The 7 Early Favorites To Win The 2026 Masters: Odds, Narratives, And The Scottie Scheffler Phenomenon

The anticipation for the 2026 Masters Tournament is already building, even with the event months away. As of December 2025, the early betting odds have been released, and they paint a clear picture of who the oddsmakers and analysts believe has the best chance to slip into the coveted Green Jacket at Augusta National. The biggest storyline continues to be the battle for dominance between a two-time champion and a player finally breaking his major drought.

This comprehensive breakdown of the leading contenders for the 89th Masters Tournament provides the most current analysis, detailing the top favorites, their opening odds, and the key narratives that will define the competition on the hallowed grounds of Augusta, Georgia, in April 2026.

The Top Contenders: Early 2026 Masters Favorites and Betting Odds

The field for the Masters is always elite, but a handful of golfers consistently rise above the rest in the futures market. The following list details the consensus top favorites based on early December 2025 betting lines, highlighting the players with the shortest odds to win.

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• Scottie Scheffler: +360 to +500
• Rory McIlroy: +425 to +550
• Jon Rahm: +1400 to +1600
• Ludvig Aberg: +1400
• Xander Schauffele: +1400
• Bryson DeChambeau: +1400
• Viktor Hovland: +2000

1. Scottie Scheffler: The Unshakeable Favorite

Scottie Scheffler enters the 2026 Masters as the consensus outright favorite, a position he has held for much of the last two years. His dominance in 2024, which included a second Masters victory, and his consistent play throughout 2025 solidify his status. Scheffler’s ball-striking is arguably the best in the world, a trait that is essential for navigating the challenging slopes and demanding approach shots at Augusta National. He has mastered the par-5s and seems immune to the pressure that often derails other contenders on Sunday.

The narrative surrounding Scheffler isn't about *if* he can win, but *how many* Green Jackets he can accumulate. His short odds reflect a belief that his game is uniquely suited to the course's demands, especially his precision iron play into the firm, fast greens. He is the benchmark for the entire field.

2. Rory McIlroy: The Reigning Champion and Major Monkey Off His Back

Rory McIlroy, after years of agonizing near-misses, finally completed the career Grand Slam by winning the 2025 Masters. Despite being the reigning champion, he is listed as a co-favorite or just behind Scheffler in the early odds. The removal of the immense pressure to win at Augusta—the final piece of the puzzle—might unlock a new level of freedom in his game.

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McIlroy's long, high ball flight is a major advantage, allowing him to attack pins from above. The key for him in 2026 will be his putting, which has historically been his Achilles' heel at the Masters. Having won the tournament, he now has a new perspective and confidence that makes him a terrifying prospect for the rest of the field. His quest is no longer for the Grand Slam, but for major title accumulation.

The Elite Tier of Contenders: Major Champions and Rising Stars

While Scheffler and McIlroy dominate the headlines and the shortest odds, the group just behind them is packed with major champions and young, fearless talent ready to challenge for the Green Jacket. Their odds are significantly longer, offering better value for bettors.

3. Jon Rahm: The Spanish Major Machine

Jon Rahm is a former Masters champion (2023) and a consistent performer in major championships. His powerful, yet controlled, game is perfectly suited for Augusta National. Rahm possesses the ability to drive the ball long and accurately, and his short game is phenomenal, especially around the tricky chipping areas. His experience in the Champions Locker Room and his proven ability to handle the weekend pressure make his opening odds an attractive proposition for many analysts.

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4. Ludvig Åberg: The Swedish Sensation

Ludvig Åberg is perhaps the most exciting young name on the board. The fearless Swede has quickly established himself as a world-class talent, and his odds reflect a strong belief that he will be a major champion sooner rather than later. His impressive debut performance in a previous Masters showed he has the temperament and game for the big stage. Åberg’s clean, powerful swing and composure under pressure make him a threat to become one of the youngest Masters winners in history.

5. Xander Schauffele: The Consistent Threat

Xander Schauffele is a player whose name is always near the top of the leaderboard at majors, even if the final victory has been elusive. He is known for his consistency, excellent all-around game, and mental toughness. Schauffele has multiple top-10 finishes at Augusta, demonstrating a clear understanding of how to manage the course. Analysts predict his breakthrough at the Masters is imminent, which keeps his odds firmly in the elite tier.

The Augusta National Factor: Why Course History Matters

The Masters is unique among the four major championships because it is the only one played on the same course every year: Augusta National Golf Club. This consistency means that course history and experience are highly valuable commodities. The key to victory often lies in mastering specific sections of the course, such as the infamous stretch known as Amen Corner (Holes 11, 12, and 13).

Past champions like Tiger Woods, Adam Scott, and Charl Schwartzel all possess an intimate knowledge of the course's subtle slopes, wind patterns, and the precise landing areas required for approach shots. This institutional knowledge is why players who have repeatedly contended, even without a win, often remain high on the favorites list.

The current favorites—Scheffler, McIlroy, and Rahm—have all proven they can handle the pressure and the unique challenge of the course. Scheffler's ability to navigate the demanding second nine, particularly the 12th hole (Golden Bell) and the 13th (Azalea), is a major reason for his success.

The LIV Golf Impact and Other Key Entities

The presence of high-profile players from the LIV Golf tour, such as Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Brooks Koepka, continues to add a fascinating dynamic to the Masters. Since the Masters invites qualified players regardless of their tour affiliation, it remains one of the few times a year where all the world's best compete head-to-head. DeChambeau’s quest to "tame" Augusta with his distance game is always a major talking point.

Other notable entities and dark horses to watch for in the 2026 field include Kristoffer Reitan, who recently secured his spot via a key DP World Tour victory, and Max Homa, a consistent PGA TOUR performer looking for his first major breakthrough. The performance of these players in the weeks leading up to the tournament will be critical in shifting the final betting lines and defining who truly enters the week as a genuine favorite for the coveted Green Jacket.