2026 Masters Tournament Heats Up: Scheffler Leads Favorites Amid Expert Predictions and Longshot Bets
Augusta, GA – The prestigious 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club is set to tee off this week, drawing a field of 91 players including 17 past champions. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler enters as the overwhelming favorite at around +500 odds, aiming for a third green jacket after victories in 2022 and 2024.[1][7]
Scheffler, who has dominated the Official World Golf Ranking for nearly three years and notched his 20th PGA Tour win earlier this year, boasts a stellar Masters record with top-10 finishes in four straight appearances. SportsLine’s advanced golf model, which has nailed 16 majors, simulated the tournament 10,000 times and highlights Scheffler’s strong contention despite a recent winless streak and withdrawal for his son’s birth.[1][9]
Top Contenders and Odds Breakdown
Betting markets across platforms like DraftKings, FanDuel, and Polymarket show Scheffler leading at +485 to +550, followed closely by LIV Golf stars Jon Rahm (+910 to +1000) and Bryson DeChambeau (+1000 to +1075).[7][8][12] Reigning champion Rory McIlroy, who completed the career Grand Slam in 2025 by defeating Justin Rose in a playoff, sits at +1150 to +1300 after his first major win since 2014.[6][7]
Xander Schauffele (+1500 to +1800), Ludvig Åberg (+1650), Cameron Young (+2300), and Tommy Fleetwood (+2300) round out the next tier of favorites. Polymarket’s prediction market reflects crowd wisdom with Scheffler at 14% implied probability, Rahm at 7.8%, McIlroy at 7%, and DeChambeau at 7%, backed by over $77 million in volume.[2]
| Player | Odds to Win | Notable |
|---|---|---|
| Scottie Scheffler | +500 | Two-time winner, World No. 1 |
| Jon Rahm | +950 | 2023 champ |
| Bryson DeChambeau | +1050 | LIV Golf star |
| Rory McIlroy | +1200 | Defending champ |
| Xander Schauffele | +1600 | Top-10 money leader |
Expert Picks and Model Projections
SportsLine’s model delivers shocking predictions, including Rahm failing to crack the top five despite his 2023 win, citing his limited victories since.[9] Scheffler remains a lock for contention with top-7 finishes in his last five majors and the best major scoring average ever at 101-under-par.[9]
Golf Channel experts back Matt Fitzpatrick (+2350) as a winner pick, noting his rise to No. 5 in the world rankings with seven straight cuts made and five top-25s this year.[7] Longshots like Collin Morikawa (+3300), Min Woo Lee (+3500), and past champs Patrick Reed (+4300) and Jordan Spieth (+4300 to +4500) offer value.[6][7]
The Fried Egg highlights players with strong Augusta history, while SI.com flags dark horses. First-round leader markets favor early birds, with tee times starting at 7:40 a.m. Thursday.[1][5]
Notable Absences and Field Notes
For the first time since 1994, the Masters lacks Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, prompting DraftKings to refund futures bets on them.[8] McIlroy hosts the champions’ dinner Tuesday, heightening anticipation.[6]
Other markets include top-5 (+140 for Scheffler), top-10, top-20, and make-cut props, with even money on some past champs like Zach Johnson (-125).[8] Bettors are shifting toward improvers like Åberg, Young, Koepka (+3700), and Akshay Bhatia (+5700).[8]
“Scheffler is a staggering 101-under-par in his major tournament career, which is the best all-time.” – SportsLine model analysis[9]
Betting Trends and Tournament Outlook
Odds have lengthened slightly for Scheffler from +380 peaks as bettors seek value elsewhere, per DraftKings’ Johnny Avello.[8] High-volume Polymarket bets underscore Scheffler’s edge, but models warn of upsets.[2][9]
Augusta’s demanding layout favors precision and past success. With 91 invites and massive wagering interest, the 2026 Masters promises drama from Thursday through Sunday.
Stay tuned for live updates as the green jacket chase unfolds at one of golf’s crown jewels.
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