Steve Sands Previews The 2026 Masters

Steve Sands, veteran Golf Channel and NBC sportscaster, joins The Sports Junkies to preview the 2026 Masters ahead of the tournament at Augusta National. With 23 Masters appearances under his belt, Sands reflects on his long career, the evolving nature of the course, and the emotional significance of the event. He highlights the historic absence of Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson—marking the first time since 1994 they won’t both play—framing it as a true passing of the torch to a new generation. Sands discusses the form and readiness of key players like Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy, who’ve skipped recent events to rest, and emphasizes the importance of a strong opening round at Augusta. He also shares insights on under-the-radar contenders, including Justin Rose’s enduring competitiveness and Jacob Bridgman’s surprising FedEx Cup lead, while cautioning against overvaluing stats like putting rankings in Augusta’s unique conditions. The conversation touches on player quirks, superstitions, and the unpredictable magic of sports storytelling.