The Masters Tournament, celebrating its 89th edition, is set to take place from April 10 to 13 at the esteemed Augusta National Golf Club. Renowned for its challenging course, the club stretches over 7,555 yards with a par set at 72. Though the prize money for the event is yet to be finalized, it is anticipated to reach a substantial $20 million in 2024.
The competition will feature 96 players, including five amateurs, with the cut being determined by the top 50 scores and ties. Scottie Scheffler enters the tournament as the defending champion, having triumphed last year with an impressive 4-under 68 during the final round, securing a four-shot victory. In that riveting session, Ludvig Aberg, Collin Morikawa, and Max Homa had potential opportunities to seize the title, but each succumbed to crucial mistakes. Morikawa faltered on the 9th by struggling in a bunker, Aberg found the water on the 11th hole, and Homa ended up with a double bogey after navigating the bushes behind the 12th green.
Absent from this year’s Masters will be Tiger Woods, who is recovering from surgery for a ruptured Achilles tendon, a procedure he underwent on March 11. This absence marks his first since he faced a car accident in 2021. In contrast, Rory McIlroy arrives at Augusta with momentum, boasting two victories this season, as he aspires to achieve the career Grand Slam.
The tournament’s betting odds favor Scottie Scheffler at +450, followed by Rory McIlroy at +650. Other notable players like Collin Morikawa and Jon Rahm stand at +1400, Bryson DeChambeau at +1600, with Ludvig Aberg, Justin Thomas, and Xander Schauffele listed at +2000. McIlroy’s 17th appearance at the Masters places him in a league with legends such as Sergio Garcia, who appeared 19 times before his win.
This year’s field is historically diverse, drawing competitors from 26 different countries and territories. This global participation highlights the tournament’s growing international appeal. Reflecting on the unique ambiance of Augusta National, Scottie Scheffler expressed that entering the grounds feels transformative, as all external distractions seem to fade away.
Fans can tune in to catch the action on ESPN from 3 to 7:30 p.m. during the first two days, while weekend coverage will be shared between Paramount+ from noon to 2 p.m. and CBS from 2 to 7 p.m. The official Masters website offers interactive features, providing live coverage from specific holes, such as the 4th, 5th, 6th, as well as the famous Amen Corner, and more. The Masters iPad app will also stream these live channels, alongside CBS Sports’ weekend broadcast.