14 p.m.: This course ‘has a lot of teeth’ for Olazábal
José María Olazábal is glad to be back at Augusta National.
“The feelings are great. Every time I come here, this is a very special place for me, for my heart. I have wonderful memories. This place has given me so much in my career for major events. It’s always fantastic to be back here,” he said Monday.
It’s not easy, though.
“The more you play this golf course, the better it is,” he said. “We’ve always said this golf course nowadays demands a whole game. You need to be long and straight off the tee. You have to be sharp with your irons, and on top of that, your short game has to be really good. Knowing the contours of the greens and all that obviously helps you around the greens, and when you play it, I don’t know, 37 times or 38 times over years, you get to know the course a little better.”
How does he view the competition?
“Every player playing this week has earned the right to be here. They play great golf. Obviously we do have the usual suspects to be up there on top. But it’s a golf course that has a lot of teeth, and you never know,” he said.
“But I expect the top players to do well here this week.”
1:55 p.m.: Player Services Building gets raves
Cameron Smith is excited about the new Player Services Building at Augusta National Golf Club.
“I mean, it’s world class, just like what we’ve come to expect of Augusta National,“ he said. ”We wouldn’t have thought it would be anything different. It’s pretty spectacular. The locker room is great. The dining room is great. The gym is great. There’s no flaws. Everyone is really happy with it.”
His favorite part is the new locker room.
“The locker room upstairs here in the clubhouse is great, and it’s got its history and stuff, but it wasn’t very big,” he said. “I think everyone is really pumped about the space that we’ve got.”
“Just a little bit more space and a place where you can hang out with them. It kind of felt like it was a little bit maybe disjointed in years past,” he said.
1:19 p.m.: Fashion statement of the Day
Sometimes controversial but always memorable, Jason Day is out on the course today in a vest with bird prints on it.
With a nod to the home of Augusta National, the print features the birds of Georgia.
Day was actually supposed to wear matching pants, but Augusta National nixed that idea.
It’s not the first time Day’s fashion plans have gone a step too far for Augusta National.
In 2024, he was asked to remove a vest with bold letters across the belly reading, “Malbon Golf Championship.”
“It looks like he’s wearing a billboard,” one patron quipped while watching from the shade.
12:24 p.m.: Airport’s activity soars in tournament week
People flying in and out of Augusta Regional Airport will notice some changes this week.
Delta Air Lines created a welcome sign made entirely of flowers. The airport’s arts program will also be playing live music in the gate area as people arrive.
And it comes in a week when there are extra passengers. As airlines have added capacity as well as nonstop flights between Augusta and major cities not usually served during the rest of the year.
In just one week, airport leaders say they can see the kind of flight activity they would normally handle in a month.
It even requires one runway to be shut down and converted into parking for the up to 200 planes that can be on the ground at any moment.
12:02 p.m: Key things for drivers to know
Traffic changes are in effect during Masters Tournament week, with restrictions focused on the Washington Road corridor near Augusta National Golf Club.
The intersection of Washington Road at Alexander Drive and Berckmans Road is where most of the city’s traffic changes are being seen.
I-20: The city closes the northbound off-ramp to Washington Road on Interstate 20 at 7 a.m. each morning during tournament week. The exit reopens later in the day for vehicles.
Turn lanes: One left turn lane is closed for cars trying to turn onto Washington Road from Berckmans Road and Alexander Drive. All left turns from Washington Road onto Berckmans Road remain blocked. Alexander Drive could close if traffic becomes too congested.
Parking/rideshare: A Publix parking lot near the intersection is being used by patrons. A rideshare lot is also available at that location for those using Uber or Lyft to get to and from the course.
Navigation tips: Patrons can use the Masters app or website for directions. Radio stations are providing parking and traffic updates. Patrons should not type “Augusta National” into GPS devices, as it will direct them to Magnolia Lane, which is too far from parking areas.
At the airport: Augusta Regional Airport has new parking rules in effect during Masters Tournament week. Taxis, limousines, hotel shuttles and hospitality vehicles cannot park curbside during tournament week. Those vehicles must park in the parking lots. Public parking costs $2 per entry for the first hour. Vehicles parked in prohibited areas may be towed.
11:41 a.m.: Sun brings out the smiles on ‘giddy and excited’ patrons
Patrons stepped onto the grounds of Augusta National Golf Club this morning for the 90th Masters week − and they’re all smiles.
The tournament showcases the world’s best golfers, pristine greens and blooming azaleas.
The weather is different from last year’s Masters Monday.
