The Masters 2026: Can Rory McIlroy Win at Augusta?

Rory McIlroy achieved the pinnacle of golf last year when he sealed the Masters title via a dramatic and tense play-off. After years of pain and dashed hopes, the Ulsterman cemented his place in the history books, becoming just the sixth male golfer to complete the coveted Career Slam.

Naturally, after reaching his Everest, the challenge will be for McIlroy to go back-to-back at Augusta. 

But can he repeat the feat, and if not, who could topple him? We have revealed the key contenders in the frame to slip into the Green Jacket.

Scottie Scheffler’s credentials are undeniable. The World No.1, a two-time winner, will be looking to clinch the Masters for the third time, and when in full swing, he’s almost unstoppable.

A duel with McIlroy, who is number two in the official world golf rankings, is a mouthwatering prospect. Scheffler, who enjoyed a stunning season in 2024, winning seven times on the PGA Tour, will take some beating. However, he’s up and running this year, and he’s registered three top 10 finishes at the time of writing from five events.

Moreover, Scheffler is a smooth operator from tee to green, ranking third in Strokes Gained: Total and Strokes Gained: Off the Tee. According to the latest odds published by the best betting platforms, Scheffler is currently trading as the short-priced favourite to make the trip to the Butler Cabin once again. 

If Scheffler gets on the birdie trail early on, he could be hard to reel in, but a tussle with McIlroy could set pulses racing.

Arguably one of the most charming players on the Tour, it seems scarcely believable that Justin Rose hasn’t been able to add to his one Major. Yes, that title arrived at the US Open in 2013 at Merion Golf Club, but Rose has unfortunately come up short in the biggest tournaments.

Last year, it seemed at one point that Rose had McIlroy’s number after taking him to a play-off, but McIlroy delivered when it mattered most. Rose, let’s not forget, led the Masters last year after the opening round for a record fifth time when he carded a sparkling 65. 

Rose, who won the Farmers Insurance Open in January, previously lost a playoff at the Masters to Sergio Garcia in 2017, but his game is tailor-made for Augusta. His iron play is often immaculate, and he’s ranked sixth for Greens in Regulation (GIR), so that stands him in good stead. A win for Justin Rose would be warmly appreciated by the patrons.

At times, Collin Morikawa has been cast as the forgotten man of golf. Okay, to a certain extent, he had fallen under the radar after needing just eight major starts to become a two-time winner in 2021.

The past five years have been a learning curve for the mild-mannered American; however, after coming home in fifth at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Morikawa feels ready to launch an assault on the Masters. His best finish was in 2024 when he was T3, and 12 months ago, Morikawa settled for T14. 

Perhaps one of Morikawa’s greatest assets is his exceptional ball striking, and he is an elite iron player. His putting has also come on leaps and bounds, and he will need to be firing with the flatstick to mount a serious challenge.

The Masters has had a habit of throwing up some surprise champions over the years. We’re thinking players that had long pre-tournament golf betting odds, such as Hideki Matsuyama (2021), but if you go slightly further back, Angel Cabrera’s triumph in 2009 also raised a few eyebrows.

As far as the current contingent is concerned, there are a few potential candidates that could light things up. Akshay Bhatia, who recently won the Arnold Palmer Invitational, has made a rapid rise up the rankings, and he’s currently inside the top 20.

The left-hander, who now has three PGA Tour wins to his name, was off the pace last year at Augusta, finishing T42, and two bogeys on the front nine in the final round cost him dear. He is certainly one to watch, and he’s trading at 71.00 with Jackbit bookmaker.

Perhaps a challenge for McIlroy could come from his good friend Shane Lowry. The Irishman is often unflappable in pressure cooker situations; however, after blowing a three-shot lead, when finding water from the tee at 16 and 17 at the Cognizant Classic, Lowry needs to be dialled in. 

He’s currently available at 51.00 with Betpanda, and with four top-25 finishes in the past five years to his name, he shouldn’t be overlooked.

Alternatively, Chris Gotterup could propel himself into contention. While it may seem like he’s stumbled into stardom, two wins this year proved it was no fluke. 

Having finished third last year at the Open Championship, Gotterup will make his first trip to the Masters next month, and with no expectations placed on him, the 26-year-old could push McIlroy hard.

As the 2026 Masters approaches, Rory McIlroy, after winning in 2025, is looking to defend his title against top contenders like Scottie Scheffler, who aims for a third Masters victory.

Other challengers, including Justin Rose, Collin Morikawa, and promising newcomers like Akshay Bhatia and Chris Gotterup, could surprise the field.

The tournament promises to be a thrilling battle, with McIlroy’s resilience and Scheffler’s consistent form making them the favorites.