The Masters 2026: Main contenders, Augusta Nationwide recollections and why the event brings out the very best in golf

There will likely be a few of our viewers who keep in mind within the Nineteen Eighties and the look ahead to The Masters to start.

The clock ticking in the direction of 9pm, the a number of glances on the timepiece wishing the minutes away. It appeared to take an eternity from 8.45pm to 9pm however, when the highest of the hour struck, the heavenly sight of Augusta Nationwide was beamed into our residing rooms and all was proper in our world.

With the evolution of time, the world now enjoys enhanced and intensive protection of this eagerly anticipated sporting spectacle. The Masters is sort of a magnet to golfers and viewers, even non golfers from everywhere in the globe. It lifts our hearts each spring and – for a lot of – signifies the start of our {golfing} season.

Heading in the direction of its centenary, its historical past is wealthy with many photographs we recall with fondness. Its traditions stay robust, one thing Bobby Jones and the founder members could be happy with, and it upholds the way and beauty – in addition to embracing the model and etiquette – by which golf has been performed for hundreds of years.

Golf programs in each nation have benefitted from Augusta Nationwide. The exemplary presentation of the course has inspired others to raise their programs and golfers have loved the next commonplace of taking part in surfaces, enhancing their enjoyment of the game.

‘A {golfing} Mecca’ – what makes Augusta so particular?

My first go to to Augusta was memorable in 2000, after The Gamers. The ‘Colonel’ Bruce Critchley took me there and we have been a visitor of member George Whistler, who owned a water bottling firm in Atlanta.

On arrival, we had lunch, performed 18, then had dinner within the clubhouse earlier than retiring to The Butler Cabin, the place down the years the champions have been topped. A second 18 adopted within the morning earlier than departure. It was an honour and a privilege and, 1 / 4 of a century on, that go to stays recent in my thoughts.

The very first thing that hits you at this {golfing} Mecca is how orderly every little thing is. Some would say there are guidelines – I want the phrase, custom. All the things is calm – tranquil, no operating, no telephones. A mix that permits everybody to look at and benefit from the golf.

Augusta is happy with its patrons, many who come again yr after yr to a sporting occasion that has been a major a part of their lives.

In recent times, I’ve taken an amble all the way down to Amen Nook on the eve of the event. All is so quiet on this {golfing} Backyard of Eden. As you stare at its majesty, you hear the cheers in your thoughts.

The Larry Mize chip-in at 11. Fred {Couples}’ ball staying on the financial institution at 12, then the two-time splash of Jordan Spieth’s approaches in 2016. Sir Nick Faldo’s good second to 13, together with the dramatic escape from the tall Georgia pines of Phil Mickelson.

Rory McIlroy’s method to fifteen when all appeared misplaced, not forgetting Seve Ballesteros’ second discovering water. There’s Tiger Woods’ chip at 16 and Jack Nicklaus’ putt at 17 – all of those moments come again to you, with every shot and plenty of others etched in Augusta’s historical past books.

The class and fantastic thing about this superb creation is there for all to see, but it surely comes with hazard and each participant is properly conscious. The second 9 on Sunday is likely one of the really nice dates within the sporting calendar. How lucky we’re to see it.

Pleasure constructing for the key season

You’ll all have your favourites and as at all times there are numerous real contenders for The Masters. With the burden of expectation off his broad shoulders, can McIlroy efficiently defend?

McIlroy can have a busy week, which comes with being the defending champion, however I sense the great and emotional recollections will give him a robust focus. For the primary time in 15 years, the expectation will likely be Rory’s, not everybody else’s, so I might anticipate him to be within the dialog on the finish.

Can Scottie Scheffler proceed his excellence right here? The immensely proficient and constant American – who has gained twice up to now three years at Augusta Nationwide – can be a part of McIlroy and the Grand Slammers on the US Open, on his thirtieth birthday, at Shinnecock Hills.

There may be speak of Scheffler not being at his finest this yr, however over the previous couple of years he is set the bar extraordinarily excessive. Like McIlroy, he’ll contend.

One other participant throughout this yr’s main season can obtain golf’s Holy Grail. A Jordan Spieth victory within the PGA Championship subsequent month will see him full the set. Augusta Nationwide evokes him, brings out the very best in him and his path by means of the Azaleas is way travelled and acquainted.

In Cameron Younger, we’ve got a participant who has come of age within the final 9 months. A gifted particular person who – after a number of shut calls – now has perception and confidence in himself. It is also price noting that Xander Schauffele is near his very good type of 2024, which delivered two majors.

A British winner at The Masters?

It is almost 40 years since we had a Scottish winner, but the picture of Sandy Lyle’s well-known final inexperienced jig after an escape from the green bunker appears just some years in the past. In Robert MacIntyre, the Scots have a serious contender who excels below strain, with a younger nerve mixed with extraordinary expertise and composure on the grandest of phases.

A yr in the past, Matthew Fitzpatrick was within the doldrums languishing exterior the world’s prime 80. After a close to miss at TPC Sawgrass final month, his response was emphatic and his Valspar Championship win – his third on the PGA Tour – has him again inside the highest 10.

I assumed Fitzpatrick’s Florida win was heart-warming. Solely seven days earlier than, his putt on the 72nd gap grazed the outlet and The Gamers title slipped from his grasp. He instantly went over to congratulate Younger’s household by the again of the inexperienced. These are values which have without end been a part of golf and to true followers and traditionalists.

Fitzpatrick’s win the next week would have been a well-liked one and on this aspect of the pond, we’d clearly prefer to see one in every of our personal adorn the Inexperienced Jacket. The final English win was 10 years in the past when Danny Willett produced among the best closing rounds – 13 pars and 5 birdies – to win by three.

Each Willett and Fitzpatrick are from Sheffield, for those who consider in omens at Amen!

Counting all the way down to McIlroy’s title defence

Augusta continues to embrace and showcase its core values, not only for The Masters, however for the game.

Elsewhere, in latest instances at varied occasions, a few of golf’s traditions have slipped. The second week in April will likely be a reminder of all that is good in golf – etiquette, sportsmanship, compassion, strain and competitors, and naturally, no scarcity of drama.

The complete Sky Sports activities workforce will likely be be joined by Sir Nick Faldo, 30 years on from his third and closing Masters win. His expertise and perception of Augusta will add a lot to our broadcast, which as soon as once more is intensive.

Such as you, I am impatient for The Masters to start. The truth is, I am already staring on the clock!

Who will win The Masters? Watch the opening main of the yr solely stay from April 9-12 on Sky Sports activities Golf. Get Sky Sports activities or stream with no contract.