Early 2026 Masters Preview; Odds, Picks and Tiger Woods

The moment Tiger Woods said he isn’t ruling out playing at the Masters, oddsmakers around the globe took notice and updated the betting market. But let’s be honest, Tiger isn’t really a threat as he hasn’t played a competitive tournament since July 2024.  Still, the golf world is buzzing with the possibility of seeing the greatness of Tiger at Augusta. But there is lots of golf to be played, five tourneys beginning in March before The Masters. Let’s check out some of the early odds on the favorites and some who could be sleeper picks in a couple of months.

The Favorites

Scottie Scheffler (+215)

Despite not defending his 2024 title last year, Scottie Scheffler remains the heavy favorite.  He finished fourth last year, and has had four straight top-10 Masters finishes and in six appearances has never been worse than the top 20. The best golfer in the world (ranked No. 1) won six tournaments in 2025 and is easily the overwhelming favorite, but at this price, the value lies elsewhere when evaluating The Masters betting odds and tournament futures.

Rory McIlroy (+900)

Rory McIlroy is always one of the serious contenders at Augusta and finally secured his first Green Jacket last year, winning in a playoff against Justin Rose. McIlroy’s recent record at the Masters hasn’t been bad or great.  Since 2020, he’s missed the cut twice, finished T22, and had three top-5 finishes, including the win last year.  But no golfer has gone back-to-back since Tiger did it in 2001-2002.

Jon Rahm (+1600)

Talk about a model of consistency as Jon Rahm has never missed the cut at the Masters, has finished in the top-10 five times and won the tournament in 2023.  Last year, Rahm was T14 and prior to that, he also had two top-5 finishes. Keep an eye on his play leading up to The Masters because if he’s playing well, his odds are sure to drop.

Contenders & Sleepers

Bryson DeChambeau (+1800)

Bryson DeChambeau finished T-6 and T-5 in his last two appearances at the Masters and also finished in the top 10 in three of the four majors in each of the last two years.  He has two majors (2020 and 2024 U.S. Open) but is now playing with LIV Golf and his most recent win came in May 2025.  Something to consider would be DeChambeau finishing in the top-10 and top-5 markets.

Ludvig Aberg (+2200)

Ludvig Aberg has been knocking on the door at The Masters, finishing seventh and second in the last two years. He won The Genesis Invitational last year and if he can be consistent leading into Augusta, Aberg could offer great odds to finally break through with his first major. 

Tommy Fleetwood (+2500)

Tommy Fleetwood started the season with T4 at the AT&T Pebble Beach and hasn’t won on the PGA Tour since August when he captured the Tour Championship.  He finished 2025 with a win, runner-up and T3 in the last free events of the DP World Tour.  He’s typically starts the season well and if he has a good run in the lead up to Augusta, he’d be a live dark horse for the Masters

Xander Schauffele (+2500)

Xander Schauffele has always been a contender at the Masters but hasn’t been able to get that elusive win.  Since 2019, Schauffele has five top ten finishes, including runner-up in 2019.  In the last two years, the American has two major wins (2024 PGA Championship, 2024 The Open) and hasn’t finished worse than 28th.  Is this the year?  The price is right for Schauffele to don that coveted Green Jacket in 2026.

Chris Gotterup (+4000) 

A year ago, Chris Gotterup was outside the top 200 in the world.  But over the last 12 months, he’s climbed the ranks and will make his Master’s debut.  Since May 2024, Gotterup has four PGA wins, including the WM Phoenix Open in early February. Augusta isn’t easy and Gotterup has his work cut out but a top 10 isn’t out of the question, especially with his recent form.

Si Woo Kim (+6000)

Si Woo Kim has been playing well in 2026 with four finishes of T-11 or better, including three straight top 10s.  His track record at Augusta isn’t great but he’s finished 34th or better in the last six years, including T12 in 2021.  His analytics are improving and his best result could be around the corner.  A top 25 and top 10 betting prop is also something to consider for Kim.

Tiger Woods (+30000)

Tiger Woods hasn’t ruled out playing and if he does, his chances are likely longer than what is listed. Despite winning the Green Jacket five times, Woods is nowhere close to the golfer he was in the past.  In his last five competition tournaments in 2024, Tiger withdrew from one, missed the cut three times and finished 60th at the Masters. If Tiger does play, the only bet you should consider is will Tiger Woods make the cut.  Aside from that, you’re throwing away your money.

Final Thoughts

While chasing longshots at the Masters is always fun, it really hasn’t happened since 2021 when Hideki Matsuyama won at 50-1 and in 2018 when Patrick Reed was also 50-1.  Since then, the last four Green Jacket wins have been atop the betting board (McIlroy: +650 in 2025, Scheffler: +400 in 2022 and +1600 in 2024, Rahm: +900 in 2023).   The favorites don’t offer the best value but they have proven they are capable of winning at Augusta.  As listed, there are several players who could finally break through and offer better odds.  The question is, which one is the best choice?  Good Luck and enjoy The Masters.

2026 Masters Odds

Scottie Scheffler +215

Rory McIlroy +900

Jon Rahm +1600

Bryson DeChambeau +1800

Ludvig Aberg +2200

Xander Schauffele +2500

Hideki Matsuyama +2500

Tommy Fleetwood +2500

Justin Rose +2800

Patrick Reed +3000

Collin Morikawa +3500