2026 Masters: Experts' picks and betting tips - ESPN

AUGUSTA, Ga. — The first golf major of the year begins with the 2026 Masters Tournament from Thursday through Sunday at Augusta National in Georgia.

Rory McIlroy is the defending champion. Two-time winner Scottie Scheffler is the favorite, followed by Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau and McIlroy.

Who do our golf experts think will win? What kind of betting advice does Pamela Maldonado have?

Jump ahead to: Pamela Maldonado's betting and fantasy advice for the week

Matt Barrie
Jon Rahm: He has quietly been playing some of the best golf in the world this season. He's in a great spot personally and professionally. And his recent form will awake the roars at Augusta National this week.

Tory Cabrera
Brooks Koepka: Is Brooks Koepka an obvious favorite? No. Is he still «Big-Game Brooks,» the man who once said he thinks the majors are «the easiest to win»? I'm banking on it… that and the fact he's got some added financial incentive since the cost of rejoining the PGA Tour.

Jeff Darlington
Justin Rose: My head is telling me that Rahm is about to reemerge into the spotlight because I keep hearing he's playing great golf. But my heart is saying Rose gets his moment. And when it comes to the Masters, I'm always inclined to go with the heart.

Michael Eaves
Bryson DeChambeau: In addition to winning his last two worldwide starts, he has finished T6 and T5 in his last two Masters appearances. And since 2023, he's dropped two putts per round off his putting average at Augusta National. If he truly has the greens figured out, there's no way he won't be in contention come Sunday.

Peter Lawrence-Riddell
Xander Schauffele: He's finished T-10 or better in five of past seven years, including T-8 last year and solo eighth in 2024. After a tough,