What is the Masters?

The Masters is one of the most prestigious events in men’s professional golf, and some of the best golfers to play the sport have won it since the first edition in 1934.

Stars of the game to have won the Masters in recent years include Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler and Jon Rahm.

Jack Nicklaus has won the most Masters titles with six in total. He won his first in 1963 and his last over 20 years later in 1986.

McIlroy won the most recent edition in 2025 to claim his first Masters victory.

So, what is the Masters, and why does is it held in such high regard in the sport?

Ahead of the 90th edition of the tournament, here’s everything you need to know.

The Masters explained

The Masters is one of four major championships in men’s professional golf. The other major tournaments are The Open Championship, the PGA Championship and the US Open.

These are seen as the most prestigious golf tournaments in the men’s game and have an elevated status when compared with regular tour events.

Played once a year in April, the Masters is different from the other three majors as it is the only one held at the same venue every year: Augusta National in Georgia, USA.

Augusta National is an exclusive golf club where there is no public access to the course.

It is a 72-hole competition that lasts for four days, starting on Thursday morning with round one and finishing on Sunday afternoon with round four.

A smaller field of players contends at the Masters. Between 90 and 100 players are invited to compete, which is less players than a regular professional golf event.

After Friday’s second round, only the top 50 players and those tied for 50th place on the leaderboard play in the final two rounds at the weekend. The lowest score across four rounds wins.

In the case of a tie after 72 holes, the tied players play a sudden death play-off to decide the winner. 

The winner receives the iconic Green Jacket. It is one of the most recognisable prizes in sport and has been awarded to Masters champions since 1949.

It was a tradition started by former professional golfer Sam Snead. In 1937, members began to wear green jackets to help identify themselves to guests.

Additionally, the winner is invited the Champion’s Dinner every year – an exclusive and private gathering that celebrates past champions.