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The Masters 2026: 15 Players To Watch After Augusta's Shock Qualification Shake-Up

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The 2026 Masters Tournament is already set to be one of the most intriguing in recent memory, not just for the players competing but for the dramatic changes to the qualification criteria announced recently. As of today, December 19, 2025, the golf world is buzzing over the new pathways to Augusta National, which have opened the door for a new class of global competitors while simultaneously closing off traditional routes. This shift is designed to ensure the field at Augusta remains the most elite and globally representative in golf. The field for the 2026 tournament will feature a mix of established champions and rising stars, all navigating a complex set of rules to earn a coveted invitation. The most significant news is the joint announcement by Augusta National and The R&A to expand exemptions to winners of several prominent international National Opens, a move that fundamentally changes who will be competing for the Green Jacket. This article breaks down the field, the new rules, and the top contenders you must watch.

The New Road to Augusta: A Major Qualification Overhaul

The Masters Tournament has always maintained the smallest and most exclusive field among the four major championships, with invitations extended only through specific criteria. For the 2026 event, the qualification criteria have undergone a significant, globally-focused update. The biggest news is the introduction of six direct exemptions for winners of selected international National Opens. This move is seen as a way to broaden the tournament's global reach and ensure the best players worldwide, regardless of their primary tour affiliation, have a clear path to Augusta.

Key Changes to the 2026 Masters Qualification Criteria

The new pathways, confirmed by Augusta National and The R&A, emphasize global performance and major championship success.
  • NEW Global Exemptions: The winners of six specific National Open tournaments will now receive direct invitations to the Masters and The Open Championship. These events include the Scottish Open, the Spanish Open, and four others to be confirmed, replacing the previous system that relied heavily on World Ranking thresholds for some international players.
  • Elimination of Fall Exemptions: The Masters has eliminated the exemptions previously granted to winners of certain PGA Tour fall events. This change reinforces the tournament's focus on the year's most high-profile and competitive events.
  • The Majors Remain King: The core criteria—winning the Masters, US Open, Open Championship, or PGA Championship in the last five years—remain the most prestigious and secure ways to qualify.
  • World Ranking Importance: The top 50 players in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) at the end of the calendar year and the week before the Masters will continue to receive invitations, though the emphasis on specific international tour wins has shifted.
This overhaul means that players who might have previously relied on a late-season PGA Tour win to sneak into the field will now have to target a National Open or maintain a higher world ranking. It is a clear strategic move to elevate the importance of international events.

The 2026 Masters Favorites: The Green Jacket Contenders

The field for the 2026 Masters is already taking shape, with a core group of players consistently listed as the betting favorites. These are the major champions and elite performers who have demonstrated the game and mental fortitude required to conquer Augusta National.

Top 5 Betting Favorites and Their Augusta History

1. Scottie Scheffler (USA)

The current world number one and a recent Masters champion, Scheffler is the undisputed betting favorite. His consistent ball-striking and superior short game make him the ideal player for Augusta's demanding layout. He holds multiple qualification categories, including his Masters victory and high world ranking.

2. Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland)

McIlroy remains the most compelling story in golf, needing only the Green Jacket to complete the career Grand Slam. His recent form suggests he is closer than ever, and his high odds reflect the belief that his major drought is nearing an end. He is a perennial contender and a huge fan favorite.

3. Jon Rahm (Spain)

A former Masters champion, Rahm's powerful game is perfectly suited for Augusta National. Despite his affiliation with the LIV Golf League, his lifetime exemption as a past champion ensures his place in the field, making him a major threat every year.

4. Ludvig Aberg (Sweden)

Aberg has quickly established himself as a generational talent. His impressive debut in a previous Masters tournament has cemented his status as a top contender. His youth, power, and composure make him a favorite to become one of the youngest Masters champions in history.

5. Bryson DeChambeau (USA)

The former US Open champion is always a talking point. DeChambeau's commitment to maximizing distance makes him a fascinating watch at Augusta. His ability to overpower the course, combined with his recent major championship contention, keeps him firmly in the mix of favorites.

Dark Horses and Emerging Threats: The Next Generation of Masters Players

Beyond the top favorites, several other players are poised to make a run at the Green Jacket in 2026. These players, often referred to as dark horses, possess the form and the skill set to surprise the field.
  • Collin Morikawa: A two-time major champion, Morikawa’s elite iron play is a massive advantage at Augusta. He only needs the Masters to complete his own career Grand Slam, and his methodical approach is built for major success.
  • Viktor Hovland: Known for his incredible ball-striking, Hovland has been steadily improving his finish at Augusta. A slight improvement in his short game could see him surge up the leaderboard.
  • Wyndham Clark: As a recent U.S. Open champion, Clark has proven he can win on the biggest stage. His confidence and aggressive style could translate into a strong Masters performance.
  • The Amateur Contenders: The Masters always invites the top amateur players, such as the US Amateur and Asia-Pacific Amateur champions. These young players, like Jose Luis Ballester in previous years, often provide some of the most inspiring stories of the week.

The Masters and Controversy: Player Narratives to Follow

The Masters is not without its drama, both on the course and off. The 2026 tournament will likely see the continuation of several high-profile narratives that add a layer of intrigue to the competition.

The LIV Golf Question

The ongoing dynamic between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf players remains a central topic. While past champions like Jon Rahm, Phil Mickelson, and Dustin Johnson have guaranteed spots, their performance and interaction with the PGA Tour contingent will be closely scrutinized. The Masters, as a major, serves as one of the few places where the world's best from all tours compete head-to-head.

The Style and Rules Spotlight

Even fashion can become controversial at Augusta. In a previous Masters, Jason Day was reportedly asked by tournament organizers to adjust his attire, a moment that highlighted the club's strict adherence to tradition and presentation. This focus on detail extends to the rules, where players like Brooks Koepka have been involved in high-profile rules controversies in the past. The scrutiny on every shot and every outfit is part of the Masters' unique charm. The 2026 Masters Tournament promises to be a spectacular event, defined by a newly diversified field and an intense battle between the current favorites and the rising generation of global talent. The new qualification rules ensure that the road to the Green Jacket is tougher and more international than ever before.
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