The Masters 2026: Betting Preview, Odds & Favorites

Augusta National. Four days. One green jacket. The 90th edition of the Masters Tournament begins on Thursday, April 9, and it delivers one of the most compelling storylines in recent major championship history: Scottie Scheffler chasing an unprecedented third title in five years against the man who took his jacket last April.

Rory McIlroy enters the 2026 Masters as the defending champion and will look to become the first golfer to successfully defend his Masters title since Tiger Woods in 2001-02. The weight of that quest is significant, but so is the burden that has lifted. McIlroy no longer has to win the Masters to complete the Grand Slam. He already has. That freedom, as much as any form guide, shapes how to assess his chances this week.

The course is a Par 72 that has been lengthened to a record 7,565 yards for the 2026 tournament. A rested, stacked 91-man field tees it up in Augusta, Georgia, and there will be no Tiger Woods in the draw, Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley confirmed that Tiger Woods would be absent for the 2026 Masters following a car crash and DUI arrest in late March.

Bet on the Masters 2026 at Duelbits Sportsbook, outright winner, Top 5/10/20 finisher, first round leader, head-to-head matchups, and live in-play markets across all four rounds. PREDICT markets for Amen Corner specials and hole-by-hole results are listed at the bottom of this preview.

Odds correct at time of writing and subject to change. Check Duelbits Sportsbook for the latest prices.

The Field at a Glance

Scottie Scheffler - The Favourite

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler (+500 at FanDuel) is the two-time green jacket winner. The four-time major champion is the only player in the field who earned Top 10 or better money in the last four editions of the Masters.

His fourth-place finish in 2025 marked his fourth straight Top 10 at Augusta, where he's never finished outside the Top 20. After a dominant 2025 season, he remains the top pick regardless of who currently holds the Green Jacket.

In six starts so far in 2026, Scheffler won The American Express to kick off the season and cashed T24 or better in the other five tournaments. He skipped his traditional Houston tune-up, choosing instead to be present for the birth of his second child. Whether the rest works in his favour or dulls his competitive edge is the central question of his Masters week.

Scheffler's ball-striking hasn't been at the elite level we're accustomed to seeing, and he's been lost with the driver. But Augusta National rewards course knowledge, iron precision, and putting, all areas where Scheffler remains world class. His comfort on these greens is unrivalled in the current field.

The case for: Four consecutive Top 10s at Augusta, course record, never finished outside Top 20. Defending Masters champion at his home course in all but name.

The case against: Driver has been inconsistent, hasn't played since The Players, and 6.00 is a short price in a 91-man field where any given week can produce a surprise.

Verdict: The justified favourite. Start any Masters betting card from his position and build outward.

Rory McIlroy - The Defending Champion

Reigning champion Rory McIlroy completed the career Grand Slam here in 2025. Making his 17th start at the Masters, the second-most needed in history to win for the first time, he defeated Ryder Cup teammate Justin Rose in a playoff.

Bearman notes the physical challenges McIlroy has been dealing with, including withdrawing from the Arnold Palmer due to a back injury and then finishing T-46 at the Players Championship with four rounds over par the week after. McIlroy hasn't played since that poor showing a month ago.

The month of rest is double-edged. For a player who thrives on rhythm, the layoff is a concern. For a player who ground himself down chasing the career Grand Slam for 11 years, the reset might be exactly what's needed at the one place on the planet where he no longer carries impossible pressure.

McIlroy is finally freed from the burden of wondering if he can ever win here. That psychological shift alone makes him harder to dismiss despite the form concerns.

The case for: Defending champion, completed Grand Slam, Augusta course knowledge at its peak, psychological pressure lifted. Back-to-back at Augusta since Woods is possible.

The case against: Back injury, T-46 at The Players, month without competitive play. 12.00-14.00 feels short given those concerns.

Verdict: Fascinating market position. Form doesn't support the price, but Augusta is where McIlroy defies form guides. A cautious approach, perhaps a Top 10 or Top 20 bet rather than outright, makes more sense at this price point.

Jon Rahm - Course Specialist

Jon Rahm (+850) joined the elite club with his victory in the 2023 tournament, winning in his seventh start and earning his fifth top 10 from his last six attempts. The two-time major champion earned T8 at the PGA Championship and followed with T7 at the U.S. Open in 2025 to take his career total of top-10 results to 15 from 36 starts in major championships.

Rahm is the better player across most of the bag and has the better history here. The Spaniard noted that he had fallen into some bad habits over these last two seasons with his takeaway on his swing, and he spent all winter trying to rectify the situation. Statistically, he has been the best player in 2026.

At 9.50 decimal odds, Rahm represents genuine value among the top tier. His Augusta record is exceptional, his physical game suits the course, and a swing correction through the winter could see him arrive at Augusta in the kind of form that won him the 2023 green jacket.

Verdict: Strong value play. Rahm's Augusta record is second only to Scheffler among current players in terms of reliability, and 9.50 is a better return than his course history justifies.

