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2026 Masters Tournament Kicks Off at Augusta National

4/10/2026

Summary

McIlroy Defends Title

The 2026 Masters Tournament began on April 9 at Augusta National with 91 players.
Rory McIlroy, the defending champion, aims to win his second green jacket.
Scottie Scheffler is the betting favorite, with Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau among notables.
The second round begins April 10, 2026, with McIlroy and Jordan Spieth in featured groups.
Fans can watch on ESPN and Prime Video, with live coverage throughout the event.

Summary

Masters Expands Streaming

The 2026 Masters Tournament started on April 9 at Augusta National Golf Club, with CBS and ESPN offering exclusive TV coverage.
Fans can stream the tournament for free on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Paramount+.
This year, Prime Video will provide early coverage on Thursday and Friday for the first time.
The tournament has a limited TV schedule, featuring four-and-a-half hours on ESPN and five hours on CBS during the weekend.
The Masters is expanding its streaming options to improve accessibility for viewers.

History

Historical Context

The Masters Tournament, founded in 1934 by Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts at Augusta National Golf Club, aimed to elevate professional golf. Initially named the "Augusta National Invitation Tournament," it adopted its current name in 1939. The tournament has since become a major championship, attracting top players and evolving with extensive media coverage, reflecting broader trends in sports accessibility and fan engagement.

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McIlroy Defends Title

The 2026 Masters Tournament began on April 9 at Augusta National with 91 players.
Rory McIlroy, the defending champion, aims to win his second green jacket.
Scottie Scheffler is the betting favorite, with Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau among notables.
The second round begins April 10, 2026, with McIlroy and Jordan Spieth in featured groups.
Fans can watch on ESPN and Prime Video, with live coverage throughout the event.

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