2026 Masters: Experts' Picks and Betting Tips

Who do our golf experts think will win? Where does our betting expert believe there is value? We break down the favorites and much more.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:09pm

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The 2026 Masters Tournament, the first golf major of the year, takes place from Thursday through Sunday at Augusta National in Georgia. Rory McIlroy is the defending champion, while two-time winner Scottie Scheffler is the favorite, followed by Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau and McIlroy. Our golf experts share their predictions on who will win, and our betting expert Pamela Maldonado provides analysis and advice for the week.

Why it matters

The Masters is one of the most prestigious events in golf, and winning the green jacket is a career-defining achievement. With a star-studded field and the iconic Augusta National course, the 2026 edition promises to be an exciting and unpredictable tournament that will captivate golf fans around the world.

The details

Our panel of golf experts have shared their picks for the 2026 Masters. Matt Barrie is backing Jon Rahm, who has been playing excellent golf this season, while Tory Cabrera is going with Brooks Koepka, citing his 'Big-Game Brooks' mentality. Justin Rose, Bryson DeChambeau, Xander Schauffele, Scottie Scheffler, and Ludvig Aberg are also among the experts' top choices. Meanwhile, betting expert Pamela Maldonado provides analysis on the key factors that will determine success at Augusta National, including elite iron play, creativity around the greens, and the nerve to execute under pressure.

  • The 2026 Masters Tournament takes place from Thursday, April 10 to Sunday, April 13.
  • Rory McIlroy is the defending champion, having won the 2025 edition.

The players

Rory McIlroy

The defending champion of the 2025 Masters Tournament.

Scottie Scheffler

The two-time Masters champion and current favorite to win the 2026 edition.

Jon Rahm

One of the top-ranked players in the world who our experts believe is poised for a strong performance at Augusta National.

Bryson DeChambeau

A powerful player who has been improving his performance at the Masters in recent years and is among the favorites this year.

Brooks Koepka

A four-time major champion who our expert Tory Cabrera believes will thrive under the pressure of the Masters.

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What they’re saying

“He has quietly been playing some of the best golf in the world this season. He's in a great spot personally and professionally. And his recent form will awake the roars at Augusta National this week.”

— Matt Barrie, Golf Expert

“Is Brooks Koepka an obvious favorite? No. Is he still 'Big-Game Brooks,' the man who once said he thinks the majors are 'the easiest to win'? I'm banking on it ... that and the fact he's got some added financial incentive since the cost of rejoining the PGA Tour.”

— Tory Cabrera, Golf Expert

“My head is telling me that Rahm is about to reemerge into the spotlight because I keep hearing he's playing great golf. But my heart is saying Rose gets his moment. And when it comes to the Masters, I'm always inclined to go with the heart.”

— Jeff Darlington, Golf Expert

“In addition to winning his last two worldwide starts, he has finished T6 and T5 in his last two Masters appearances. And since 2023, he's dropped two putts per round off his putting average at Augusta National. If he truly has the greens figured out, there's no way he won't be in contention come Sunday.”

— Michael Eaves, Golf Expert

“He's been working on his game at home, and I think he'll be ready to go.”

— Laura Rutledge, Golf Expert

What’s next

The 2026 Masters Tournament will take place from Thursday, April 10 to Sunday, April 13 at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia.

The takeaway

The 2026 Masters promises to be an exciting and unpredictable tournament, with a star-studded field and a number of players capable of winning the coveted green jacket. The experts' picks highlight the depth of talent in the field, and the betting advice from Pamela Maldonado underscores the importance of specific skills and mental fortitude required to succeed at Augusta National.