2026 Masters Tournament: Field, Favorites, and Key Storylines

The 90th edition of the Masters is set to tee off this Thursday at Augusta National. With the field now locked in, the golfing world is focused on whether the defending champion can retain his title or if a dominant force will claim a third Green Jacket.

The Favorites and Betting Odds

Current betting markets show a clear frontrunner heading into the tournament. Scottie Scheffler is the biggest favorite to win, with odds sitting at +550. Scheffler is chasing a historic milestone; another victory would produce him the first person to win the Masters at least three times since Tiger Woods won in 2019. Scheffler previously secured the title in 2022 and 2024.

Other top contenders on the odds board include:

• Bryson DeChambeau: +1000
• Matt Fitzpatrick: +2200
• Cameron Young: +2200

Momentum is a key factor for several players. Bryson DeChambeau enters the tournament having won his last two events on LIV Golf. Similarly, Matt Fitzpatrick arrives with a win and a runner-up finish in his last two starts, while Cameron Young has recorded a victory and a third-place finish in his most recent outings.

Defending Champion and Key Contenders

Rory McIlroy enters the 2026 Masters as the defending champion, having won the tournament in 2025. He remains one of the primary favorites to succeed at Augusta National this week.

The 2026 field features a deep roster of talent, including:

• Major Winners & Stars: Jon Rahm, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Jordan Spieth, and Hideki Matsuyama.
• Rising Talents: Ludvig Aberg, Xander Schauffele, and Viktor Hovland.
• Veterans: Bubba Watson, Justin Rose, and Sergio Garcia.

Notably, for the first time since 1994, neither Tiger Woods nor Phil Mickelson will compete in the event.

First Round Tee Times and Pairings

The opening round on Thursday will set the stage for the tournament. Key groupings include:

Scottie Scheffler

Scheffler will pair with Robert MacIntyre and Gary Woodland. His first-round tee time is scheduled for 1:44 PM ET on Thursday.

Rory McIlroy

The defending champion will tee off with Cameron Young and amateur Mason Howell. McIlroy’s first round begins at 10:31 AM ET on Thursday.

Key Takeaways for the 2026 Masters

As the tournament begins, the focus remains on whether the precision of Scheffler or the momentum of the LIV Golf stars can overcome the challenging fairways and fast greens of Augusta National.