The Masters Tournament is more than just a golf championship; it's become a timeless tradition as the first and most storied men’s major.

Set to return to the pristine grounds of Augusta National Golf Club from April 9–12, 2026, the 90th edition of the Masters promises all the elegance and competitive fire fans have come to expect. Whether you're a first-time viewer or a lifelong fan, this guide rounds up everything you need to know about the tournament.

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From green jackets to pimiento cheese, here's everything you need to know for golf's most iconic event:

1. Dates & Venue

The 90th Masters Tournament is scheduled for April 9–12, 2026, and will again be held at Augusta National Golf Club—the only venue since its inception in 1934.

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2. Format & Field

The event follows a four-day, 72‑hole stroke-play format. According to CBS Sports, "That is a change from the prior format, which gave golfers who finished higher in the FedEx Cup standings a negative strokes advantage entering the first round of the tournament."

The field traditionally includes around 95 players, selected via category invitations, such as past champions, top-ranked players, etc.

3. Purse & Prizes

The total purse for 2025 was $21 million, with the winner’s share at $4.2 million—an increase from the previous $20 million.

For 2026, no official increase has been announced, so these amounts remain the best confirmed estimates.

4. Traditions & Trophies

The Green Jacket has been presented to the champion since 1949. "One of the many great traditions at the Masters includes having the tournament's defending champion help the new champion slip into the green jacket," says the PGA.

We can expect to see other traditions, such as the Champions Dinner, Par‑3 Contest, and winner’s trophy ceremony.

5. Course Highlights

Augusta National is renowned for its azaleas, magnolias, dogwoods, and immaculate grounds. The 13th hole is even named "Azalea" due to the number of azalea plants that surround it— a staggering 1,600.

The course measures approximately 7,555 yards, par 72.

6. Notable Holes

Amen Corner (holes 11–13) remains one of the most iconic stretches at Augusta. Many Masters tournaments have either been won and lost along these three holes, so it is decisive.

The historic Eisenhower Tree has been removed, but the Par‑3 course and original tunnels remain part of the venue’s legacy.

7. Tickets & Access

Entry is via lottery, with only a few thousand badges issued despite millions of requests. According to Golf Digest, Bookies.com did a study that revealed the "odds of winning the Masters lottery for a single-day tournament ticket is 0.55 percent."

Practice-round tickets tend to be around $100, while four-day badges hover near $450, based on past pricing.

8. Fan Experience

Daily attendance is capped at around 40,000 spectators.

On-site refreshments traditionally include egg salad and pimiento cheese sandwiches.

9. Legendary Competitors

Fred Couples, now 66, has confirmed he’ll return for the 2026 Masters, marking what will be his 41st appearance at Augusta.

According to Reuters, Couples stated, "Well, sure, I'm playing next year for sure, yeah. I made that -- they made that clear they wanted me to come back, so I'm coming back next year."

The defending champion is Rory McIlroy, who captured his first green jacket in 2025. By winning the Masters, he became the sixth golfer in history to win all four major championships: the Masters Tournament, the PGA Championship, the U.S. Open, and the Open Championship.

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Tiger Woods has withdrawn from the Masters.