The tension is building, folks! The Masters Tournament 2026 is drawing closer, and the field is taking shape. From April 9th to 12th, the coveted Green Jacket will once again be on the line at the hallowed grounds of Augusta National. Currently, 93 absolute top golfers are set to compete, but there's one last chance for a surprise qualifier at the Valero Texas Open.
The who's who of the golf world is gathered. Mainstays like Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, and Jordan Spieth have secured their lifetime exemption as former champions. They are joined by other Major champions such as Wyndham Clark and Xander Schauffele, as well as the elite from the Top 50 of the Official World Golf Ranking, including rising stars like Ludvig Åberg and Patrick Cantlay.
Who will claim the Green Jacket?
All eyes are naturally on Scottie Scheffler. The man is the World No. 1, has two recent Major victories under his belt, and is aiming for his third Green Jacket in five years. The betting odds speak volumes: +350 is a clear statement of his dominance. And then there's Rory McIlroy, our perennial Grand Slam chaser, who, at +700, is starting strong as one of the top favorites. Can he become the first player since Tiger Woods in 2001-02 to defend his Masters title AND complete the career Grand Slam? What a story that would be!
Other contenders also have good chances. Viktor Hovland, who is always capable of a surprise run in Majors but has only managed a T7 (2023) as his best result at Augusta so far, enters the competition at +3500. Sungjae Im, who delivered an impressive round last year and achieved a T5, is an outside bet at +8000. Max Homa (+6600) and Cameron Smith (+6600) are also in the mix.
Last Chance in Texas
The Masters field is set, so only the winner of the Valero Texas Open – if not already qualified – could snatch the very last spot. Current form favors Scheffler, but as we know, the Masters writes its own stories. It promises to be a celebration for every golf fan once again!
