Top Contenders and Sleepers for the 2026 Masters

Scottie Scheffler leads the field, but past champions and rising stars could make a run at Augusta

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:20pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a golf tournament at Augusta National, with sharp geometric planes in vibrant greens, browns, and blues representing the course and players.The 2026 Masters at Augusta National promises a thrilling competition as golf's top stars and rising talents vie for the prestigious green jacket.Augusta Today

The 2026 Masters golf tournament at Augusta National promises an exciting showdown, with two-time winner Scottie Scheffler leading the field as the favorite. However, past champions like Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm, as well as sleeper picks like Patrick Reed, Jordan Spieth, and Tommy Fleetwood, could make a run at the coveted green jacket.

Why it matters

The Masters is one of the most prestigious events in golf, and the 2026 tournament features a mix of established stars and up-and-coming players, ensuring a thrilling competition that will captivate golf fans around the world.

The details

Scottie Scheffler, the two-time Masters champion, is the favorite heading into the 2026 tournament, with odds of +350. Close behind him are former winners Rory McIlroy (+400) and Jon Rahm (+450), who are both looking to add to their major championship collections. Other contenders include Justin Rose, who has finished runner-up at the Masters three times, and Tiger Woods, who is making a comeback after a recent DUI arrest.

  • The 2026 Masters Tournament will take place from April 10-13, 2026 at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia.
  • Scottie Scheffler won the Masters in 2024 and 2025, making him the favorite to win his third green jacket in 2026.

The players

Scottie Scheffler

A two-time Masters champion, Scheffler is the current favorite to win the 2026 tournament with odds of +350.

Rory McIlroy

The 2025 Masters champion, McIlroy is looking to add another green jacket to his collection and complete the career Grand Slam.

Jon Rahm

The former world number one has been in a slump but is looking to regain his form and win his first Masters title.

Justin Rose

A three-time runner-up at the Masters, Rose is still seeking his first green jacket.

Tiger Woods

The golfing legend is making a comeback after a recent DUI arrest, hoping to add to his five Masters titles.

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What they’re saying

“Scottie Scheffler is the man to beat at Augusta this year. He's been dominant at the Masters the last two years and shows no signs of slowing down.”

— Golfweek Analyst

“I'm feeling really good about my game and my chances at the Masters this year. I've been close before and I'm determined to finally get that green jacket.”

— Rory McIlroy

What’s next

The 2026 Masters Tournament will take place from April 10-13, 2026 at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. Golf fans will be eagerly awaiting to see if Scottie Scheffler can continue his dominance, or if a new champion will emerge.

The takeaway

The 2026 Masters promises to be an exciting tournament, with a mix of established stars and rising talents vying for the coveted green jacket. While Scottie Scheffler remains the favorite, past champions and sleeper picks could make a run and provide golf fans with an unforgettable weekend of competition at Augusta National.