US Masters 2026: Date, prize money, tickets - All the info on the Major tournament

The US Masters is the most prestigious golf tournament in the world. When the elite gather at Augusta National Golf Club from April 9 to 12, 2026, there will be more than just prize money at stake - the legendary Green Jacket will be at stake. After Rory McIlroy's emotional triumph in 2025, with which he completed his career Grand Slam, the golfing world is eagerly awaiting his title defense.

The most important facts at a glance

When does the US Masters 2026 take place?

The tournament traditionally takes place in the first full week of April. The four official tournament rounds of the 90th edition start on Thursday, April 9, and end with the final Sunday on April 12, 2026. The course is already busy from Monday (April 6) with practice rounds and the popular Par 3 contest on Wednesday.

Where is the US Masters held?

Unlike the other majors, the Masters has a permanent home: Augusta National Golf Club. The course is famous for its immaculate beauty and treacherous sections such as Amen Corner (holes 11, 12 and 13). Each hole is named after a plant, which emphasizes the botanical character of the course.

Who won the Masters in 2025 and who are the record holders?

The defending champion for 2026 is Rory McIlroy. His victory in April 2025 marked a milestone in golf history as he has won all four modern majors at least once. He will attempt to be one of the few players to successfully defend his title in Augusta.

However, two other legends are enthroned at the top of the Masters' all-time leaderboard:

• Jack Nicklaus: With 6 victories (1963, 1965, 1966, 1972, 1975, 1986), he is the most successful player in the history of Augusta.
• Tiger Woods: He follows with 5 victories (1997, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2019) and thus holds the record for the most victories in modern times.

How much is the prize money at the US Masters Tournament?

The prize money has developed massively over the decades. While a total pool of around 21.5 million US dollars is expected for 2026, a look back in history illustrates the enormous growth:

• Victory in 2025: Rory McIlroy received prize money of around 4.2 million US dollars for his triumph the previous year.
• Victory in 1934: At the very first Masters, the total prize money was just 5,000 dollars. The winner at the time, Horton Smith, received a check for a modest 1,500 dollars.

When do the players start at the Masters? (Tee Times & Time Shift)

For fans in Europe, the timing is important: there is a six-hour time difference between Augusta (Georgia) and Central Europe.

• Starting time: The first players usually tee off at around 7:00 a.m. local time, which corresponds to 1:00 p.m. Central European Time (CET).
• The official Tee Times for 2026 will be published on Tuesday of the tournament week (April 7). We will add the start times for the US Masters 2026 here as soon as possible.

Where can I buy US Masters tickets?

Buying tickets for Augusta is considered one of the most difficult tasks in sport:

• Official Lottery: Registration for the ticket lottery usually closes in June of the previous year.
• Secondary market: Tickets are often available via platforms such as StubHub, but usually in the four-digit price range.
• Hospitality packages: Specialized golf travel providers offer packages including accommodation and access to the course.

The qualification mode: Who gets to tee off at the Masters?

The field of participants at the Masters is the smallest and most exclusive of all majors (approx. 90-100 players). The most important criteria for an invitation are

• Former winners: Those who win once are allowed to participate for life.
• Major winners: The winners of the US Open, Open Championship and PGA Championship in the last 5 years.
• World Ranking: The top 50 of the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR).
• Tournament winners: Augusta National Golf Club also invites the winners of various amateur tournaments to compete in the US Masters every year.

Myths, Traditions and History surrounding the US Masters

No tournament cultivates its customs as much as the Masters:

• The Green Jacket: since 1949, the winner has received the green jacket as a sign of membership.
• Club membership: Augusta National was long regarded as very exclusive. An important milestone in the club's history was in 2012, when former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and businesswoman Darla Moore became the first women to be admitted as official members.
• Honorary Starters: Golf legends open the tournament on Thursday morning with a ceremonial tee shot.
• The skip shot on hole 16: a spectacle in the practice rounds, where balls are flipped over the water.

The "Patron" guide: Culinary delights and etiquette

Spectators at the US Masters are traditionally referred to as "patrons" at Augusta. There are numerous rules that everyone must observe. Some of them seem outdated, but there are also good things about them. For example, the prices for food and drinks are from a different era:

• Cell phone ban: smartphones are strictly forbidden on the premises - violation will result in immediate ticket revocation.
• Culinary delights: The famous pimento cheese sandwich for 1.50 dollars is a must. The green plastic cups are coveted collector's items.
• Slow down: Racing is prohibited at Augusta National. Patrons move around the course at a leisurely or, at most, brisk pace.