The 2026 Masters Tournament is officially upon us, and the air at Augusta National is thick with both nostalgia and unprecedented drama. As the first major of the year, the Masters remains the ultimate sanctuary for golf purists, but this year’s edition feels significantly different as several era-defining headlines dominate the conversation before a single competitive ball has been struck.
This year, prediction markets are on the rise. Prediction market apps such as Kalshi offer users a way to trade contracts on who will win the Masters. Below are the latest Masters odds at traditional sportsbooks, as well as Kalshi. Use our Kalshi promo code to get started by clicking on the module.
The Latest Masters Odds
The 2026 Masters features a star studded field. Here are the favorites to win the first major of the year:
- Scottie Scheffler (+600)
- Jon Rahm (+1000)
- Bryson DeChambeau (+1200)
- Rory McIlroy (+1300)
- Ludvig Aberg (+1800)
- Xander Schauffele (+1800)
- Cameron Young (+2300)
- Tommy Fleetwood (+2300)
- Matt Fitzpatrick (+2350)
- Hideki Matsuyama (+2800)
All other golfers are +3000 and higher to win the tournament.
Key Players to Watch
Beyond McIlroy, the 2026 field is stacked with talent hungry for a breakthrough:
- Scottie Scheffler: Always a threat at Augusta with his elite ball-striking.
- Ludvig Åberg: The young star who nearly won in his debut is now a seasoned favorite.
- Jon Rahm: Looking to regain his 2023 form and reclaim the jacket for the LIV Golf contingent.
As the azaleas bloom and the honorary starters tee off on Thursday morning, the 2026 Masters promises to be a bridge between the legendary past and an exciting, wide-open future for the game.
The Biggest Headlines of 2026
1. An Era Ends: No Tiger, No Phil
For the first time since 1994, the Masters field will feature neither Tiger Woods nor Phil Mickelson.
- Tiger Woods announced a hiatus from competitive golf to focus on his health and personal recovery following a recent legal matter and ongoing physical rehabilitation.
- Phil Mickelson withdrew just days before the tournament, citing a private family health matter that requires his full attention.Their absence leaves a massive void in the “patron” experience and marks a symbolic passing of the torch to the younger generation.
2. Rory’s Title Defense
The biggest story on the leaderboard is Rory McIlroy. After finally capturing the Green Jacket in a thrilling 2025 playoff victory to complete his career Grand Slam, McIlroy returns as the defending champion. The pressure of winning the Masters has been replaced by the prestige of defending it, and all eyes are on whether he can become the first back-to-back winner since Tiger Woods in 2001-02.
3. The “Masters Gnome” Fever
In a lighter but equally viral headline, the “Masters Gnome” collectible has reached what local media calls “Hunger Games levels” of demand. With rumors swirling that 2026 might be the final edition of the current gnome design, merchandise lines are longer than ever, with fans lining up at sunrise to secure a piece of Augusta history.
Tournament Essentials
Where It’s Played
The Masters is the only major championship played at the same venue every year: Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. Known for its immaculate landscaping, lightning-fast greens, and the iconic “Amen Corner” (holes 11, 12, and 13), the course remains the most exclusive and recognizable stage in the sport.
How to Watch (TV & Streaming)
Coverage is split between traditional broadcast and robust digital streaming. Here is the 2026 schedule:
| Day | Event / Round | Time (ET) | TV Channel | Streaming |
| Wed, April 8 | Par 3 Contest | 2:00 – 4:00 PM | ESPN | Masters.com, ESPN+ |
| Thu, April 9 | Round 1 | 3:00 – 7:30 PM | ESPN | Masters.com, Paramount+, Prime Video |
| Fri, April 10 | Round 2 | 3:00 – 7:30 PM | ESPN | Masters.com, Paramount+, Prime Video |
| Sat, April 11 | Round 3 | 2:00 – 7:00 PM | CBS | Masters.com, Paramount+ |
| Sun, April 12 | Round 4 | 2:00 – 7:00 PM | CBS | Masters.com, Paramount+ |
Pro Tip: For the most immersive experience, use the Masters App or Masters.com. They offer “Every Shot, Every Hole” technology and featured group coverage starting as early as 9:15 AM ET daily.
