Masters Betting Roundtable: Favorites, Sleepers, Props and Best Bets for Augusta

Our panel of golf experts break down the top contenders, value picks, and prop bets for the 90th Masters Tournament.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 1:53pm

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Major championship season is here, and the focus is on Augusta for the 90th playing of the Masters. This year's edition won't include Tiger Woods or Phil Mickelson, but it does feature defending champion Rory McIlroy and top-ranked Scottie Scheffler as the early betting favorites. Our panel of golf writers and betting experts dive into the key storylines, analyze the top contenders, and share their favorite prop bets and sleeper picks for the 2026 Masters.

Why it matters

The Masters is one of the most prestigious events in golf, and this year's tournament promises to be an exciting one with a new player-services building, a new candy bar, and the 40-year anniversary of one of the greatest Masters of all time. Betting on the Masters is a major event, and our panel's insights can help readers make informed wagers and enjoy the tournament even more.

The details

Our panel includes Bob Harig and John Schwarb from SI Golf, betting experts Iain MacMillan and Cody Williams, and writers Max Schreiber and Jeff Ritter. They discuss whether defending champion Rory McIlroy can repeat, if Scottie Scheffler's current odds are a 'buy' price, the best prop bets to consider, and their sleeper picks to win the green jacket. The group also shares their predictions for who will emerge victorious on Sunday.

  • The 90th Masters Tournament will take place from April 10-13, 2026.

The players

Rory McIlroy

The defending Masters champion, currently ranked No. 2 in the world.

Scottie Scheffler

The world No. 1 golfer and early betting favorite for the 2026 Masters.

Xander Schauffele

A two-time major winner with a strong track record at Augusta National, including three straight top-10 finishes.

Tommy Fleetwood

An English golfer seeking his first major championship victory, with eight straight made cuts at the Masters.

Ludvig Åberg

A rising young star from Sweden who is making his Masters debut.

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What they’re saying

“Picking a winner is a process of elimination and crossing off last year's winner is an easy one. McIlroy, rightfully so, is soaking up everything right now as the past champion and that can be a little exhausting too.”

— John Schwarb, SI Golf

“If Scottie's recent struggles were related to his short game, I could be convinced to buy low on him at Augusta at 5-to-1 odds, but his putting hasn't been his issue. Elite iron play is what made Scheffler the No. 1 golfer in the world, but his approach play has been average at best of late.”

— Iain MacMillan, SI Betting

“Last year, the narrative that Rory couldn't get it done at Augusta got thrown aside. This year, the notion that Ludvig Åberg can't finish in the big moments will be the one that gets erased. His garnered two years of pressure-packed experience, is hitting it gorgeously right now, and is about to announce his presence with a maiden major championship victory.”

— Cody Williams, FanSided/SI Betting

What’s next

The 90th Masters Tournament will take place from April 10-13, 2026 at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia.

The takeaway

This year's Masters promises to be an exciting and unpredictable tournament, with a mix of established stars and rising young talents vying for the green jacket. While Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler are the early favorites, the panel's insights suggest there could be value in betting on sleepers and first-time major winners. Ultimately, the back nine on Sunday will likely determine the champion, making live betting a potentially lucrative strategy for savvy golf bettors.