The Masters Tournament returns this week, with the world’s best golfers heading to Augusta National Golf Club for what remains the most iconic event in the sport.
The first major of the year tees off on Thursday, April 9th, running through to Sunday, April 12th, with legendary champions Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson once again opening proceedings as honorary starters — a long-standing Augusta tradition.
For Irish viewers, coverage is available exclusively on Sky Sports and Now, with live broadcasts beginning from 2pm on Thursday and extensive build-up across the weekend.
The official Masters app also offers comprehensive coverage, including the ability to follow every single shot — something that has made it hugely popular with fans in recent years.
Tee times for the opening two rounds have now been confirmed, with a strong Irish presence in the field. Rory McIlroy, the defending champion, will begin his bid for back-to-back titles at 3.31pm Irish time, grouped alongside Cameron Young and US Amateur champion Mason Howell.
McIlroy returns to Augusta in a very different position this year. After finally securing the elusive green jacket in 2025 — completing a long-awaited career Grand Slam — the pressure that once defined his Masters campaigns has lifted. Now making his 18th appearance, the Holywood native has been embracing his champion status in the build-up, including hosting the traditional Champions Dinner and spending time on the course with his father, Gerry.
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Only three players in history have successfully defended their Masters title, so the challenge ahead is significant. However, McIlroy’s dramatic playoff victory over Justin Rose last year proved he has fully mastered Augusta’s demands, and he heads into this week once again among the favourites.
Joining him are fellow Irish players Shane Lowry and Tom McKibbin. Lowry will be the first of the Irish trio to tee off, starting his opening round at 2.43pm Irish time alongside Jason Day and Dustin Johnson.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Lowry said: “I feel like my game's okay. The last week has gone well. Practice has gone well. But as we all know, that doesn't mean anything when you send out a first tee on Thursday.”
He added: “You know, it’s between your ears and you have to take a few punches out there on this course at certain stages and take them well and move on and it a give it a good run. But yeah, I'm here. I'm ready to give it a run and see what happens.”
Meanwhile, 23-year-old McKibbin will make his Masters debut at 4.15pm Irish time, playing alongside Andrew Novak and Brian Campbell. The rising star has already featured in all four majors and will be aiming to make the cut at Augusta on his first appearance.
Beyond the Irish interest, the field remains stacked despite notable absences. This will be the first Masters since 1994 without Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, both missing for separate reasons.
World number one Scottie Scheffler is widely seen as the man to beat, having won two of the last four Masters titles and arriving as one of the most consistent performers on tour. He is joined among the favourites by Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and McIlroy himself, all expected to be firmly in contention heading into the weekend.
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Course conditions could also play a major role. A dry build-up and forecasted sunshine — with temperatures expected to reach 29 degrees on Sunday — should leave Augusta playing faster and firmer than in recent years, placing an even greater premium on precision and course management.
As always, the stakes are enormous. While the 2026 prize fund is yet to be confirmed, last year saw McIlroy take home $4.2 million (€3.6 million) along with the iconic green jacket, a lifetime invitation to the tournament, and a place in golfing immortality.
For Irish fans, however, the story is simple — all eyes are once again on Rory McIlroy, as he looks to do what only a select few in history have achieved and defend his Masters crown on golf’s grandest stage.
