by Max Goren
It’s that wonderful time of year again. Those dulcet string tones, the blooming azaleas, and the soothing, familiar voice of Jim Nantz welcoming all of his friends to Augusta National can mean only one thing: it’s Masters week. Office productivity will plummet to record lows on Thursday and Friday, but that’s okay, because it’s a tradition unlike any other.
Last year was a coronation of sorts for Rory McIlroy, who secured the green jacket to complete the career grand slam. Sunday was an epic one, with Justin Rose pouring in ten birdies and giving McIlroy all he could handle. Will we see another top dog in the sport come away with the victory this year? Or will the 2026 Masters champion be a wild card or a wily veteran?
The waters are muddied a bit at the top. McIlroy has been dealing with a lingering back injury, while Scottie Scheffler just welcomed a second child into the world, and was already off to a slower-than-his-usual start to the season. Perhaps the best bet among the top contenders lies with a couple of LIV golfers in Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau.
Both Rahm and DeChambeau have been in excellent form on the LIV tour this season, with DeChambeau taking home the last two tournaments in Singapore and South Africa. Rahm is the 2023 Masters champion, while DeChambeau has yet to take home a green jacket.
Who could emerge from the rest of the pack to make some noise? Wake Forest alum Cameron Young won last month’s Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass, and is a trendy pick heading into Augusta. Matt Fitzpatrick has wildly improved his approach play this year, which is a crucial aspect of any golfer’s game at AGNC. I’ve already mentioned another Englishman in Rose, who is a veteran of the tour that came so close to his first Masters win last year.
Here are a few of my picks for what will happen at Augusta National this week:
Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook
Winner: Jon Rahm (+1000)
Top 5: Scottie Scheffler (+135)
Top 10: Justin Rose (+300)
Top 20: Keegan Bradley (+380)