US EditionFive US multiple major champions seek first Masters win
Five major champions seek their first green jacket as 22 players make Masters debuts in a deep 91-player field, officials said.
- The 90th Masters begins at Augusta National Golf Club with 91 competitors, including 22 first-time participants seeking to capture the green jacket on Sunday.
- No first-time player has won the Masters since Fuzzy Zoeller in 1979, yet recent strong debuts by Ludvig and Will Zalatoris suggest current newcomers could contend. The tournament marks the first Masters since Zoeller's death last year.
- Five Americans—Xander Schauffele, Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Bryson DeChambeau, and Brooks Koepka—made final preparations Wednesday at Augusta National. Many major champions enter managing health concerns; Thomas, the 2017 and 2022 PGA Championship winner, said "coming off six months off competition, definitely proud and happy of that."
- Disciplined play on firm greens is essential to avoid three-putts, 10th-ranked Schauffele emphasized. Morikawa, third at the 2024 Masters, noted he is seeking new ways to navigate the course while managing a back injury.
- Understanding nuances like the unseen pull of Rae's Creek remains vital for success as both seasoned champions and 22 debutants contend. Betting odds via DraftKings Sportsbook underscore the tournament as a test of skill and strategy.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Five Big Takeaways From The First Round At The Masters
The first round of the 2026 Masters Tournament is in the books. The two stars of the show? Defending champion Rory McIlroy… and a very difficult Augusta National. Here are my five biggest takeaways from Thursday at the Masters. 1. Rory McIlroy looks freed up and confident The defending champion absolutely delivered in his first competitive round at Augusta since walking off the 18th green a year ago with the career Grand Slam. McIlroy had an un…
Can a debutant win The Masters? Ranking all 22 players in 2026 field
No debutant has won The Masters since Fuzzy Zoeller beat Tom Watson and Ed Sneed in a playoff in 1979. With Augusta National such a precise test, it’s asking an awful lot for a first-timer to solve the puzzle immediately. Some have gone close – Ludvig Aberg was runner-up on his first start in 2024 – but Zoeller’s record has stood for approaching half a century. Could that change this year? There are 22 hopefuls although every single one is avail…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 73% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
