Favorites check US Masters 2026: Scheffler, Rahm and the insider tips

Augusta National is calling: when the first tee-off takes place at Magnolia Lane on April 9, 2026, the golf world will be looking at a field full of superlatives. From Scottie Scheffler's historic dominance and Bryson DeChambeau's power golf to Rory McIlroy's mission to defend his title - we analyze the favorites for the 2026 US Masters.

The hunted: favorites for the US Masters 2026

Scottie Scheffler: the statistical elemental force

According to the bookmakers and the bare figures, there is no way around Scottie Scheffler. As the world number one and two-time Masters winner (2022, 2024), he is the ultimate benchmark.

• The scary statistics: Scheffler got off to a furious start in 2026 and secured his 20th PGA Tour title at The American Express. He currently ranks 2nd in Strokes Gained: Off-the-Tee (0.743) and an impressive 7th in Strokes Gained: Around-the-Green. Particularly scary for the competition: his Greens in Regulation rate is over 73% (top 10 on Tour). At Augusta, where hitting the right plateaus on the greens makes the difference between victory and defeat, Scheffler is statistically almost unbeatable.

Rory McIlroy: The title defense mission

After 14 years of waiting, Rory McIlroy achieved the impossible last year: he completed his career Grand Slam by winning the 2025 Masters. in 2026, he no longer returns as a driven player, but as a triumphant one.

• The psychological advantage: McIlroy can play freely. Since the immense pressure of the missing piece of the puzzle has been removed, his form curve shows a new calmness. This season, he is particularly impressive with his Par 5 statistics - he is one of the few players who can regularly reach two of the four Par 5s per round at Augusta with the second shot.

Bryson DeChambeau: The two-time winner of the season

No player polarizes as much as Bryson DeChambeau, but his sporting record in 2026 is impeccable. Having already won two tournaments on the LIV Tour this calendar year, "The Scientist" is returning to Georgia with enormous momentum.

• The power factor: DeChambeau has adapted his game once again, combining his extreme length with improved distance control on the wedges. His two victories in 2026 were demonstrations of strength, where he distanced the field primarily through his dominance on the Par 5s - the very holes that will decide victory at Augusta.

Jon Rahm: The end of the 539-day slump

The "Spanish bull" is back in the winner's circle just in time for the 2026 major season. With his victory at the LIV Golf Event in Hong Kong, Jon Rahm broke a drought of over 500 days without a single win. The two-time major winner since 2023 knows how to win the Masters anyway.

• The form check: Rahm dominated the field in Hong Kong with an overall score of 23 under Par. His ability to control the ball on approach shots (87.5% greens in regulation in the winning tournament) makes him one of the top favorites on a course like Augusta, which rewards precision.

The chasers: resilience and major experience

Matt Fitzpatrick: The stand-up guy from Sheffield

Fitzpatrick has had a rollercoaster ride of emotions this season. After a dramatic collapse on the final holes of the Players Championship, he demonstrated a mental strength that predestined him for Augusta. The Englishman already has a Major title to his name with the US Open.

• Statistics of strength: Just one week after the disappointment at Sawgrass, Fitzpatrick secured victory at the Valspar Championship with a total score of 11 under Par. He currently ranks in the top 10 of the Strokes Gained: Total and has proven that he can turn setbacks into victories in no time at all.

Brooks Koepka: The ultimate dark horse

After his return to the PGA Tour in January 2026, Koepka's start to the season initially lacked his usual dominance. However, things started to look up in April (T13 at the Players).

• The mission: a win would be the final confirmation of his decision to end his LIV contract early. Koepka is a "major animal": he has won four majors before his 30th birthday and has the ability to raise his focus to a level at Augusta that is hard to see in his normal Tour routine.

The insider tips: The young guns on the attack

Cameron Young: The new "King of Sawgrass"

The knot has finally burst! With his prestigious victory at the Players Championship 2026 (-13), Cameron Young has proven that he can hold his own under the highest pressure.

• Weapon Augusta: Young is consistently among the top 10 longest drivers on Tour (average 315+ yards). This length is the key to attacking the notorious 13th and 15th holes at Augusta. He has finished in the top ten at the Masters twice in the past two years.

Akshay Bhatia: Triumph at the "Arnie"

Anyone who wins the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill has the tools for Augusta. Bhatia secured the title in a nerve-wracking finish in the play-off. It was his third victory on the PGA Tour - all of which he won in a play-off.

• Statistical highlight: His performance on the fast greens of Bay Hill was historic (over 16 strokes gained in the short game). On the undulating greens of Augusta, it is precisely this skill that is required.

Editor's verdict: Rarely has the density of performance at the top been so high. While Scheffler and DeChambeau impress with pure dominance, McIlroy's new looseness could be the deciding factor. One thing is certain: the only way to the Green Jacket in 2026 is to have a perfect statistical record on the greens.