Defending champion Rory McIlroy headlines the field at the 2026 Masters Tournament, with other top names such as Scottie Scheffler, Jon Rahm and Tiger Woods also set to contend at Augusta National from April 9-12.
Amid the star-studded line-up, Asia will once again have a strong presence, with players from South Korea, Japan, China and Thailand taking their place at the 90th edition of the tournament. Blending proven contenders with first-time participants, the region’s line-up reflects both experience and emerging talent on one of golf’s biggest stages.
Catch them in action LIVE on SPOTV NOW this April.
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Japan
Japan’s representation is headlined by former champion Hideki Matsuyama. The 2021 winner gains automatic entry as a past champion and remains one of Asia’s most accomplished golfers, making him a perennial contender.
He is joined by debutant Naoyuki Kataoka, who earned his place by winning the 2025 Japan Open Golf Championship. The 28-year-old will be aiming to make an impression in his first Masters appearance.
Hideki Matsuyama – 2021 Masters champion. #themasters
松山英樹-2021年マスターズチャンピオン pic.twitter.com/P3JDVW5RMt
— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 11, 2021
South Korea
2020 runner-up Im Sung-jae returns to Augusta for the seventh time, having secured his place as one of the top 12 finishers at last year’s tournament. The 2018 Web.com Tour Player of the Year would have also qualified through his consistent performances on the PGA Tour.
Joining him is Si Woo Kim, who makes his ninth Masters appearance after qualifying as one of the top 50 players in the 2025 Official World Golf Ranking.
Sungjae Im leaps to seven under par with an eagle on No. 13. #themasters pic.twitter.com/TijYd0o683
— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 13, 2025
Thailand
Thailand’s challenge is led by amateur Pongsapak “Fifa” Laopakdee, who is set to make his Masters debut this year. The 21-year-old earned his invitation by winning the 2025 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, becoming the first Thai player to claim the title. He also enjoyed success at the 2025 SEA Games, where he won two gold medals.
Champion, Fifa Laopakdee, caught up with @GolfChannel on his win in Dubai. pic.twitter.com/PPjF8UPUi5
— Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (@AAC_Golf) November 3, 2025
China
Li Haotong is making his third Masters start in 2026, and first since 2019, after securing qualification with a T4 finish at the 2025 Open Championship. The 30-year-old also enjoyed success earlier in 2025, winning the Qatar Masters.
“Would you believe it?! How about that! Goodness me.”
This is what it meant to Haotong Li after winning the Qatar Masters last year which helped him secure one of the 10 cards available at the end of the season for dual membership with the PGA TOUR. Pure emotion.#QatarMasters pic.twitter.com/tTnRWC1JXm
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) February 3, 2026