Rain last year led Augusta National to give all affected patrons the chance to return this year.
This time, the sun is shining and the azaleas are in full bloom.
“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 five minutes. I think the next morning I sent everyone a text like we get to come back? Yes,” patron Michael Day said.
Patron Seth Draper said he only got to see a few holes last year.
“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,” Draper said.
Patron Wally Higgenbotham said he was excited about the forecast.
“We were watching the weather forecast this morning. We were getting all giddy and excited about it,” Higgenbotham said.
10:31 a.m.: ‘13th month’ has arrived for Augusta businesses
Some Augusta businesses call Masters week the 13th month of the year — when tourists flood the city and spending triples.
“Last year’s spending was over $32 million just in hotel motel revenue. So you can just imagine what kind of an impact that has when you add in food and drink, you add in shopping,” said Karen Davis, chief marketing officer at Destination Augusta.
“It’s a great boost to our local economy. It’s a great boost of visitor spending. And it has a huge impact on local businesses,” Davis said.
10:11 a.m.: Photo gallery − Masters Monday at Augusta National
10 a.m.: Mowing report from Augusta National
Here’s the height of the cut of grass on the golf course:
- Tees: 5/16 inch
- Fairways: 3/8 inch
- Second cut: 1 3/8 inches
- Collars: 1/4 inch
- Greens surrounds: 5/16 inch
- Greens: 1/8 inch
All mowing is subject to weather conditions and growth.
9:17 a.m.: After ‘365 days of waiting,’ dad and son are back
Some patrons are back this year after getting rained out last year.
Among them are Jeff Eiden and his dad, Berry.
After they got rained out, “we just headed back home and just started thinking about next year,” Jeff Eiden said.
They were glad Augusta National Golf Club made the return possible.
“I’m here with my dad, my brother-in-law. He was the one who won the lottery to get the tickets. And then one of his good friends from law school,” Jeff Eiden said.
“Everybody’s first-and-a-half time.”
This year came after “365 days of waiting,” his dad said.
It’s beautiful and we just are so happy to be here. You’re just telling everybody, ‘Ohh, I was at the Masters and I’m going again next year,’” he said.
“Then I tell them that I was only there for 2½ hours, but it all worked out great.”
8:32 a.m.: Who was the first player to shoot 63 at the Masters?
- Johnny Miller
- Nick Price
- Ralph Guldahl
Answer: Nick Price
8:09 a.m.: We’ll hear from several players today
With most everyone here today, we’ll be hearing from several players this afternoon.
We’ll be live-blogging the news conferences as they happen, so watch here for coverage.
Here’s today’s schedule:
- 2 p.m.: Chris Gotterup
- 2:30 p.m.: Patrick Reed
- 3:30 p.m.: Justin Rose
- 4 p.m.: Fifa Laopakdee and Mateo Pulcini
7:52 a.m.: Scheffler shows up with newborn son
Many of the Masters competitors were in town yesterday, getting in some practice.
Among them was two-time champion Scottie Scheffler, who brought his less than 2-week-old son, Remy.
Scheffler, who tends to keep his golf separate from his home life, had not shared any information since withdrawing from the Houston Open two weeks ago because of the impending birth of his second child. He said wife Meredith gave birth to a boy on March 27. They named him Remy.
There he was, in a stroller Meredith was pushing under the famous oak tree by the clubhouse, 9 days old and already at his first Masters.
- Scheffler arrives with 9-day-old son and a game he hopes is ready
- Players showing up at Augusta National for Masters 2026 practice
7:40 a.m.: Cameras are allowed today
If you’re going to the practice rounds today through Wednesday, you can take your camera − not a phone but a real camera.
Cameras are allowed on practice days, but not when the tournament begins.
7:32 a.m.: Weather should be beautiful all week
A cold front that moved through the area will bring cooler temperatures and clearing skies today, but the extended forecast is shaping up to be ideal for Masters week.
Dry weather returns today and will persist through Tuesday’s practice rounds and Wednesday’s Par 3 Day.
Conditions are expected to remain dry throughout the entire tournament weekend.
7:20 a.m.: A look at the traffic situation
Masters week has arrived, and the players are in town to practice ahead of the start of the tournament Thursday.
Traffic isn’t too bad at the moment. Eastbound Interstate 20’s Exit 199, Washington Road, is now closed, with all traffic routed to Riverwatch Parkway. There’s about a mile backup to get off at Riverwatch, so allow extra time.
Southbound Alexander Drive from Riverwatch is moving well, with officers directing traffic at Washington Road.
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