The Masters: When it starts, how to watch, betting odds for golf's first major of 2026

AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Prime Video will make its foray into covering the 90th Masters on Thursday by exclusively live-streaming the first two hours of the first two rounds from amidst the azaleas and dogwoods at Augusta National.

As part of its debut, Prime Video will feature Inside Amen Corner, a dedicated feed that will offer a stats-enhanced viewing experience and an in-depth look into how players attack the famed 11th, 12th and 13th holes. The feed will feature real-time ball tracking and swing analysis.

Prime Video's coverage will begin at 1 p.m. ET. ESPN will take over at 3 p.m. on the weekday rounds through 7:30 p.m. On the weekend, Paramount+ will get started at noon, and CBS will carry live tournament coverage from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

And that’s not all.

For those who can’t get enough, the Masters is offering live video channels with a menu that includes featured pairings; live action from the fourth, fifth and sixth holes; Amen Corner and the 15th and 16th holes.

Here is a look at what you need to know leading up to the Masters.

At 7:25 a.m. EDT on Thursday, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson again are scheduled to hit the ceremonial tee shots. And then Johnny Keefer hits the first shot that counts.

Here are the tee times for the first two rounds.

The field is 91 players, keeping with another Masters tradition. Augusta National prefers fewer than 100 players in the field, and it’s been that way dating to 1967.

Scottie Scheffler is the betting favorite, according to BetMGM Sportsbook, which lists the world’s No. 1 player at +600. He is followed by Jon Rahm (+1000), defending champion Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau (+1200), and Ludvig Aberg and Xander Schauffele (+1400).

Some of the trendy picks this year include Cameron Young (+2000), Matt Fitzpatrick (+2200), Justin Rose (+3000) and Akshay Bhatia (+5500).

Some of the many other things bettors can wager on include a player’s score on a particular hole, American versus international players, and whether there will be a hole-in-one in the tournament or if there will be a playoff.

Scheffler seeks to continue his recent streak of winning on even-numbered years at the Masters — he won here in 2022 and in 2024 — and become only the ninth player to earn three green jackets.

But questions surround his game.

He won his first tournament of the year at The American Express, then followed by closing strong for top-five finishes at Phoenix and Pebble Beach. Since then he’s looked very un-Schefflerlike, finishing outside the top 10 in three straight events and outside of the top 20 in the last two.

Tiger Woods will miss the Masters for the second straight year. He was arrested March 27 in Florida on a driving under the influence charge. No alcohol was found in his system, but authorities determined he was impaired. Opioid pain pills were found in his pocket at the scene, according to authorities.

Woods pleaded not guilty last week, and then issued a statement saying he was taking an indefinite leave to seek treatment.

His absence has been noted this week, although Jason Day questioned why he was behind the wheel of a car.

Phil Mickelson is not playing the Masters for only the third time as a pro. Mickelson says his family is navigating through a personal health matter. He already has missed four of five LIV Golf events because of the situation.

That means for the first time since 1994 neither Mickelson nor Woods is at Augusta National. Back then, Woods was a senior in high school who had yet to become eligible. Mickelson broke a bone in his left leg skiing a few months before the Masters.

The buzz is the new player services building located behind the driving range, a three-level structure with an indoor parking garage beneath the members range. It has a gym and recovery room on one level, an enormous locker room on the second level and dining for players, family and support staff on the third level.

And for those who manage to get a ticket, the Masters has a new candy bar in its concession. The name of it: Candy Bar.

No matter what happens this week at Augusta National, it will be tough to top last year’s drama.

In one of the most memorable Masters ever, McIlroy lost a four-shot lead on the back nine, regained the lead, lost it again and wound up in a playoff with Rose. The North Irishman won on the first extra hole with a gap wedge to 3 feet for birdie and celebrated by covering his head, dropping to his knees and putting his forehead on the green while his chest heaved with emotion.

The career Grand Slam was finally his, mercifully ending an 11-year wait.

This year, McIlroy aims to become only the fourth player to win back-to-back Masters and the first since Woods in 2001-02. The first to do it was Nicklaus (1965–66), followed by Nick Faldo (1989–90).

