2026 Masters Tournament Preview: April 9-12 Schedule and Early Championship Contenders

The 2026 Masters Tournament is set to take place April 9-12 at Augusta National Golf Club, bringing together the world's elite golfers for the year's first major championship.

Tournament Schedule and Masters Week Events

Masters Week unofficially begins on Monday, April 6, when players start arriving at Augusta National for their final preparations. Tuesday, April 7 features practice rounds, player press conferences, and the exclusive Masters Champions Dinner for past winners.

Wednesday, April 8 hosts the beloved Par-3 Contest, where players' children don white caddie uniforms to accompany their parents. The tournament proper begins Thursday, April 9 with the opening round.

Early Betting Favorites and Contenders

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler leads the betting favorites at +300 odds. The two-time Masters champion already secured his 20th PGA Tour victory in his 2026 season debut, maintaining his status as the player to beat.

Defending champion Rory McIlroy sits second at +900 odds. After completing his career Grand Slam with last year's Masters victory, the World No. 2 appears freed from the pressure that previously haunted him at Augusta.

Ludvig Aberg rounds out the top three at +1200. Despite a disappointing final round at the 2026 Players Championship where he surrendered a three-shot lead, his game remains well-suited for Masters success. Jon Rahm shares those odds, while Bryson DeChambeau follows at +1400.

Tiger Woods' participation remains uncertain due to injury concerns, but oddsmakers have him listed at +20000 for a potential sixth green jacket.