Rory McIlroy will make his return to the Augusta National Golf Club in 2026, this time as the defending champion. The pressure will be on as he looks to defend his green jacket against a strong field of competitors, including some surprising names who have also secured invites to the prestigious Masters tournament. Let us take a closer look at these surprising golf pros who will be joining McIlroy on the fairways of Augusta.
The first name on our list is Scottie Scheffler. The young American golfer has had a phenomenal rise in the world of golf in recent years. He first caught the attention of fans and experts with his impressive performance at the 2020 PGA Championship, where he finished tied fourth. Scheffler also had a strong showing at the 2021 Masters, finishing tied 19th in his debut appearance. With two top-20 finishes at Augusta under his belt, there is no doubt that Scheffler has what it takes to secure the green jacket in 2026.
Next up is Jon Rahm, who has been making waves in the golf world since turning pro in 2016. The Spaniard has consistently been ranked in the world’s top 10 and has multiple PGA Tour wins to his name. Rahm also has a strong record at Augusta, with two top-10 finishes in his last three appearances. With his superb ball striking and consistent performance, Rahm is definitely a top contender for the green jacket in 2026.
Moving on, we have the surprise inclusion of Phil Mickelson. The five-time major champion will be 56 years old in 2026, but his love for Augusta and his remarkable form at the Masters cannot be ignored. Mickelson has won the tournament three times and has a total of 12 top-10 finishes at Augusta. Despite his age, Mickelson continues to defy the odds and is a fan favorite for his never-say-die attitude. A win for Mickelson in 2026 would undoubtedly make for a fairytale ending to his illustrious career.
Another surprising name on the Masters 2026 invite list is Collin Morikawa. The 24-year-old has already made a name for himself in the golf world, winning two major championships in just two years on the PGA Tour. Morikawa’s precision with his irons and his calmness under pressure make him a formidable competitor on any course, and Augusta is no exception. With his impressive track record, it would not be surprising to see Morikawa contending for the green jacket in 2026.
Last but not least, we have the Canadian golf sensation, Brooke Henderson. Henderson has been dominating the LPGA Tour since turning pro in 2015, with multiple wins and top-10 finishes under her belt. She also has a stellar record at the ANA Inspiration, one of the LPGA Tour’s major championships, which is played on a course with similar characteristics to Augusta National. With her powerful driving and precise putting, Henderson could become the first woman to win the Masters in 2026.
In conclusion, the Masters 2026 will be a highly anticipated tournament with a strong field of competitors, including some surprising names. While defending champion Rory McIlroy will have his work cut out for him, he will also have to keep a close eye on the likes of Scottie Scheffler, Jon Rahm, Phil Mickelson, Collin Morikawa, and Brooke Henderson, who all have the potential to secure the iconic green jacket. The stage is set for an enthralling battle at the Augusta National Golf Club, and only time will tell who will emerge victorious in 2026.