The Masters 2026: Major contenders, Augusta National memories and why the tournament brings out the best in golf

There will be some of our viewers who remember in the 1980s and the wait for The Masters to begin.

The clock ticking towards 9pm, the several glances at the timepiece wishing the minutes away. It seemed to take an eternity from 8.45pm to 9pm but, when the top of the hour struck, the heavenly sight of Augusta National was beamed into our living rooms and all was right in our world.

With the evolution of time, the world now enjoys enhanced and extensive coverage of this eagerly anticipated sporting spectacle. The Masters is like a magnet to golfers and viewers, even non golfers from all over the globe. It lifts our hearts every spring and - for many - signifies the beginning of our golfing season.

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Heading towards its centenary, its history is rich with many images we recall with fondness. Its traditions remain strong, something Bobby Jones and the founder members would be proud of, and it upholds the manner and grace - as well as embracing the style and etiquette - in which golf has been played for centuries.

Golf courses in every country have benefitted from Augusta National. The exemplary presentation of the course has encouraged others to elevate their courses and golfers have enjoyed a higher standard of playing surfaces, enhancing their enjoyment of the sport.

'A golfing Mecca' - what makes Augusta so special?

My first visit to Augusta was memorable in 2000, after The Players. The 'Colonel' Bruce Critchley took me there and we were a guest of member George Whistler, who owned a water bottling company in Atlanta.

On arrival, we had lunch, played 18, then had dinner in the clubhouse before retiring to The Butler Cabin, where down the years the champions have been crowned. A second 18 followed in the morning before departure. It was an honour and a privilege and, a quarter of a century on, that visit stays fresh in my mind.

The first thing that hits you at this golfing Mecca is how orderly everything is. Some would say there are rules - I prefer the word, tradition. Everything is calm - tranquil, no running, no phones. A combination that allows everyone to watch and enjoy the golf.

Augusta is proud of its patrons, many who come back year after year to a sporting event that has been a significant part of their lives.

In recent years, I've taken an amble down to Amen Corner on the eve of the tournament. All is so quiet in this golfing Garden of Eden. As you stare at its majesty, you hear the cheers in your mind.

The Larry Mize chip-in at 11. Fred Couples' ball staying on the bank at 12, then the two-time splash of Jordan Spieth's approaches in 2016. Sir Nick Faldo's brilliant second to 13, along with the dramatic escape from the tall Georgia pines of Phil Mickelson.

Rory McIlroy's approach to 15 when all seemed lost, not forgetting Seve Ballesteros' second finding water. There's Tiger Woods' chip at 16 and Jack Nicklaus' putt at 17 - all of these moments come back to you, with each shot and many others etched in Augusta's history books.

The elegance and beauty of this amazing creation is there for all to see, but it comes with danger and every player is well aware. The second nine on Sunday is one of the truly great dates in the sporting calendar. How fortunate we are to see it.

Excitement building for the major season

You will all have your favourites and as always there are many genuine contenders for The Masters. With the weight of expectation off his broad shoulders, can McIlroy successfully defend?

McIlroy will have a busy week, which comes with being the defending champion, but I sense the wonderful and emotional memories will give him a strong focus. For the first time in 15 years, the expectation will be Rory's, not everyone else's, so I'd expect him to be in the conversation at the end.

Can Scottie Scheffler continue his excellence here? The immensely talented and consistent American - who has won twice in the past three years at Augusta National - can join McIlroy and the Grand Slammers at the US Open, on his 30th birthday, at Shinnecock Hills.

There is talk of Scheffler not being at his best this year, but over the last few years he's set the bar extremely high. Like McIlroy, he'll contend.

Another player during this year's major season can achieve golf's Holy Grail. A Jordan Spieth victory in the PGA Championship next month will see him complete the set. Augusta National inspires him, brings out the best in him and his trail through the Azaleas is much travelled and familiar.

In Cameron Young, we have a player who has come of age in the last nine months. A gifted individual who - after several close calls - now has belief and confidence in himself. It's also worth noting that Xander Schauffele is close to his superb form of 2024, which delivered two majors.

A British winner at The Masters?

It's nearly 40 years since we had a Scottish winner, yet the image of Sandy Lyle's famous last green jig after an escape from the fairway bunker seems just a few years ago. In Robert MacIntyre, the Scots have a major contender who excels under pressure, with a young nerve combined with extraordinary talent and composure on the grandest of stages.

A year ago, Matthew Fitzpatrick was in the doldrums languishing outside the world's top 80. After a near miss at TPC Sawgrass last month, his response was emphatic and his Valspar Championship win - his third on the PGA Tour - has him back inside the top 10.

I thought Fitzpatrick's Florida win was heart-warming. Only seven days before, his putt at the 72nd hole grazed the hole and The Players title slipped from his grasp. He immediately went over to congratulate Young's family by the back of the green. These are values that have forever been part of golf and to true fans and traditionalists.

Fitzpatrick's win the following week would have been a popular one and on this side of the pond, we would obviously like to see one of our own adorn the Green Jacket. The last English win was 10 years ago when Danny Willett produced one of the best final rounds - 13 pars and five birdies - to win by three.

Both Willett and Fitzpatrick are from Sheffield, if you believe in omens at Amen!

Counting down to McIlroy's title defence

Augusta continues to embrace and showcase its core values, not just for The Masters, but for the sport.

Elsewhere, in recent times at various events, some of golf's traditions have slipped. The second week in April will be a reminder of all that's good in golf - etiquette, sportsmanship, compassion, pressure and competition, and of course, no shortage of drama.

The full Sky Sports team will be be joined by Sir Nick Faldo, 30 years on from his third and final Masters win. His experience and insight of Augusta will add much to our broadcast, which once again is extensive.

Like you, I'm impatient for The Masters to begin. In fact, I'm already staring at the clock!

Who will win The Masters? Watch the opening major of the year exclusively live from April 9-12 on Sky Sports Golf. Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract.

(c) Sky Sports 2026: The Masters 2026: Major contenders, Augusta National memories and why the tournament brings out the best in golf