Who is projected to win the Masters in 2026? Current wagering probabilities, the leading contender, and forecasts for the upcoming year's inaugural major event at Augusta.

Although the 2025 Ryder Cup and the Race to Dubai finale have just passed, attention has already shifted to the 2026 Masters  held at Augusta National.

Europe secured the Ryder Cup trophy in a dramatic victory on American ground, which is sure to heighten the anticipation for Augusta next year as World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and reigning champion Rory McIlroy are set to face off once more. 

The golfer's long-awaited victory for the prestigious green jacket, which would have also meant a career grand slam, stood out as a top sporting highlight recently; thus, we anticipate more brilliance next April. His remarkable 2025 season saw him secure his seventh Race to Dubai title at Jumeirah Golf Estates.

Here's a comprehensive look at the bookmakers' top picks, the latest odds, and our initial forecast for the 2026 Masters champion. 

Masters 2026 Betting odds

The initial betting lines for Augusta have been released, showing the typical favorites leading the pack. Notably, the top ten contenders in the betting include five players from Europe's winning Ryder Cup squad and five from Keegan Bradley's defeated American team.

Who is the favorite to win the Masters 26?

Bookmakers favor Scottie Scheffler (15/4) to reclaim the Masters championship he secured in 2024. Last year, the 29-year-old finished three strokes behind Rory McIlroy, who then completed his career Grand Slam. Unsurprisingly, Scheffler and McIlroy lead the betting for 2026, being the sole competitors with single-digit odds at their best price.

Scottie Scheffler's chances of winning the Masters

Currently, the World No.1 is the clear favorite to secure the 2026 Masters title, with odds of 15/4. Having triumphed at the Masters in both 2022 and 2024, and achieving victories at the PGA Championship and The Open in 2025, Scheffler appears well-positioned to earn a third green jacket in the upcoming year. 

Even though the United States didn't win the Ryder Cup, the 29-year-old golfer defeated Rory McIlroy in Sunday's singles match, potentially giving him a psychological advantage next April. 

Rory McIlroy's chances of winning the Masters

Despite losing to Scheffler in their singles match, McIlroy once again proved to be a standout performer for Europe, securing 3.5 points across his five matches. Furthermore, he holds the title of defending Masters champion, triumphed at the Irish Open on home ground, and secured his seventh career Race to Dubai championship.

Following a career-defining year that saw him achieve his best performance yet, is it possible that 2026 could prove even more successful for The Northern Irishman? He's presently available at the best odds of 7/1 with Sky Bet. 

Will Tiger Woods participate in the 2026 Masters?

Tiger Woods, widely considered the greatest golfer ever, has secured five green jackets, with his latest victory occurring in 2019 on a memorable Sunday. 

The 49-year-old has not participated in any competitive events since The Open in July 2024, having since had two back surgeries and a ruptured achilles tendon. 

A subsequent injury prevented his participation in the Ryder Cup, and he also turned down the captain's role. His return date remains undetermined, which is expected considering his October declaration of having successfully undergone disc replacement surgery. 

Given that nearly six months separate us from The Masters, it appears probable that Tiger will compete again, aiming for his sixth green jacket and to match Jack Nicklaus' record. 

Punters can currently find him at best-priced 175/1 with Sky Bet. 

More: How to bet on golf in the UK: A complete beginners' guide

When is the 2026 Masters?

The 2026 Masters is scheduled for Thursday April, 9 to Sunday April, 12 at the renowned Augusta National Golf Club, located in Augusta, Georgia. 

Who won the 2025 Masters?

Rory McIlroy secured victory at the 2025 Masters, achieving his long-anticipated career grand slam in a thrilling conclusion. The golfer from Northern Ireland had gone 11 years without a major championship title and faced a playoff against Justin Rose, ultimately triumphing with a composed birdie. This victory ignited jubilant celebrations, marking it as one of the most significant sporting achievements in recent times. 

Masters Winners By Year

Masters 2026 forecast: The victor?

Although it's far too soon to forecast, it's reasonable to assume Scheffler and McIlroy will be the leading contenders by April and the favored choice for many to secure the green jacket. 

This could be one of golf's most formidable fields ever, with numerous contenders emerging from Both Europe and North America. Bryson DeChambeau, Ludvig Aberg, and past champion Jon Rahm are all expected to be strong contenders. 

Beyond the current top five contenders, we're backing Justin Rose, who's been a runner-up at Augusta three times, to make another strong bid as he hits his peak in the latter stages of his career. 

If a choice had to be made at this moment, Rory McIlroy ought to compete fearlessly, presenting a daunting challenge to the remaining tour participants.