Masters 2026: Ranking favorites, contenders, hopefuls and everyone else - ESPN

AUGUSTA, Ga. — For the first time in his career, Rory McIlroy will drive down Magnolia Lane this week as a Masters champion.

And, for the first time, McIlroy won't be carrying the burden of having never won a green jacket as he prepares for the first major championship of the season at Augusta National Golf Club.

Nearly a year ago, McIlroy made a 4-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole to defeat England's Justin Rose on the first hole of a sudden-death playoff.

With his long-awaited Masters victory, McIlroy became only the sixth golfer to complete the career Grand Slam.

«No, this is going to be the first time I drive down Magnolia Lane, and it's all going to be about enjoying my week,» McIlroy said. «You know, enjoying the perks that come along with being a Masters champion: having a parking space in the champions' car park to using the champions' locker room. You know, hosting the dinner on Tuesday night.

»The thing is, I know I get to go back to the Masters Tournament for the rest of my life, and that's quite a freeing feeling."

Can McIlroy do it again? Will Scottie Scheffler find his groove and slip on a green jacket for the third time in the past five years? Or will a couple of LIV Golf stars, Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm, come out on top?

Here's a look at the 91 golfers in the field, from the guys who can win to those who are simply trying to make the cut.

Some folks might have questions about Scheffler's game heading into the Masters, but he's already won two green jackets and is still the best golfer in the world. Back problems have put McIlroy's chances of a repeat in doubt. Collin Morikawa was playing like one of the best golfers in the world before he hurt his back. Can DeChambeau's success in the LIV Golf League