2026 Masters Betting Preview: Can Scheffler Be Stopped at Augusta?

2026 Masters Betting Preview: Can Scheffler Be Stopped at Augusta? The 90th Masters Tournament tees off this Thursday, April 9, at Augusta National, and the storyline is as clear as the azaleas: Is this Scottie Scheffler's tournament to lose, or can the defending champion Rory McIlroy go back-to-back? Scheffler enters the week as the overwhelming +500 betting favorite. The world No. 1 is seeking his third green jacket after victories in 2022 and 2024, and his form coming into Augusta is terrifying for the rest of the field. However, history tells us that betting the heavy favorite at the Masters is rarely a sure thing. The Contenders Right behind Scheffler on the odds board are two heavyweights sitting at +1000: Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau. Rahm's return to Augusta is highly anticipated, and many sharp bettors are eyeing the prop market for a Rahm over Scheffler 72-hole matchup at +125. Meanwhile, defending champion Rory McIlroy (+1200) looks to repeat after his dramatic playoff victory over Justin Rose last year. If McIlroy pulls it off, he would become the first back-to-back winner since Tiger Woods in 2001-2002. Rounding out the top tier are Xander Schauffele (+1500) and the young Swedish phenom Ludvig Aberg (+1650), who continues to look unfazed by major championship pressure. Where's the Value? If you're looking for value further down the board, the AI models are flagging a few interesting names. Cameron Young at 28-1 offers excellent value given his ball-striking metrics this season. Collin Morikawa at 30-1 is another intriguing play; his iron play is tailor-made for Augusta's second-shot demands. For prop bettors, the "Top 10 Finish" market is where the smart money often lives. Akshay Bhatia at +440 for a Top 10 finish is gaining traction. Bhatia has been solid in his previous Masters appearances and fits the long-standing trend that Augusta National tends to favor left-handed players. The Final Verdict While it's hard to bet against Scheffler, the value on Rahm (+1000) and the upside of a player like Morikawa (+3000) make them attractive outright plays. Before you lock in your card, remember to check the weather forecast for Thursday and Friday. Wind conditions at Augusta can drastically alter the draw advantage, so keep an eye on those early tee times. Looking for our official AI predictions for the Masters? Sign up at MyBetAssist.com to get 6 free AI-powered picks, fully graded and transparent. --- Related reading: See how the tournament played out in our Masters Weekend Hype piece and the final round recap. New to betting? Check out our beginner's guide to odds.