Augusta
National
Apr 9–12, 2026 · Augusta, Georgia
Par 72 · 7,565 yards · $21 million purse
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World #1 seeking third green jacket. Two Masters titles (2022, 2024). Never finished outside the top 20 at Augusta. Elite ball-striking is the perfect Augusta profile.
Defending champion after emotional 2025 playoff win over Justin Rose. Completed career Grand Slam. Back injury a concern after T46 at The Players — preparation not ideal.
Back-to-back LIV wins entering Augusta. Led 2025 Masters entering the final round before a closing 75. Massive off-the-tee advantage on Augusta par 5s.
2023 Masters champion. Two-time major winner. Returns from LIV with strong course history at Augusta — always dangerous here.
Tour Lens #3 sim pick at the Valspar — he won. Arrives at Augusta with a week of momentum and peak confidence. Ball-striking precision is elite Augusta profile.
Full 91-player simulation drops Monday, April 7
Go Pro to unlock full tableAmen Corner — Holes 11, 12, 13
The stretch that decides every Masters. Wind from the valley, Rae's Creek lurking, the most photographed par 3 in golf, and the reachable par 5 that creates Sunday chaos. This is where the tournament is won and lost.
A brutal par 4 that plays into the wind. Water left of the green punishes anything pulled. The safe play is to the right — almost every winner plays away from the flag here.
The most famous par 3 in golf. Wind swirls unpredictably over Rae's Creek. Club selection is largely guesswork. Playing to the center of the green is always correct.
The reachable par 5 where eagles change leaderboards. A bold tee shot hugging the trees sets up a go at the green in two. This is where champions separate.
Key Storylines
Rory McIlroy defends his 2025 title — would be first back-to-back winner since Tiger in 2001–02
McIlroy completed the career Grand Slam at the 2025 Masters — now aims for back-to-back with pressure lifted
Brooks Koepka returning to contention form — finished T13 at The Players, iron play elite
Matt Fitzpatrick arrives as Valspar champion with confidence and momentum
Amen Corner (11–12–13) will play firmer and faster than any recent year — strategy is everything
What Wins Augusta
Par-5 scoring — must be elite on 2, 8, 13, and 15. The winner averages −1.8 on par 5s.
Ball-striking precision — Augusta's slopes punish anything above the hole. Control trajectory.
Amen Corner survival — play conservatively on 11 and 12. Birdie 13 when you're in position.
Mid-iron excellence — approaches into the sloped Bermuda greens from 150–200 yards separate fields.
Putting on Bentgrass — the fastest greens in golf require perfect speed control, not line.
Calm under the roars — Augusta crowd noise during Sunday surges is uniquely rattling.
Augusta Fast Facts
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