It's officially Masters week! The tradition unlike any other is underway for the 90th playing of the tournament at iconic Augusta National as top golfers vie for the coveted green jacket and fans watch all the picturesque on-course action.
The Masters marks the first major of the professional golf season and is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious tournaments and courses in the world.
The exclusive, invite-only field is comprised of past Masters champions and other PGA tournament winners, which this year expanded with six new qualifications that provide "an invitation to winners of select national open championships across several international tours."
The legendary par-72 course designed by Dr. Alister MacKenzie and Bobby Jones is well known for its pristinely manicured grounds, with holes named after the surrounding flora, such as No. 5 Magnolia and No. 13 Azalea.
Equally as timeless are the fan-favorite, signature Southern concessions. Hit menu items include the pimento cheese and egg salad sandwiches, just $1.50 each, plus sweet treats like Georgia pecan caramel popcorn for $2 and Georgia peach ice cream sandwiches for $3. The fare has become a catalyst for at-home kits and Augusta-inspired menus and pop-ups nationwide during Masters week.
The Masters begins with the practice rounds on Monday and Tuesday, before the beloved family-filled Par 3 contest on Wednesday, in which players compete in a nine-hole round as their wives, girlfriends and children sport the classic white caddie coveralls.
Tournament play officially begins Thursday and will finish Sunday, April 12.
Reigning champion Rory McIlroy has returned to Augusta and will host the "most exclusive dinner in all of sport" for the Champions Dinner on Tuesday night with fellow past winners, but noted in an interview with Golf Channel that Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson will be missed.
"Unfortunately, there will be a couple of guys that won't be in that room, which is a shame, but I want to make sure that they're acknowledged as well," he said. "They've been two of the greatest champions that the Masters has ever seen. But it's going to be a really cool night. I can't wait. I hope everyone enjoys the dinner and enjoys everything that I've selected."
Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson won't play this year
Last month, Woods was charged with driving under the influence with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test during an accident in Jupiter Island, Martin County Sheriff's Office said, as previously reported by ABC News.
Since the incident, the five-time Masters winner waived his right to an arraignment and entered a not guilty plea last week.
Woods broke his silence last week and announced he is stepping away from the sport to seek treatment and focus on his health.
Last week, Mickelson -- a three-time Masters winner -- announced on social media that he will not play in the tournament and "will be out for an extended period of time" as his family continues to "navigate a personal health matter."
"I have great respect for Augusta National Golf Club and it is definitely the most special week of the year," Mickelson wrote in a statement. "I wish everyone the best of luck and will be watching."
This marks the first Masters in 32 years without Woods or Mickelson.
Top contenders to watch at Augusta
As McIlroy chases a repeat win, two-time Masters champion and World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is among those in the field, teeing off less than two weeks after his wife Meredith gave birth to their second son, Remy.
Among the rest of the 91-player field, Cameron Young is seeking his first green jacket off the heels of his biggest career win at The Players Championship, which is widely referred to as an unofficial major that takes place just weeks before the Masters.
Bryson DeChambeau, who was in contention in the final pairing last year with McIlroy and finished tied for fifth, recently won back-to-back LIV Golf League events and was ranked among the top contenders by ESPN to potentially win his first Masters this year.
Coverage of the Tournament is available across multiple platforms, including online and the official Masters app with broadcast coverage.
Click here for the full tournament schedule, including various viewing options from the driving range to specific holes and pairings.
Thursday and Friday will be broadcast on Amazon Prime and ESPN. Saturday and Sunday will be broadcast on Paramount+ and CBS.
