The 2026 Masters Field Is (Almost) Set — and It's Loaded With Storylines

The 90th Masters Tournament is nine days away, and the field is all but finalized at 93 players. But “all but finalized” is doing a LOT of heavy lifting this year, because the biggest name on the list still hasn’t confirmed he’s showing up.

Let’s break down who earned their way in this week, who got left out, and the elephant-sized question mark hovering over Augusta National.

Woodland’s Ticket to Augusta

Gary Woodland’s five-shot victory at the Houston Open didn’t just complete one of the greatest comeback stories in golf history — it punched his ticket to the Masters for the first time since 2023.

Woodland’s exemption from his 2019 U.S. Open win had expired, and he missed last year’s Masters entirely. Now he’s back, riding the highest of highs, with a tournament-record 21-under at Memorial Park and the kind of momentum that makes him genuinely dangerous at Augusta.

“I know this gets me in the Masters, I know it gets me in the PGA,” Woodland said Sunday. “I’m looking forward to that.”

He’s played in 12 previous Masters with just one top-20 (T-14 in 2023). But this is a different Woodland. This is a guy who went public about his PTSD, felt “1,000 pounds lighter,” and then went out and dominated a PGA Tour field by five shots. Don’t sleep on him.

Four More OWGR Qualifiers

Woodland wasn’t the only one who locked up a Masters invite this week:

Nicolai Hojgaard — Finished solo second (-16), moved from 47th to 36th in the OWGR. Third straight Masters appearance. The 24-year-old shot 62-63 in rounds two and three before faltering Sunday with a 71. He’ll be at Augusta with something to prove.
Daniel Berger — Quietly secured his spot inside the top 50. Berger’s been grinding his way back from wrist injuries and this is a nice reward.
Jake Knapp — The big-hitting 29-year-old gets his first Masters invite. Augusta’s length suits his game perfectly.
Matt McCarty — Another first-timer who’s been playing solid, consistent golf all season.

The Heartbreak: Michael Thorbjornsen

This one stings. Thorbjornsen entered the week at No. 56, needing roughly a top-6 finish to crack the top 50. He was in great position at T-3 heading into Sunday before closing with a 2-over 72, dropping to T-14.

No Masters for the 23-year-old. Not yet. But his time is coming — the talent is undeniable.

The Tiger Question

Here’s where things get complicated.

Tiger Woods was arrested for DUI on March 27 after a rollover crash in Florida. He’s been released on bail. He has not played a competitive round since the 2024 Open Championship. He had a seventh back surgery in October 2025.

And he still hasn’t said whether he’s playing the Masters.

Augusta National has him listed in the field as a past champion. Legally, there’s nothing stopping him from playing — his bail conditions don’t restrict travel. But the optics are… complicated.

During an appearance on Fox News, President Trump said Woods would not be playing. But Trump isn’t exactly Augusta National’s official spokesperson, and no one from Tiger’s camp has confirmed or denied anything.

We wrote an opinion piece arguing Tiger should skip it. That stance hasn’t changed. But knowing Tiger, the smart money might still be on him showing up. He’s never been one to back down.

The Masters field lists 93 players, but that number includes Tiger. If he withdraws, it drops to 92 — plus whoever wins the Valero Texas Open next week (if they’re not already qualified).

One Spot Left: Valero Texas Open

The last Masters invitation goes to the winner of next week’s Valero Texas Open at TPC San Antonio, provided they’re not already in the field. Brian Harman is the defending champion and already qualified as a past Open Championship winner.

For guys who missed the cut at OWGR — Thorbjornsen, Rickie Fowler, and others — the Texas Open is the absolute last chance. Win or go home. Well, win or watch from home.

The Big Picture

This Masters field is stacked with storylines before a single practice round ball is hit:

Woodland’s comeback from brain surgery and PTSD
Tiger’s DUI cloud hanging over everything
Scheffler defending after a supposed “slump” (he’s still the favorite)
Rory McIlroy hosting the Champions Dinner as a first-time green jacket owner
Koepka and DeChambeau from LIV chasing career Grand Slams
Fowler watching from his couch after missing the cut in Houston

April 9 can’t get here fast enough.

The Masters begins Thursday, April 9 at Augusta National Golf Club. We’ll have full preview coverage, betting picks, and hole-by-hole breakdowns in the coming days.