Masters Shockers & Valero Recap - April 7th, 2026

On April 7th, 2026, we pivot from J.J. Spaun's dramatic Valero Texas Open victory to a bombshell week of 90th Masters off-course news, including Tiger Woods' rehab, Phil Mickelson's withdrawal, and Rory McIlroy's Champions Dinner.VALERO TEXAS OPENJ.J. Spaun secures a dramatic one-stroke victory at the Valero Texas Open, holding off a fierce chase from Matt Wallace after Robert MacIntyre suffered a devastating collapse on the 18th hole.The weekend leaderboard was heavily shaped by preferred lies and Michael Kim putting on an absolute ball-striking clinic.David Ford's meticulous AimPoint reads and Kevin Yu's memorable putt added a final spark to an already wild tournament finish.90TH MASTERS: OFF-COURSE BOMBSHELLSThe golf world is reeling as Tiger Woods enters rehab following a Florida DUI rollover involving hydrocodone and an ultimatum from Vanessa Trump, while Phil Mickelson also withdraws.Tiger stated, "I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health," while Phil cited a need to "navigate a personal health matter."Defending 2025 champion Rory McIlroy made sure to honor both absent legends at his Champions Dinner, noting, "I want to make sure that they are acknowledged as well."CHAMPIONS DINNER & TOURNAMENT FAVORITESRory McIlroy served up a feast of elk sliders, Wagyu, and his mom's bacon-wrapped dates, while tournament favorites Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau arrived at Augusta with entirely different new additions.+1000 favorite Bryson DeChambeau is putting lead tape on his driver's crown—prompting Michael Breed to call it "something I have never seen before."+500 favorite Scottie Scheffler arrived with his 10-day-old son, Remy, with Amanda Balionis noting the new dad is "a little extra amped up."ROSTER SHAKE-UPS & AMATEUR DREAMSPatrick Reed is leaving LIV Golf for the DP World Tour amid a PGA Tour suspension, while 39-year-old real estate agent Brandon Holtz prepares for a magical amateur debut.Reed explained his tour move is to be a present father and "watch them grow up."Holtz has his dad, Jeff, caddying, who advised his son to "keep it light look around enjoy this and now focus" as they finally see "what is behind that rope."Quick HitsMichael Kim's elite ball striking • David Ford's AimPoint tactics • Kevin Yu's clutch putt Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.