The 2026 Masters Tournament returns to Augusta National this week, bringing together golf’s biggest names for one of the sport’s most prestigious and demanding tests. From the iconic Amen Corner to the lightning-fast greens, the year’s first major once again promises high drama, precision shot-making and moments that define careers.
Before the first tee shot is struck, here are some interesting facts to know about this year’s edition, with all the action live on
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32-year streak ends
This year’s edition marks the first time since 1994 that neither Tiger Woods nor Phil Mickelson will compete at Augusta National Golf Club. For more than three decades, the duo helped define the tournament, combining for eight Green Jackets and countless memorable moments. Their absence shifts the spotlight fully onto a new generation of contenders.
A truly global field
The 2026 Masters Tournament brings together players from 23 different nationalities, reinforcing Augusta’s status as one of the most internationally diverse events in golf.
The United States once again leads the field with 46 players, followed by England (8) and Australia (4).
Asia is also well represented, with six golfers taking part, including 2021 champion Hideki Matsuyama and 2020 runner-up Im Sung-jae.
Fresh faces make up nearly a quarter of the field
The 2026 field features 22 Masters debutants, the highest number since 2020 (26), bringing a wave of new talent to Augusta National.
Among the standout first-timers are four-time PGA Tour winner Chris Gotterup and Ben Griffin, who made his Ryder Cup debut for Team USA last year. They are joined by Jacob Bridgeman, who notably beat Rory McIlroy to clinch his maiden PGA Tour title at the 2026 Genesis Invitational, as well as
sole Southeast Asian representative Pongsapak “Fifa” Laopakdee.
If any of the 22 wins the Green Jacket, he would become the first player to win on his Masters debut since Fuzzy Zoeller in 1979.
LIV Golf’s continued presence
A total of 10 LIV Golf players are set to compete at Augusta this year, maintaining the league’s presence at one of golf’s four majors since it was founded in 2021.
Past Masters champions Sergio García, Dustin Johnson, Jon Rahm, Charl Schwartzel and Bubba Watson, along with Bryson DeChambeau, Tyrrell Hatton, Tom McKibbin, Carlos Ortiz and Cameron Smith, will be aiming to become the first LIV Golf player to win the tournament.
Career grand slam within reach
Only six players have completed the career Grand Slam: Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, who achieved the feat in 2025.
This year, three players arrive at Augusta with the chance to move closer to joining that exclusive group. In addition to the Green Jacket, Brooks Koepka is missing The Open Championship, while both Collin Morikawa and Xander Schauffele need the U.S. Open to complete their sets.
