Masters Favorites Emerge, Akshay Bhatia Stands Out as Darkhorse

Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau, and Jon Rahm lead the pack, but 24-year-old Akshay Bhatia could make a surprise run at Augusta.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 1:34am

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A fragmented, geometric painting in bold colors depicting a conceptual golf scene, with overlapping shapes and planes representing the excitement and unpredictability of the upcoming Masters tournament.A cubist interpretation of the anticipation and energy surrounding the 2026 Masters tournament at Augusta National.Augusta Today

The 2026 Masters tournament is shaping up to feature a strong field of favorites, including two-time champion Scottie Scheffler, defending champion Rory McIlroy, power hitters Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm, and rising stars Xander Schauffele and Ludvig Åberg. However, 24-year-old Akshay Bhatia is emerging as an intriguing darkhorse pick, with recent strong performances and a left-handed game that could thrive at Augusta National.

Why it matters

The Masters is one of golf's most prestigious events, and the favorites heading into the tournament often set the narrative and expectations. This year's field features several players with proven track records at Augusta, as well as some rising young talents looking to make their mark. Bhatia's potential emergence as a darkhorse contender adds an exciting element of unpredictability to the proceedings.

The details

Scottie Scheffler, the two-time Masters champion, is the betting favorite based on his consistent success at Augusta National, having never finished outside the top 20. Rory McIlroy, the 2025 champion, arrives as a more relaxed and free-flowing player after completing the career Grand Slam. Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm bring powerful games that have proven effective on the challenging Augusta course. Xander Schauffele and Ludvig Åberg have also established themselves as top contenders with strong recent performances at the Masters and other high-profile events. Meanwhile, 24-year-old Akshay Bhatia is generating buzz as a potential darkhorse, with a left-handed game that could thrive on Augusta's unique layout, as evidenced by the success of past left-handed champions like Mike Weir, Phil Mickelson, and Bubba Watson.

  • Akshay Bhatia won the Arnold Palmer Invitational in March 2026.
  • Bhatia also posted a T-3 in Phoenix and a T-6 at Pebble Beach in February 2026.
  • Bhatia finished T-13 at The Players Championship in March 2026.

The players

Scottie Scheffler

A two-time Masters champion making his seventh appearance at Augusta National, Scheffler has never finished outside the top 20 at the tournament and is considered the player to beat based on his consistent success at the course.

Rory McIlroy

The defending Masters champion, McIlroy arrives at Augusta National this year with the burden of completing the career Grand Slam lifted, allowing him to play with a newfound freedom and confidence.

Bryson DeChambeau

DeChambeau has become a real threat at the Masters in recent years, finishing inside the top six in each of the past two tournaments, thanks to his blend of power and growing patience on the course.

Jon Rahm

A former Masters champion in 2023, Rahm is making his 10th appearance at Augusta National and brings the kind of all-around game that makes him a perennial contender at the event.

Akshay Bhatia

The 24-year-old Bhatia is making his third Masters appearance and arrives with strong recent form, including a win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and top-10 finishes at other high-profile events. His left-handed game could also thrive on Augusta's unique layout.

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What they’re saying

“Akshay Bhatia has the kind of flair and confidence that can travel a long way on a course that asks players to trust what they see.”

— Brendon Elliott, Sports Writer

The takeaway

This year's Masters field features a strong group of favorites, including several players with proven track records at Augusta National. However, the emergence of 24-year-old Akshay Bhatia as a potential darkhorse contender adds an exciting element of unpredictability to the tournament, as his left-handed game and recent strong form could allow him to make a surprise run at the green jacket.