2026 Masters Predictions: Our Picks to Win the Green Jacket

Key Points:

• The 90th Masters Tournament is set to begin Thursday morning at 7:40 a.m., with perfect weather conditions expected to make for a fast and firm Augusta National course, potentially leading to a higher winning score than usual.
• Defending champion Rory McIlroy returns after a year-long victory lap, having won last year in a playoff against Justin Rose, who is aiming for redemption this week alongside past champions Patrick Reed and Jon Rahm.
• Sports Illustrated analysts have made varied predictions for the winner, with multiple picks including Scottie Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau, Tommy Fleetwood, Ludvig Åberg, and Xander Schauffele, highlighting the tournament’s competitive and wide-open nature.
• Scheffler is favored by several experts due to his strong history at Augusta and recent form, while others emphasize emerging contenders like Fleetwood and Åberg, who have shown consistent performance and improvement in key areas such as putting.
• The tournament will showcase top talent returning to compete on a challenging course, with many players aiming to capitalize on their experience and current form to secure the coveted green jacket.