2026 Masters Odds, Picks, and Field: PGA Tour Predictions from a Proven Model The 2026 Masters Tournament, set to take place at Augusta National Golf Club on April 9, has drawn significant attention as three players aim to complete the career grand slam. Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa, and Brooks Koepka have each won two of the other majors and now face the chance to secure their fourth major title. The latest odds from FanDuel Sportsbook list Scottie Scheffler as the +430 favorite, followed by Rory McIlroy at +850 and Ludvig Aberg at +1100. Other notable contenders include Bryson DeChambeau (+1600), Jon Rahm (+1300), and Schauffele (+1600). Tiger Woods, who has not ruled out participation, is a +25000 longshot. A sophisticated computer model, developed by DFS pro Mike McClure, has simulated the 2026 Masters 10,000 times and produced surprising insights. The model, which has accurately predicted 16 major championships, including the 2025 Masters and this year’s PGA and Open Championships, is now offering its projections for the 2026 event. The model’s analysis suggests that Schauffele, despite his status as a favorite, may struggle. His recent performance on the PGA Tour has been inconsistent, with a missed cut in his first event and a 41st-place finish in his second. His putting has regressed, ranking 76th in total putting compared to third in 2024 when he won two majors. Additionally, his record at Augusta National has been mixed, with more missed cuts than top-fives over the past four years. In contrast, the model is highly confident in Collin Morikawa, despite his +2700 odds. Morikawa, who already has a PGA Championship and Open Championship, has a strong history at the Masters.#brooks_koepka #xander_schauffele #collin_morikawa #augusta_national_golf_club #mike_mcclure
Masters picks 2026: Our 13 best bets to win at Augusta National The Masters is set to begin, marking the first major championship of the year and drawing widespread attention from golf fans and beyond. With its storied history and prestige, the tournament remains a focal point for the sport. Ahead of the event, GolfDigest.com has compiled its annual list of top contenders to claim the green jacket, based on recent performance, form, and odds from DraftKings. Here’s a breakdown of the leading candidates for the 2026 Masters. Xander Schauffele is the top pick at 18/1, having finished in the top 10 at Augusta National in his last seven appearances, including three consecutive years. His third-place finish at the Players Tournament signals he’s returning to peak form. However, concerns linger over his putting, which has dipped to 53rd in strokes gained compared to his dominant 2024 major season. Bryson DeChambeau follows at 10/1, having improved his Augusta National performance in recent years with back-to-back strong showings. His recent LIV victory in Singapore adds momentum, though the course’s challenging bunkers could pose a risk, as seen in his previous struggles. Rory McIlroy is the third favorite at 7/1, with an impressive record of top-10 finishes in 12 of his last 12 Masters starts. His 2025 victory completed the career Grand Slam, but the pressure of following such a historic win and a lingering back injury may affect his performance. Scottie Scheffler, the world No. 1, is at 3.5/1 after winning two of the last three Masters tournaments. Despite his recent success, some question if he’s in a slump, given his five-tournament losing streak. While his odds are favorable, the challenge of maintaining consistency remains.#xander_schauffele #bryson_dechambeau #masters_tournament #golf_digest_com #augusta_national
Rory McIlroy Hopes to Compete at Players Championship After Back Injury Rory McIlroy is optimistic about his ability to compete in the Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass after a back injury sustained during preparations for the Arnold Palmer Invitational. The 36-year-old Northern Ireland golfer said the injury, which he described as a muscular discomfort and fatigue issue, is improving, though a final decision on his participation remains uncertain. McIlroy, who withdrew from the Arnold Palmer Invitational after aggravating his back during a pre-round gym session, expressed cautious optimism about his readiness for the upcoming event. "It's better than it was," he told reporters, adding that he was able to hit balls up to a six-iron on the range without significant pain. "I couldn't stand to address the ball on Saturday morning at Bay Hill, and it's obviously better than that." He acknowledged the need for a game-time assessment but noted that "all indications are pointing in the right direction." The Players Championship, held at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra, Florida, runs from March 12 to 15. McIlroy, who previously won the event in 2021 and 2022, aims to become the second player in history to claim three titles, following Jack Nicklaus. He is also set to defend his Masters title at Augusta National, where he completed the career grand slam last year. McIlroy emphasized that the injury is not structural or joint-related and does not pose a risk if he plays this week. "There's nothing I can do that's going to harm that," he said, adding that he would follow the advice of medical professionals. "Things are getting better, but yeah, I don't think it's something where if I play I'm at risk of doing any damage.#arnold_palmer_invitational #rory_mcilroy #xander_schauffele #players_championship #tpc_sawgrass
Previewing the Players Championship: Can Koepka contend, who are some sleepers? PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. -- The 2026 PGA Players Championship has arrived, bringing with it a mix of high-stakes competition and intriguing storylines. Defending champion Rory McIlroy and world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler are both aiming for their third title at TPC Sawgrass, while Brooks Koepka, returning to the event after a two-year absence, faces the challenge of proving himself against the sport’s elite. The course, known for its demanding layout and unpredictable conditions, is expected to test even the most seasoned players. Scheffler, a two-time previous winner of the event, is widely regarded as the favorite despite recent struggles. His performance at Bay Hill last week, where he appeared frustrated with his play, highlights the pressure he faces. While his iron play has dipped this season—ranking 88th in strokes gained: approach—he has the experience and talent to overcome such slumps. The tournament’s format, which rewards precision and consistency, suits his strengths, making him a strong contender. However, his slow starts this year, with a scoring average of 70.4 in the first three rounds compared to 67.0 in the final three, remain a concern. Koepka, meanwhile, is making his first appearance at the Players since 2022. The 35-year-old has never finished in the top 10 at TPC Sawgrass in seven starts, including a missed cut in 2022. His struggles on the 17th hole, a par-3 that has cost him dearly over the years, could be a critical factor. Despite this, Koepka has shown flashes of his former dominance, including a 65 at PGA National last month. This week’s event will serve as a true test of his ability to compete with the Tour’s best.#rory_mcilroy #scottie_scheffler #brooks_koepka #xander_schauffele #jon_rahm
