When does the Masters start and who will win? Date, odds and how to watch first 2026 major

The Masters 2026 is almost upon us as the world’s best golfers face off at the Augusta National for one of the sport’s biggest prizes.

Rory McIlroy arrives in Georgia as the reigning champion, having last year ended 14 years of strife by beating Justin Rose in a play-off to complete a grand slam.

There will be 91 other players vying to stop McIlroy from becoming the first golfer since Tiger Woods in 2002 to claim back-to-back titles.

World no1 Scottie Scheffler is the favourite to take McIlroy’s crown, while 2023 champion John Rahm and fellow LIV Golf star Bryson DeChambeau will fancy their chances.

One to keep an eye on is Englishman Matt Fitzpatrick, who arrives at Augusta having finished second at The Players before winning the Valpsar Championship.

The Masters, held every year at the famous Augusta National in Georgia, begins on Thursday, April 9, 2026, and runs until Sunday, April 12.

Practice days are held across Monday to Wednesday, including the traditional Par 3 contest on the eve of the tournament.

Tee times for days one and two are yet to be confirmed, but the first group is expected to begin at around 12.30pm BST on the first two days.

Following the cut, action across Saturday and Sunday will start closer to 2pm BST.

(Odds via Betfair, subject to change.)

TV channel: Coverage starts at 2pm BST on Thursday and Friday with featured groups shown on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Golf, before the full coverage starts at 6pm.

There will be dedicated channels showing the fourth, fifth and sixth holes, and also Amen Corner, the three-hole stretch from the 11th hole, on Sky Sports+ from 3.45pm.

Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers will also be able to watch all the action unfold live online via the Sky Go app.