2026 Masters Tournament Official Schedule
The 2026 Masters Tournament will be held April 9-12, 2026, at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. This represents the traditional second weekend of April timing that the Masters has maintained for decades, with the final round scheduled for Sunday, April 12th. The tournament consistently follows this April schedule, making it the first major championship of the professional golf season each year.
Practice Rounds and Tournament Week Timeline
Practice rounds begin Monday, April 6th, with the traditional Par 3 Contest scheduled for Wednesday, April 8th. The first round of competition starts Thursday, April 9th, followed by the second round on Friday, April 10th. Players who make the cut after Friday's round will compete in the third round on Saturday, April 11th, with the final round determining the champion on Sunday, April 12th.
Masters Week Key Events and Activities
The Par 3 Contest on Wednesday evening features players accompanied by family members, often their children, as caddies in a relaxed nine-hole competition. Tuesday typically hosts the Champions Dinner, where past Masters winners gather for the traditional green jacket ceremony. The Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals for junior golfers takes place on Sunday morning before the final round, showcasing young talent from across the United States.
Ticket Information and Access Requirements
Masters tickets operate through an annual lottery system that typically opens in May and closes in June for the following year's tournament. Daily practice round tickets cost approximately $75 each, while tournament round tickets range from $115-140 per day. Season badges, which provide access to all four tournament days, cost around $375 but remain extremely difficult to obtain due to limited availability and decades-long waiting lists.
Broadcast Schedule and Television Coverage
ESPN handles early round coverage Thursday and Friday from 3:00-7:30 PM Eastern Time, with CBS taking over for weekend rounds Saturday and Sunday from 3:00-7:00 PM. Featured group coverage begins at 9:00 AM on ESPN+ for subscribers, providing extended tournament coverage beyond traditional television windows. International viewers can access live streams through Augusta National's official website and various regional broadcasting partners.
Weather Considerations and Potential Delays
April weather in Augusta typically features temperatures ranging from 60-75Β°F with occasional afternoon thunderstorms common in the southeastern United States. Tournament organizers maintain strict safety protocols regarding lightning delays, which can extend play into Monday if severe weather impacts the weekend rounds. The course drainage system allows for relatively quick resumption of play after rain, though heavy storms can create significant delays affecting television scheduling and spectator experience.
Related Questions About Masters Tournament Timing
Why is the Masters always in April? The tournament timing coincides with peak azalea blooming season at Augusta National, creating the signature floral backdrop that defines Masters imagery.
Has the Masters ever been held in a different month? The 2020 Masters was postponed to November due to COVID-19 restrictions, marking the only time in tournament history it wasn't held in April. (Related: Alix Earle: Social Media Star's Rise to Fame and Business Empire in 2026)
How early should I plan for Masters attendance? The lottery system requires advance planning by May of the year before attendance, with many patrons waiting decades to receive ticket opportunities through the traditional process. (Related: Roberto De Zerbi: Brighton Manager's Tactical Revolution and Future Prospects in 2026)