The best golfers in the world make their way to Augusta National for the 90th playing of the Masters, the first major of the season. Of the past 17 Masters winners 15 are scheduled to peg it up this week with golf legends Phil Mickelson and Tigers Woods the green jacket winners who will not be in attendance.
A winner twice in the last four Masters tournaments, Scottie Scheffler opened as the outright betting favorite with defending champion Rory McIlroy boasting the fourth lowest Masters odds. McIlroy completed the career Grand Slam with last year’s triumph in his 11th attempt, besting Justin Rose in a sudden death playoff.
Why The Masters Remains Golf’s Most Iconic Major
While the other major championships bounce from venue to venue, the Masters has been held exclusively at Augusta National since 1934 setting it apart from all others. Unique rituals like presenting a green jacket to the Master golf tournament winner, an invitation-only field of elite players and the breathtaking beauty of meticulously manicured scenery make the Masters a tradition unlike any other.
Then, of course, there are the memorable moments on the course. We witnessed one last year when Rory McIlroy won in a playoff to secure his career Grand Slam. Tiger Woods won the first of his five titles in 1997, lapping the field by a record 12 strokes. In 2020 Dustin Johnson became the first and so far only player to card 20-under at Augusta winning his first green jacket by 5 swings.
The Green Jacket Tradition
Serving as a symbol of championship and membership status, the Masters winner has been formally presented a green jacket since 1949. Only the current champion can remove his jacket from the Augusta property during the 12-month reign. The following year the apparel must be returned and remain on club grounds.
Augusta National and Its Lasting Legacy
Evolving from a struggling project during the depression era to one of the most prestigious golf clubs hosting the most iconic major championship cemented the legacy of Augusta National. The rich traditions surrounding the Masters and the club’s detailed perfection set a standard for how prestige is marketed in sports.
Masters 2026 Tournament Schedule and Key Details
There is nearly a week of activities surrounding the 2026 Masters, but the actual golf tournament spans four days and 72 holes starting on Thursday, April 9 through Sunday, April 12. Early round television coverage is on ESPN with weekend rounds airing on CBS. Streaming is available on Masters.com, Paramount+ and prime video.
The Green Jacket presentation ceremony will air on CBS immediately following the conclusion of the tournament on Sunday.
Betting Odds and Markets for The Masters 2026
Golf’s marquee events attract plenty of attention with sportsbooks getting in on the increased fanfare. Betting markets expand with additional menus and plenty of individual player props. Check out the complete, updated list of odds to win the Masters golf tournament.
The varied markets include not only the outright winner of the Masters but also top 5/10/20 finishes, specific round matchups and whether or not a player makes the cut. Learn more about how to bet by reading this informative golf betting guide.
Odds to Win The Masters Golf Tournament
The simplest wager to make is on the outright winner of the Masters. Scottie Scheffler opened as the betting favorite and is the only player with shorter than 10/1 odds on the early board. However, with the best players in the sport competing, that number is just a suggestion.
Common Golf Betting Markets During The Masters
Golf’s major championships are like the Super Bowl of betting for the sport with expanded markets covering nearly everything you can imagine. There are common wagers familiar with every tournament. Backing an outright tournament winner is the most common play with additional markets for a players finishing position. Head to head matchups for a single round of the full tournament are popular as well.
Prize Money and Rewards at The Masters
For the 2026 edition of the Masters the total prize purse is expected to be at least $21 million with the winner getting a healthy $4.2 million payday. Official figures are confirmed during tournament week after the field has been cut to the top 50 and ties at 36 holes. In addition to the cash prize, the winner also receives the signature green jacket and a sterling silver replica of the Masters golf tournament trophy. From a playing standpoint the winner gets a lifetime exemption to play the Masters and five-year exemptions to the other majors.
Augusta also awards trophies for specific achievements like low score of the day, a hole-in-one or an Eagle. The low amateur who makes the cut is awarded with a silver cup trophy.
Legendary Champions and Masters Records
Some of golf’s biggest names have competed and won at Augusta, most recently Scottie Scheffler with two titles (2022, 2024) in the past four editions. Two notable absences this year are Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods, who have combined for eight Masters titles in their illustrious careers.
Past Masters golf tournament winners include Jack Nicklaus, who won a record six green jackets between 1963 and 1986. Woods broke a tie with Arnold Palmer for the second-most wins by capturing his fifth title with a record 12-stroke win in 1997. Lefty and Tiger are the only winners since 2009 not in the 2026 field.
What Bettors Should Watch During The Masters 2026
There are several storylines bettors should note ahead of the 2026 Masters. Unlike previous years where rain dampened the grounds, weather conditions are expected to be pristine this weekend. Dry greens will be exceptionally fast making players with elite strokes gained: around the green stats betting targets.
Injuries and long layoffs could impact the leaderboard. Collin Morikawa and Rory McIlroy are managing back injuries that forced them to withdraw from earlier tournaments. And outright betting favorite Scottie Scheffler hasn’t played in nearly a month. Historically, taking that amount of time off before the Masters is risky for outright bettors.
Tracking Scores and Updates During The Masters
The most expansive coverage of the 2026 Masters is available through Masters.com and the Masters Tournament App. Real time updates and shot tracking along with a personalized feed put you on the course.
Beyond the official website other reliable platforms have a real time Masters golf tournament scoreboard. PGA.com offers a Masters overview, live tracking and leaderboard updates. CBS Sports also provides a live scoreboard updated in real time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically about 6 amateurs qualify for the Masters each year through specific exemption categories.