The most interesting of the 22 newcomers is Chris Gotterup. He’s only the third player since World War II to win four times before he plays in his first Masters. Gotterup first qualified by winning the Scottish Open. He won the Sony Open and Phoenix Open earlier this year.

Three players from the top 20 in the world are making their debut — Ben Griffin, who played in his first Ryder Cup last September, and Riviera winner Jacob Bridgeman, who went to nearby Clemson.

Also playing are Kristoffer Reitan of Norway and Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen of Denmark, part of a record eight players from Nordic countries.

This story has been corrected to fix the spelling of Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen's last name.

AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf

Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, waves after his putt on the 18th hole during the third round of the Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club, Saturday, April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, reacts after missing a putt on the 18th hole during the third round of the Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club, Saturday, April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, waves after his putt on the 18th hole during the third round of the Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club, Saturday, April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Patrons watch on the 17th hole during the third round of the Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club, Saturday, April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Sam Burns watches his tee shot on the 12th hole during the second round of the Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club, Friday, April 10, 2026, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Patrick Reed watches his tee shot on the 12th hole during the second round of the Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club, Friday, April 10, 2026, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Bryson DeChambeau reacts to his shot from the fairway on the second hole during the second round of the Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club, Friday, April 10, 2026, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, walks to the tee on the 14th hole during the second round of the Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club, Friday, April 10, 2026, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, waves after his putt on the 13th hole during the second round of the Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club, Friday, April 10, 2026, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, leaves the green on the 18th hole after his first round of the Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club, Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Jacob Bridgeman celebrate after chipping in on the 18th hole during the first round of the Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club, Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Justin Rose, of England, walks off the green on the 17th hole during the first round of the Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club, Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Bryson DeChambeau watches his tee shot on the 12th hole during the first round of the Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club, Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Justin Rose, of England, putts on the 15th hole during the first round of the Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club, Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Scottie Scheffler, right, Gary Woodland, center and Johnny Keefer walks to green on the 16th hole during a practice round ahead of the Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club, Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

A patrons watches during a practice round ahead of the Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club, Monday, April 6, 2026, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, watches his tee shot on the ninth hole during a practice round ahead of the Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club, Tuesday, April 7, 2026, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

The golf bag of Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, sits near the 13th hole as he putts during a practice round ahead of the Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club, Tuesday, April 7, 2026, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

FILE - Scottie Scheffler puts the green Jacket on winner, Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, at the Masters golf tournament, April 13, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis, File)

FILE - Dogwood flowers frame the clubhouse during a practice round for the Masters golf tournament on April 5, 2021, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)

FILE - The Augusta National clubhouse during a practice round at the Masters golf tournament in Augusta, Ga., April 7, 2010. (AP Photo/Rob Carr, File)

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — The end of California’s chaotic primary season for governor and Los Angeles mayor was approaching as leading candidates rushed to deliver their closing arguments days before voting concludes on Tuesday.

Former U.S. health secretary Xavier Becerra has called for “hot competence summer" in his bid for governor, promoting his decades of public service as evidence he has what it takes to lead the nation’s most populous state.

Republican Steve Hilton pledged an end to a “bloated, nanny-state bureaucracy” during remarks outside the state Capitol on Wednesday.

Billionaire climate activist Tom Steyer told reporters this week in Berkeley, California, that he has made it his life's work to advance progressive causes, a mission he'll bring to Sacramento.

They are seeking to stand out in a field of roughly 60 names on a single gubernatorial ballot, regardless of party, under California’s top-two primary system. The two candidates who receive the most votes Tuesday will face off in the general election to replace Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, who can’t seek a third term.

The crowded race includes Democrats Becerra, Steyer, former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter, and Matt Mahan, the mayor of San Jose. Hilton, a former Fox News host backed by President Donald Trump, and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco are the most prominent Republicans in the race.

As of Friday afternoon, 13% of voters had cast their ballots. That included 13% of Democrats and 18% of Republicans, according to a tracker by Democratic strategist Paul Mitchell. The breakdown is unusual because Democrats in recent years have tended to vote early while many Republicans wait until Election Day.

Some Democrats have been waiting to cast their ballots to see if a candidate breaks away from the pack in the final days, or because they are unimpressed with the crowded field.

In Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass is vying for reelection against critics who question her leadership of the nation’s second-largest city, and had several stops planned Saturday to try and pull ahead of her competitors.