Bryson DeChambeau - Power and Precision

Bryson DeChambeau lost a duel in the final group with McIlroy in 2025, but earning T5 was his best result in nine tries. Already twice a victor at the U.S. Open, he owns six top-10 paydays from his previous eight starts in major championships. The power and precision are non-negotiable; the putter and short game will have to hold up under the pressure of the moment if he is going to break through at Augusta National.

DeChambeau thrives on power-based courses, and the 7,565-yard record length of Augusta 2026 plays directly to his strengths. Bryson DeChambeau and Reed are the only other players in the Masters field who are multiple winners this year.

Verdict: Live title contender at a competitive price. His short game under Sunday pressure has let him down previously, but with the course at record length and his current form excellent, DeChambeau is a genuine green jacket threat.

Ludvig Åberg - Value Play

After a runner-up finish in 2024 and a seventh-place finish in 2025, Åberg has proven his game is built for Augusta. At +1400, he offers significant value compared to the favorites.

The young Swede has finished in the top 10 in both of his Masters starts. His iron precision, course management maturity beyond his years, and proven ability to handle Augusta's pressure make him the most compelling mid-range bet on the card.

Verdict: Top value in the 15.00 range. Two Masters starts, two Top 10s. The next green jacket is a realistic outcome in the near future, and 2026 is not too early.

Tommy Fleetwood - Consistency Pick

The 2025 FedExCup champion, Tommy Fleetwood (+2200), arrives for his 10th start at the Masters. Currently on a run of eight straight paydays in Georgia, the Englishman's best finish is T3 in 2024, his only top-10 result. With five events under his belt in 2026, he owns four top-10 paydays, including T8 at THE PLAYERS and T10 at the Valero Texas Open in preparation for this week.

Fleetwood is the definition of Augusta-compatible: precise iron play, composed under pressure, exceptional from inside 150 yards. His week-to-week consistency in 2026 makes him one of the safer Top 10/Top 20 market plays in the field.

Verdict: Less appealing as an outright at 22.00–23.00, but strong value in Top 10 and Top 20 markets where his consistency is rewarded more reliably.

Justin Rose - The Three-Time Bridesmaid

Definitely flirted with taking three-time runner-up Justin Rose as our winner pick for the 2026 Masters after his playoff loss to Rory McIlroy a year ago, but settled ultimately on the T-10 market listed at +265. That just screams value, with Rose making his 21st start at Augusta this year.

Rose has finished second three times at Augusta. His playoff loss to McIlroy in 2025 was his most recent near-miss. The market prices him around 28.00–31.00 outright. A Top 10 bet on Rose looks the smarter play given his course record.

Other Names Worth Watching

Xander Schauffele (16.00-17.00): Schauffele joins Scheffler as the only two players in the field of 91 to have earned top-10 money over the last three tournaments. He racked up 10 of 12 rounds at par or better from 2023 through 2025. Consistent, in-form, and priced well.

Jordan Spieth (34.00-46.00): His Augusta IQ is unmatched. Even when his driver is erratic, Spieth's sensational scrambling and familiarity with these specific breaks make him a threat for a Green Jacket. The price reflects recent form rather than Augusta-specific ability.

Patrick Reed (35.00-41.00): The 2018 Masters champion is enjoying a heckuva start to the 2026 campaign on the DP World Tour, where he won the Hero Dubai Desert Classic and the Qatar Masters. Oh, and did we mention how he finished solo third here last year? Too much going for Reed to be available at this big of a number.

Matt Fitzpatrick (22.00): The owner of 18 consecutive cuts made on TOUR. He has made 10 straight cuts here as a pro, earning top-10 money twice. The 2025 FedExCup champion, he closed out his first victory since the 2023 RBC Heritage the following week at the Valspar Championship.

Key Masters Betting Markets Explained

Outright Winner

Single-bet on which golfer lifts the green jacket on Sunday. The widest potential return but the lowest probability in a 91-man field. Scheffler at 6.00 implies roughly a 17% win probability.

Top 5 / Top 10 / Top 20 Finisher

Significantly higher hit rates than outright betting. Top 10 markets on Scheffler, Åberg, Fleetwood, and Fitzpatrick represent strong risk-adjusted plays. Top 20 on McIlroy is a defensible position given his form concerns.

First Round Leader

Given Augusta's morning/afternoon wind splits, tee times often play a huge role in this market. Watch for late tee time draws in the first round, afternoon starters consistently benefit or suffer from vastly different scoring conditions.

Head-to-Head Matchups

Golfer-vs-golfer markets offer a binary outcome and are excellent for backing players with strong Augusta course knowledge against peers with weaker records at the venue. Rahm, Scheffler, and Åberg all outperform their world ranking at Augusta specifically.

Round Betting

Bet on the lowest score across a single round. Volatile markets where one excellent round can be backed or faded. Useful for in-play betting as the tournament develops.

