Who Is the Defending Champion at the 2026 Masters?
Quick Answer:
Rory McIlroy is the defending Masters champion, having won the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National to complete the Career Grand Slam. He defends his title at the 2026 Masters, April 9–12, at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia.
The 2025 Masters: One of Golf's Most Emotional Victories
After winning four majors by age 25 — the 2011 US Open, 2012 PGA Championship, 2014 Open Championship, and 2014 PGA Championship — McIlroy endured an 11-year wait for the green jacket. When he finally won in 2025, he completed the Career Grand Slam, joining Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods as the only players in history to win all four majors.
2026 Masters: Key Details
- Dates: April 9–12, 2026
- Venue: Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia
- Defending champion: Rory McIlroy (won 2025)
Top Contenders for 2026
- Rory McIlroy — Defending champion, bidding to become first back-to-back Masters winner since Tiger Woods (2001–02)
- Scottie Scheffler — World No. 1, two-time Masters champion (2022, 2024), also chasing the Career Grand Slam
- Jon Rahm — 2023 Masters champion, consistently dangerous at Augusta
- Jordan Spieth — 2015 Masters winner, perennial contender
Masters Champions — Recent History
| Year | Champion |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Rory McIlroy |
| 2024 | Scottie Scheffler |
| 2023 | Jon Rahm |
| 2022 | Scottie Scheffler |
| 2021 | Hideki Matsuyama |
| 2020 | Dustin Johnson |
| 2019 | Tiger Woods |