Those include Spencer Pratt, a registered Republican who gained a name on the reality TV show “The Hills," and Nithya Raman, a progressive city councilmember. The race is officially nonpartisan.

The contenders have been traveling across the state that includes roughly 23 million registered voters as they seek an edge over rivals. Becerra, Hilton, Steyer and Bianco will all be in the San Francisco Bay Area this weekend. Fresno and Los Angeles have also been popular campaign stops.

Becerra has been highlighting the more than 35 years he's spent in state and federal office.

“This is not a place for on-the-job training,” he said on a podcast hosted by political commentator Ana Navarro. “You better know what you’re doing.”

He’ll hit a text-banking event with Democratic Attorney General Rob Bonta in San Francisco and rally with the Service Employees International Union in San Jose.

Hilton has been selling himself as someone who would bring a fresh set of eyes to state government, reduce regulations, and bring down housing and energy costs. In a social media video posted Saturday night, Hilton warned Republican votes to unite behind him or risk a “doomsday scenario” of losing a spot in the general election. He urged Bianco to suspend his campaign in the race's final days.

“If we don't get together as a party, if we don't unite, then we could have Tom Steyer and Xavier Becerra in the general election and that is a disaster for California — it means no change,” Hilton said.

He's pushed a message he has said is not ideological but commonsense, with a focus on cutting prices. Hilton held a town hall Silicon Valley on Saturday night. Hilton has been cautious not to emphasize Trump’s endorsement. If he advances to the November election, he will need to appeal to voters outside his party to win in the Democrat-dominated state that hasn’t had a Republican governor since 2011.

Steyer is a billionaire who, on X Saturday, said he's the “only candidate who would support the billionaire tax in November." The candidate has framed the race as a contest between three candidates: himself, Hilton and Becerra. Steyer has described Hilton as “a hard-right Republican who’s endorsed by Donald Trump.”

Steyer on Saturday focused several social media posts on Becerra, repeating an argument he recently told a crowd of supporters at a sports bar in Berkeley. Becerra, “to my surprise, is a corporate Democrat," he said, referencing Becerra's acceptance of campaign contributions from Chevron.

“And the third person’s me,” he said. “And I am running because Californians can’t afford to live here anymore.”

Steyer’s headed to a campaign rally Saturday in San Francisco to put a finer point on his message to voters.

Mahan, meanwhile, mingled with voters in Los Angeles, Porter motivated campaign volunteers in Orange County, and Bianco will laid out his vision at a church in San Jose. He didn't immediately respond to Hilton's social media plea for him to exit the race.

“Knock loud, be proud," Porter urged her supporters as they set out to encourage voters to turn in their ballots.

Bass is pursuing her second term after a tumultuous first, which included devastating wildfires and a rebuilding process that critics say is too slow.

The mayor has focused her reelection on the progress that has been made, such a decrease in street homelessness, which she leaned into on a livestream on Instagram Saturday before going after her opponent, Pratt.

“You have a failed reality TV star who wants to be famous,” she told two actresses on the livestream, before seemingly referencing President Donald Trump. “We know what it means if you put somebody who is a reality TV star in a seat of power.”

Pratt, who loss of his home in the wildfires became central to his campaign against Bass, is running a buzzy, social media driven campaign with populist messaging with promises to rid the city of disorder and dysfunction. On Saturday on X, Pratt threw out a few attacks at Raman, the city councilwoman, who both Pratt and Bass have, in different ways, tried to paint as too progressive.

Raman's campaign is partly focused on affordability and infrastructure. Both Raman and Pratt have attacked Bass for her response to the wildfires, though their recent posts have been directed at each other.

In a video posted to Instagram Saturday, Raman cited a recent poll. “After millions of dollars of spending against us, we are still here and we are still competitive," she said, before asking people to vote ahead of Tuesday.

A November runoff appears likely because there are more than a dozen names on the ballot.

Associated Press journalist Terry Chea in Berkeley, California, contributed to this report.

California gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer speaks with reporters during a campaign event in Berkeley, Calif., Wednesday, May 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Terry Chea)

California gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra speaks during a campaign event in West Hollywood, Calif., Thursday, May 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)