2026 Masters Preview: Field Rankings, Betting Favorites and Top Contenders

The 90th edition of the Masters is set to begin at Augusta National Golf Club with a field of 91 golfers. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler enters the tournament as the consensus betting favorite, though his preparation has been interrupted by the birth of his second son, leading him to skip the final two tune-up events of the season.

Defending champion Rory McIlroy returns to Augusta after completing a career Grand Slam by winning the 2025 Masters. McIlroy secured that victory by defeating Justin Rose on the first hole of a sudden-death playoff, sealing the win with a 4-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole.

Field Composition and Notable Absences

The 91-player field is smaller than the previous year, reflecting a decrease of four players. For the first time since 1994, neither Tiger Woods nor Phil Mickelson is present in the field. Despite these absences, the tournament features 18 former champions.

The field includes several distinct categories of players:

• 11 LIV Golf players, a decrease from 12 in 2025, 13 in 2024, and 18 in 2023.
• Five former champions currently playing on the LIV circuit.
• Five legacy champions who are grandfathered into the field for life.
• Six amateur golfers.

Augusta National is configured as a par-72 course with a total scorecard yardage of 7,565 yards. This represents a 10-yard increase from the previous year, with the additional length occurring at hole No. 17.

Betting Favorites and Contenders

Scottie Scheffler remains the primary favorite according to various sportsbooks. BetRivers lists him at +600, representing a 15.38% implied win probability, while DraftKings opening odds placed him at +440. Scheffler has won two previous green jackets and is seeking a third.

Other top contenders identified by betting markets and analysts include:

• Jon Rahm: The 2023 winner is listed at +1200 by some providers and +910 via DraftKings.
• Bryson DeChambeau: A LIV Golf star listed at +1200 and +1075 respectively.
• Rory McIlroy: The defending champion is listed at +1200 and +1075.
• Ludvig Aberg: Listed at +1700 by DraftKings and +1500 by other sources.
• Xander Schauffele: Listed at +1800 by DraftKings and +1600 by other sources.

While McIlroy enters the week as the defending champion, reports indicate that back problems have put some doubt regarding his chances of repeating his victory.

Champion’s Perspective

Rory McIlroy discussed the shift in his experience driving down Magnolia Lane now that he is a former champion. He noted that the experience will be about enjoying my week and utilizing the perks associated with the title, such as the champions’ locker room, the champions’ car park, and hosting the Tuesday night dinner.

The thing is, I know I get to go back to the Masters Tournament for the rest of my life, and that’s quite a freeing feeling.

Rory McIlroy

Tournament Regulations

The tournament will follow the rule where the top 50 players and ties make the cut. The 10-shot rule is no longer in effect for this event.