Augusta National: What the Course Demands

Augusta National rewards a very specific skill set that doesn't automatically align with overall world ranking. The most important attributes for Masters success:

• Iron precision into greens: Augusta's tiered greens demand approach shots to specific quadrants. Missing the correct section leaves impossible putts. Players who lead the tour in greens-in-regulation percentage and proximity to the hole consistently outperform their general form at Augusta.
• Amen Corner management: Holes 11, 12, and 13 define Masters leaderboards. The par-3 12th over Rae's Creek is one of the most feared holes in golf, wind swirls unpredictably between the trees, and club selection is a genuine lottery. The swirling winds of Amen Corner remain the ultimate judge, jury, and executioner.
• Par-5 scoring: The par-5 13th and 15th holes are birdie or eagle opportunities that separate contenders from the field. Distance off the tee unlocks both holes in ways that mid-range hitters can't access. DeChambeau and Åberg benefit massively here.
• Putting on Bermuda grass: Augusta's greens run fast and break dramatically. Players who putt well on Bermuda surfaces, particularly the undulating tiered sections, gain strokes other venues don't reveal. Scheffler's putting statistics this season make him even more dangerous than his ball-striking numbers alone suggest.
• Course experience: Previous success matters at Augusta National more than almost any other course. First-timers and players with limited Augusta starts face a significant disadvantage. The greens, the wind patterns, the noise management, all require experience that doesn't translate from other venues.

🔮 Masters 2026 PREDICT Markets

Duelbits PREDICT carries a full suite of Augusta National-specific markets across all four rounds. Here are the available markets:

Day 1 - What Will Scottie Scheffler Do on Amen Corner? (11/12/13)

Verified by official PGA Tour leaderboard.

Day 1 - What Will Rory McIlroy Do on Amen Corner? (11/12/13)

Verified by official PGA Tour leaderboard.

Will Any Player Go Birdie/Birdie/Eagle on 11/12/13 on Day 1?

Will Any Player Go Birdie/Birdie/Eagle on 11/12/13 on Any Day?

Day 1 Masters 2026 - Will There Be a Hole in One on the 12th?

Will There Be a Hole in One on Hole 12 (Any Round)?

Day 1 Total Eagles - Hole 13

Masters 2026 Total Eagles Hole 13 (All Rounds)

Masters 2026 Total Birdies Hole 12 (All Rounds)

Masters 2026 Amen Corner Total Birdies (All Rounds)

Masters 2026 Amen Corner Total Double Bogeys or Worse (All Rounds)

Day 1 Amen Corner Total Bogeys or Worse

Will Scottie Scheffler Win a Major in 2026?

Verified by Official PGA Tour Website.

Will Rory McIlroy Win a Major in 2026?

Verified by Official PGA Tour Website.

Will Bryson DeChambeau Win a Major in 2026?

Verified by Official PGA Tour Website.

Verdict: Our Top Picks

• Scheffler outright (6.00): The justified favourite with the best Augusta record in the field. His form is below his own exceptional standard, but Augusta rewards precision and experience above everything. Both are his in abundance.
• Rahm outright (9.50): The best value among the top tier. Five Top 10 finishes in eight career Masters appearances, a winter swing fix, and current form that suggests he's trending upward. The price undervalues his Augusta-specific ability.
• Åberg Top 10 (short odds): Two Masters starts, two Top 10 finishes. His first truly realistic shot at the green jacket, and the Top 10 market captures his floor without requiring an outright win.
• Reed each-way (35.00-41.00): Two wins already in 2026, solo third at last year's Masters. The market has him listed far too generously.

Head to Duelbits Sportsbook for the full Masters 2026 markets, outright winner, Top 5/10/20, first round leader, head-to-head matchups, and live in-play betting across all four rounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the Masters 2026 start? The 2026 Masters begins Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. The four rounds run April 9-12.

Who is the favourite to win the Masters 2026? Scottie Scheffler is the clear favourite at approximately 6.00 decimal odds. The world number one and two-time Masters champion has never finished outside the top 20 at Augusta National. Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, and Bryson DeChambeau follow as the next tier.

Is Rory McIlroy defending his Masters title in 2026? Yes. McIlroy won the 2025 Masters in a playoff over Justin Rose, completing his career Grand Slam. He would become only the second player since Tiger Woods to win back-to-back Masters titles with a 2026 victory.

Is Tiger Woods playing in the 2026 Masters? No. Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley confirmed Tiger Woods will not participate in the 2026 Masters following a car crash and DUI arrest in March 2026.

How does the Masters cut work? The Masters cut advances the top 50 players and ties after 36 holes on Friday. The cut line historically falls between 2-over and 5-over par depending on conditions.

What is the Masters 2026 course setup? Par 72 at a record 7,565 yards. The 17th hole has been lengthened by 10 yards to 450 yards for 2026. Amen Corner, holes 11, 12, and 13, remains the pivotal stretch.

What PREDICT markets are available for the Masters 2026? Duelbits PREDICT offers Amen Corner hole-by-hole markets for Scheffler and McIlroy on Day 1, hole-in-one on hole 12, total eagles on hole 13, total birdies on hole 12, Amen Corner birdies and bogeys across all four rounds, and outright major winner markets for Scheffler, McIlroy, and DeChambeau.

Who has won the Masters most times? Jack Nicklaus holds the record with six titles. Tiger Woods has five, Arnold Palmer four. A Scheffler win in 2026 would give him three, joining an elite tier of multi-time champions.