Masters Tournament 2026: Final Round Tees Off Under Sunny Skies
Masters Tournament 2026: Final Round Tees Off Under Sunny Skies...
The 90th Masters Tournament reaches its climax today as the final round begins at Augusta National Golf Club. With clear skies and mild temperatures forecast, conditions are ideal for what promises to be a dramatic conclusion to golf's first major of 2026.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler enters Sunday with a two-stroke lead over rising star Tom Kim after shooting a 5-under 67 in Saturday's third round. Defending champion Jon Rahm sits three shots back in a tie for third with PGA Tour veteran Justin Thomas.
Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley confirmed all grandstands will operate at full capacity today, marking the first completely unrestricted Masters since 2019. Ticket resale prices have surged past $2,500 for Sunday badges as fans flock to see the azaleas in peak bloom.
The tournament is trending nationally as Americans tune in for the traditional Sunday back-nine drama. CBS's coverage begins at 2 PM ET, with featured group streaming available via Masters.com and the ESPN+ app. Final round pairings will begin at 10:15 AM ET off both tees.
This year's event carries special significance as the first Masters played since the PGA Tour's controversial merger with LIV Golf last December. Several former LIV players received special invitations to compete, including past champions Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson.
Local businesses in Augusta report record sales this week, with hotels completely booked through Monday. The tournament's economic impact is estimated to exceed $150 million for the Georgia region.
Security remains tight following last year's protest incident on the 13th hole. Augusta National has implemented new screening procedures while maintaining its signature spectator-friendly atmosphere. Tournament officials expect over 40,000 patrons on the grounds today.
Sunday's winner will receive $3.6 million from the record $20 million purse and the coveted green jacket. The champion will be presented in Butler Cabin shortly after the final putt drops, expected around 7 PM ET if weather holds.
