The 90th Masters golf tournament has begun at Augusta National, Georgia USA. Heading towards its centenary year, with guaranteed stunning scenery, excited crowds, sporting prowess, and green jackets galore, this major is the best in the golf calendar but also creates incredible moments for photography. To celebrate the 2026 competition being underway, here are some incredible images from the Masters submitted to the Golf category of the World Sports Photography Awards competition which fans and non-fans alike will enjoy, including Rory McIlroy’s win for the grand slam in 2025.
Rory’s Grand Slam – Matthew Harris, Special Merit, World Sports Photography Awards 2026
Rory McIlroy celebrates completes the grand slam on the 18th hole of Augusta National Golf Club after a playoff with Justin Rose for the 2025 Masters Tournament win. Sunday, 13 April, 2025 at Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia.
Hatton Reacts – Ashley Landis, Finalist, World Sports Photography Awards 2025
Tyrrell Hatton, of England, reacts on the 11th hole during a practice round in preparation for the Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in Augusta, Georgia.
Masters Magic – Mark Baker, Special Merit, World Sports Photography Awards 2024
Jon Rahm, of Spain, celebrates on the 18th green after winning the Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on Sunday, April 9, 2023, in Augusta, Georgia.
Tiger Drip – Patrick Smith, Finalist, World Sports Photography Awards 2024
Sweat drips from the chin of Tiger Woods, of the United States, as he plays during the first round of the 2023 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 06, 2023 in Augusta, Georgia.
At Last – Ben Jared, Finalist, World Sports Photography Awards 2026
2024 Masters Tournament winner Scottie Scheffler gives 2025 winner Rory McIlroy the Masters green jacket at Augusta National Golf Club 2025. Sunday, 13 April, 2025 at Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia.
Phoneless Joy for Rory – Kieran Cleeves, Finalist, World Sports Photography Awards 2026
A phoneless crowd celebrates Rory McIlroy’s win at the Masters Tournament 2025, at Augusta National Golf Club. Sunday, 13 April, 2025 at Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia.
Augusta Window – Richard Heathcote, Finalist, World Sports Photography Awards 2026
Bryson DeChambeau of the United States plays a shot on the driving range during a practice round prior to the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 08, 2025 in Augusta, Georgia.
The next edition of World Sports Photography Awards will be open for entries later in the year, and I’m on the judging panel! Stay tuned for more news from the competition soon, but for now, see the latest winners here.
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