2026 Masters Predictions: Odds, Favorites, and Betting Picks

2026 Masters: Favorites, Odds, and Storylines at Augusta National

The 90th edition of the Masters begins this week at Augusta National Golf Club, marking a historic moment for the sport as practice officially kicks off on Monday, April 6, 2026. With a field of 91 golfers, the tournament arrives as a high-stakes clash between the established dominance of the PGA Tour and the surging form of LIV Golf’s top stars.

From the quest for back-to-back green jackets to the pursuit of a third title for the world’s top-ranked player, the storylines are as vivid as the blooming azaleas lining the course. Here is the comprehensive breakdown of the contenders, the odds, and the narratives shaping this year’s tournament.

Rory McIlroy: Defending the Green Jacket

For the first time in his career, Rory McIlroy enters the week as the defending champion. McIlroy’s victory in 2025 was a career-defining moment. he secured the title by defeating Justin Rose in a sudden-death playoff, sinking a 4-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole. That win not only earned him the green jacket but also made him only the sixth golfer in history to complete the career Grand Slam.

However, McIlroy’s bid to develop into the first back-to-back Masters champion since Tiger Woods (2001-2002) faces significant hurdles. He is currently battling back problems that have hampered his recent form, including a T46 finish at The Players and a withdrawal from the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Despite these struggles, McIlroy enters the week with the psychological freedom of having finally conquered Augusta.

Scottie Scheffler: The World No. 1’s Pursuit of History

Despite a slower start to the 2026 season, Scottie Scheffler remains the prohibitive favorite. The world number one and two-time Masters champion holds +550 odds at FanDuel, reflecting his historic dominance at Augusta National.

Scheffler’s preparation for this event was interrupted by the birth of his second child, which led to his withdrawal from the Houston Open. His recent PGA Tour starts have been uncharacteristically rusty, with finishes outside the Top 20 in consecutive tournaments for the first time since 2023. Nevertheless, his track record at this venue makes him the man to beat.

The LIV Golf Threat: DeChambeau and Rahm

The 2026 Masters is increasingly viewed as a showdown between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm have entered the week in tremendous form, both listed at +1000 odds to win via FanDuel.

• Bryson DeChambeau: Coming off consecutive LIV event victories, including a playoff win over Rahm, DeChambeau has seen his odds shorten from +1200.
• Jon Rahm: A previous Masters champion who recently won a LIV event prior to DeChambeau’s streak, Rahm is eyeing a return to the winner’s circle at Augusta.

2026 Masters Betting Odds and Top Contenders

While the “Big Four” dominate the conversation, several other players are positioned as dangerous contenders. Notably, Patrick Reed has returned to the DP World Tour after leaving LIV Golf ahead of this season.

Key Takeaways for the 2026 Masters

• The Field: 91 golfers are competing in the 90th edition of the tournament.
• Historic Stakes: Rory McIlroy seeks to become the first back-to-back winner since 2002; Scottie Scheffler looks for his third green jacket in five years.
• Form Shift: LIV Golf stars DeChambeau and Rahm are peaking at the right time, while PGA Tour favorites Scheffler and McIlroy have faced recent form or health setbacks.
• The Grand Slam: McIlroy’s 2025 victory solidified his place as the sixth player ever to complete the career Grand Slam.

As the first major championship of the season unfolds, the focus remains on whether the established order at Augusta National will hold or if the momentum from the LIV circuit will result in a new champion donning the green jacket.